BACK TO BASICS TRENCHER SELECTION

A trencher is a piece of construction equipment used to dig trenches, especially for laying pipes or electrical cables, for installing drainage, or in preparation for trench warfare. Trenchers may range in size from walk-behind models, to attachments for a skid loader or tractor, to very heavy tracked heavy equipment.

The general public uses basically small trenchers. Before choosing it, consider the following questions.

How deep and how wide will you be digging the trench? While larger machines can do more, sometimes you may pay too much if only for smaller applications. However, choosing a machine that is too small can also have negative consequences. Machines that work too hard will create more work for the user and reduce overall efficiency, extending the time spent on the construction site.

How are the ground conditions?

The ground condition is a major focus of the construction. Selecting the correct horsepower, chain type and drive system will all be influenced by the conditions you will be working on. Loose dry soil will require a less tight chain and less horsepower. Clay, hard, or rocky soils, on the other hand, will require a more powerful machine, and possibly a tighter chain, to effectively dig trenches.

Where would you dig a hole?

The construction site is very important to the machine. When you're ready for the task at hand, only to find the machine isn't the right fit, it's just a matter of unloading it. That wastes time and energy, and in the end not only is it not done, but money is wasted as well.

Whenever possible, follow a flat route on the job site and know where you are between the start and end points.Dirt or construction debris extracted during excavation should be stored away from the excavation site.