BUYING GUIDE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A TRENCHER
Pick the wrong trencher, and you’ll spend more time fighting the ground than digging into it. From walk-behinds to ride-ons, wheels to tracks, here’s everything you should know before signing that purchase order. Trenchers are a type of heavy equipment used by earthmovers to dig trenches. The majority of heavy equipment retailers offer a range of attachments. The attachment you utilize depends on the depth, width, and length of the trench, along with the type of terrain you are cutting into. Do you need to put in a sewer or irrigation line? Then you will need to purchase or rent a trencher.
What are trenchers used for?
The primary reasons for needing a trencher are utility installation, cutting into hard ground or rock, roadwork, landscaping & agriculture, and installing drainage systems. Trenchers maintain a consistent width and depth, allowing for the placement of cables and pipes to be safer and easier to construct. For drainage systems, trenches are necessary to control surface runoff and groundwater. Trenchers are also used to install irrigation lines and to construct root barriers, which are required to protect infrastructure and foundations. In the paving industry, trenchers are used for edge and curb drains and utilities located under the road. Lastly, trenchers can cut through concrete, asphalt, or dense soil.
What types of trenchers are there?
Popular brands that sell trenchers are Ditchwitch, Vermeer, and Toro. When looking to buy or rent a trencher, first you must decide whether you want to purchase a walk-behind or ride-on trencher. A walk-behind trencher is better for tight, small, compact spaces. It allows you to make narrow cuts into the earth. Walk-behind trenchers are more affordable and are great for residential projects and working in light to medium soil conditions. This would be the preferred trencher for landscapers. If you’re digging in more difficult terrain than ride-on trenchers are meant for, you. Ride-on trenchers with more than 100 horsepower are perfect for larger commercial projects. It is the optimal choice for utility construction, roadwork, or cutting into hard rock/ soil. Ride-on trenchers complete the job more efficiently.
You also need to decide whether you want a trencher with tracks or wheels. Tracks have more traction and operate in muddy or uneven ground. You should go this route if you are working on a slope; however, it moves more slowly and may demand more maintenance. Trenchers with wheels have better mobility and move faster; however, they operate proficiently only on compact soil and stable ground. Typically, trenchers with wheels are used in roadwork.
Now that you are familiar with the various options, there are a few factors you should consider before selecting the right trencher for you:
Key considerations:
Project type and scope: Is the project commercial or residential? What is the depth and length of the trench?
Soil Conditions: What is the soil type: rocky, clay, or sand?
Site Accessibility: How much space do you have to work in? Is it compatible with the machine’s size and its mobility?
Versatility: Can the trencher be used to complete multiple tasks?
If you still have questions or need assistance selecting the best trencher for the job, consult your local dealership or feel free to reach out to 877-572-3414 or email us at info@eci3d.com!