A Full Guide to Trenchers

Trenchers are versatile pieces of equipment that allow several industries to complete essential tasks. Here, you can learn more about trenchers, including the various types available, common applications for this equipment, how to ensure safe operation, and proper maintenance steps.

What Is a Trencher?

A trencher is a versatile piece of equipment for excavation. This specialized equipment is narrower than excavators and can create elongated excavations suitable for laying pipes, creating drainage, cutting pavement, and more. Trenchers offer several benefits, including minimizing over-excavation, allowing for optimal excavated material reuse, and reducing or eliminating the need to dispose of excavated materials.

Trenchers accomplish excavation tasks by leveraging several key components:

• Hydraulic system: A hydraulic system drives the essential components for digging operations. This system encompasses cylinders, pumps, and hydraulic hoses that allow the equipment to navigate multiple soil conditions or material types. 
• Teeth: Trencher teeth allow the equipment to cut through soft materials like soil and hard materials like pavement. The teeth endure a lot of wear and tear, so proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring equipment efficiency. 
• Digging chain: This component transfers power from the machine to the teeth. You must maintain proper tension and lubrication in the digging chain to ensure longevity and smooth operation.

The Different Types of Trenchers

Although all trenchers have the same fundamental function, there are different types of trenchers that accomplish tasks in unique ways. Different types of trenchers include:

1. Walk-Behind Trenchers

Walk-behind trenchers are ideal for small-scale tasks. This equipment allows operators to dig in tight spaces or on small jobsites. Walk-behind trenchers require manual operation and are common for applications like irrigation, cable installation, and landscaping. Compared to ride-on trenchers, walk-behind models offer less power but are more compact, making them more economical and more affordable. Additionally, these trenchers will have less ground disturbance, which may be crucial for some projects. 

2. Ride-On Trenchers

These trenchers are larger than walk-behind models and allow operators to reduce manual labor requirements during operation. Ride-on trenchers feature great horsepower and are designed for heavy-duty or large-scale projects. These trenchers are efficient on rugged terrain, allowing operators to easily navigate various landscapes. While these models will often be more expensive than walk-behind varieties, they may be a more cost-effective option for some teams by allowing operators to complete tasks with higher efficiency and enhanced comfort.

3. Specialty Trenchers

Many specialty trenchers come in walk-behind or ride-on options but are worth noting individually for their unique capabilities. Types to note include:

• Wheel trenchers: Wheel trenchers are ideal for jobsites with many rock formations. These trenchers utilize a toothed metal wheel, making them suitable for hard and soft soils. 
• Micro trenchers: A micro trencher allows teams to cut trenches to much smaller dimensions than conventional trenchers. You can find accomplish ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches with roughly 2 feet in depth. 
• Chain trenchers: These trenchers feature a chainsaw-like design. A chain or digging belt cuts into the ground, allowing teams to create deep, narrow trenches often ideal for utility companies. 
• Portable trenchers: Portable trenchers are lightweight and versatile. This equipment is ideal for tight spaces and small-scale projects. Portable trenchers make it easy to complete residential construction, landscaping jobs, and similar tasks that require nimbleness.

Trencher Uses and Applications

Several industries rely on trenchers, including construction, agriculture, and utility installation and maintenance. The versatility of trenchers makes them suitable for completing a range of tasks. Common trencher applications include:

• Digging trenches for utility lines
• Creating irrigation systems
• Landscaping 
• Farming projects
• Preventing soil erosion or flooding with drainage systems
• Installing utilities beneath road surfaces for road work projects
• Cutting through rock and pavement
• Planting rows of crops
• Maintaining road edges
• Excavating for foundation work

How to Use a Trencher Safely

Proper, safe, and efficient equipment use is key to driving jobsite efficiencies. Operation steps will vary slightly, depending on the trencher type you choose. However, there are some common steps you can expect. 

Follow these steps for safe operation:

1. Inspect the trencher: Always inspect the trencher for functionality before operations. Look for damage or signs of wear in the cutting system, tracks or wheels, and other visible components. Ensure all safety features are functional before beginning operation.
2. Understand your workspace: Operators should understand their workspace. They should be able to identify potential hazards and recognize how to minimize or avoid them. Clear markers should indicate where trenching will occur, and teams should remove any major obstructions before operation. 
3. Set operational controls: Operators can typically set depth control and speed control by using the appropriate levers. The trenching mechanism will use either a wheel or chain control, depending on the type. 
4. Begin operation: Workers using a walk-behind trencher should walk backward, pulling the trencher along. Those operating a ride-on trencher should move slowly along the trench path while maintaining a consistent speed. 

Additional safety tips to keep in mind:

• Contact utility companies before operating the trencher to avoid underground utilities.
• During operation, wear protective gear such as safety gloves, a vest, and a hard hat.
• Implement safe handling procedures.
• Select the right trencher for your application.
• Ensure operators have emergency response preparedness. 

Trencher Maintenance and Preventive Care

Like all equipment, trenchers require proper maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal functionality. You must implement daily and long-term maintenance steps, including:

• Cleaning: Always remove dirt and debris from the trencher after each use. Cleaning the trencher prevents buildup from impacting internal components and causing excessive stress. Cutting components, filters, and chains require special attention. 
• Fluid checks: Operators should monitor fluid levels daily. Replace or top of fluids like fuel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant as necessary per manufacturer guidelines. 
• Lubrication: All moving parts require lubrication. Use manufacturer-recommended lubricants on cutting components, joints, and picot points. 
• Inspections: Daily inspections allow you to identify early signs of wear or damage. Specific areas to note include the tires or tracks, belt and chain, and the cutting mechanism. Address small needs such as adjustments, but avoid use if you notice excessive damage or wear. Repair or replace components as necessary.

Explore Thompson Rents for Your Equipment Needs

Trenchers are versatile and allow teams to complete a range of small-scale and heavy-duty tasks. When you need a high-quality trencher to meet business needs, trust Thompson Rents to meet your needs. As your local dealer in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, we provide reliable rental equipment you can count on. Leveraging the latest technologies and offering extensive support, we ensure you can rent in confidence. Browse our inventory or connect with our team to learn how we can help you.