Trencher Implements

When trenching holes through tough terra firma, it’s important to find a balanced trenching tool for your application. When it comes to landscaping, farming, light construction and even homeowner repairs and installations, the proper trencher can be a powerful tool. Because of the expense, it’s important to analyze your needs and expectations by determining a few important factors.

One of the most important things to consider is the trencher’s depth and width for the application. Most trenchers are designed for a number of applications, so be sure to determine all of your application needs before you rent or buy your trencher. This will help in determining the model trencher that is the right one for you. If you need help, any dealer, rental store or manufacturer will be able to help you.

If your jobsite is in small tight areas, maybe you’re best to rent or buy a trencher for a small skid steer or compact tool carrier. Even a small skid steer can trench depths up 36 in. and widths up to 10 in. wide. If your areas of application are larger, you can select trenchers for larger skid or track loaders with digging depths ranging from 24 to 60 in. and widths ranging from 6 to 12 in.

Because trencher attachments operate on flow and pressure (not horsepower), it’s important that you know your  host machine’s capabilities. Typical flow and pressure requirements for compact tool carriers and small skid steers range from 8 to 20 gpm with hydraulic pressures ranging from 1,750 to 3,000 psi. Typical flow and pressure requirements for mid-size to large skid steer or track loaders range from 10 to 40 gpm with hydraulic pressures ranging from 2,000 to 4,200 psi.

Most trencher manufacturers offer a variety of digging chains. Because soil conditions vary from location to location, matching the digging chain with the soil conditions can make all the difference in a successful trenching operation. Most manufacturers offer digging chains for usage in almost all soil conditions and in almost all weather conditions. Some of the most popular digging chains are: the standard chain, recommended for loose or damp soils; double anti-back flex chain, recommended for harder or drier soils; full rock and frost chain, recommended for frost or rocky soils; half rock and frost chain, recommended for harder or mixed rocky soils; and a terminator or bullet chain, recommended for very hard and dry soils.

Most trencher manufacturers offer many features and benefits. Some feature direct motor drives and others feature chain reduction drives.  Direct drives often offer more chain speed, but lose out in long-term durability and the all-important area of torque. Heavy duty chain reduction drives (similar to those that propel skid steer loaders) offer a dependable and economical method of maximizing digging power at an affordable cost. Most also offer other features like trench cleaners. Trench cleaners are designed to improve trench cleanout and are used when installing water pipe or PVC tubing. While most trenchers come standard with a manual side shift, some offer an optional hydraulic side shift. Side shifts allow the operator to trench closer to buildings or walls.

Operating a compact trencher can be fairly complicated, but it can be made much easier if you follow a few suggested guidelines. Engage your trencher with the boom lying flat against the ground. As the chain is rotating (teeth moving forward into the ground), begin inserting the nose of the boom into the ground while slowly raising the trencher a few inches off the ground. Point the nose gradually into the trench.

Once the trencher boom is in the ground and your angle or trench is established, lower the trencher until the skid shoe on the trencher main frame is slightly above ground level. Be certain that the optional trench cleaner is operating freely. During the trenching operation its best to trench at a 45- to 60-degree angle for best performance. Gently creep the loader control backwards. Too much back movement will cause the trencher to stall. Overall speed of the backward movement will depend on the trench’s depth, width, soil conditions and the size of the tool carrier.

Richard Lowe is president and Tom Jaster is director of marketing at Lowe Mfg., based in Viola, Wis.

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