Trenching equipment varies depending on the size and material of the trench being dug. Shovels and trowels are suitable for small trenches, while larger projects require dedicated equipment such as wheel, chain and bucket ditchers. Portable machinery is ideal for lawn work, while rock wheel ditchers are used to cut rock or pavement. Chain and bucket trenchers are suitable for larger projects and have variable chain speeds.
A number of different tools can fall under the broad “trenching equipment” category, but in general this type of equipment is classified by style of digging and how much force is required to penetrate the earth. In many cases, standard tools like shovels and trowels are all you need, particularly for smaller trenches in gardens and patios. Larger projects such as building foundations typically require dedicated equipment, which often includes things like wheel, chain and bucket ditchers. Not all tools are appropriate for all projects, which means project managers are usually wise to know their goals before looking into the many options.
Understanding excavation in general
Trenches are useful in many contexts, but they aren’t always easy to dig or establish, at least initially. In its most basic sense, a trench is a furrow or ditch in the ground that is intended to serve a purpose. For example, in irrigation, trenches hold water; in war zones, they protect people. Several tools can make the job easier by helping managers dig consistently and thoroughly, even in difficult or thick ground.
The type of trencher needed for a specific project usually depends on the size of the trench being dug and the type of material being excavated. Heavy equipment isn’t always necessary for digging, but it can often help. Many manufacturers and contract supply companies provide this type of equipment for hire or short-term hire, which makes it easier for even the smallest businesses to harness the power of professional equipment without the initial investment and ownership maintenance. .
Basic trencher
In most cases people can use regular gardening equipment to dig small trenches. A shovel is often the only thing needed to build a simple irrigation ditch, for example. People sometimes find that measuring the area to be excavated and setting markers or other space designations can help get accurate results, but it’s usually not necessary. Most importantly, the land recedes and the resulting space is large enough to accommodate anything placed inside it, from water to pipes and cables.
portable machinery
Portable trenchers are some of the smallest tools dedicated to trenching and are often ideal for lawn work and other small jobs. This type of trenching equipment generally uses a drilling system for excavation and can be operated while walking. These machines can typically dig trenches up to about 30 inches (76.2 cm) deep and 2 to 6 inches (5.08 to 15.24 cm) wide. They are commonly used to dig sprinklers, lighting or water lines and allow for much greater accuracy than a shovel or other hand force, usually with much less effort.
Rockwheel equipment
A more complicated tool known as a rock wheel ditcher is often used to cut rock or pavement. Its most defining feature is usually its metal toothed wheel which serves as a digging tool. This wheel spins like the one found on a circular saw. Rock wheels are mainly used to dig or cut soil in very hard ground. The teeth are typically made from tungsten or high-strength steel and are almost always removable, as the nature of the job often means they wear out no matter how strong they are.
Chains and Buckets
Chain trenchers are another option for larger projects. These typically use a chain wrapped around a rounded metal frame and arm, much like a chainsaw design. On some types of chain trencher, the arm can be set at fixed angles to make specific types of cuts. Many of these tools will also have variable chain speeds, making the possible applications of the machine more diverse.
The cup wheel ditcher is similar; uses a digging wheel surrounded, on the perimeter, by buckets. The circular movement of the digging wheel allows the buckets to excavate dirt from the future trench. Some of the possible applications of bucket wheels include irrigation, foundations, utilities, pipelines, cables and drainage trenches.
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