Getting Down and Dirty in the Trenches

LCN HorsePower - July 2009
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Trenchers come in all shapes and sizes to perform many different tasks including digging trenches, laying out cable, pipes and drainage. The sizes range from smaller walk-behind models, to medium-sized attachments for a skid loader or tractor to heavy tracked engineering vehicles. Take a look at the options and features of these trenchers, which have been arranged by cost.

Barreto Manufacturing, Inc.
Model No.:E2324TK
Engine: Kohler Command
Horsepower: 23 hp
Weight: 1,700 lbs.
Special Features: Because of their large footprint, tracks are less invasive on the landscape. Cross-trenching is made simple and by combining tracks with additional weight. The ability to keep the trench straight is greatly improved.
Warranty: 1 year on unit, 2 years on engine.
Cost: $16,545 for 24 inch boom with 4 inch cup chain.

Compact Power
Model No.: Boxer 118 Dedicated Trencher
Engine: Kohler Command Pro Gas engine
Horsepower: 18 HP
Weight: 1,562 lbs.
Special Features: Stand on trencher. Same easy to use operator controls as the Boxer CULs. The quick chain speed along with the rigid chain teeth and discharge auger allow for a clean cut trench and consistent trenching speeds across a variety of soils to increase productivity.
Warranty: 1 year on unit, 2 years on engine.
Cost: Less than $13,000 list.

The Toro Company
Model No.: TRX 15 walk-behind trencher
Engine: Kawasaki FH430V V-twin or Kawasaki FH580V V-twin
Horsepower: 15 HP
Weight: 1,100 lbs.
Special features: Low-profile tracked design of the Toro TRX models provides a low center of gravity and a large footprint for increased stability on side hills and smooth operation on uneven terrain. TRX models have a light footprint, with ground pressure as low as 4.1 psi.
Cost: $10,367 to $11,152 depending on boom and chain configurations.

Vermeer Corp.
Model No.: RTX100
Engine: Honda GX390
Horsepower: 13 hp
Weight: 910 lbs.
Special features: VZ steering system allows the operator to simply move the handlebars in the direction the operator wants to move and the machine responds.
Warranty: 1 year/1,000 hours
Cost: $9,500 to $11,500 based on options and configurations

Ditch Witch
Model No.: RT12
Engine: Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-Twin 4-stroke OHV
Horsepower: 16 hp
Weight: 1,020 lbs.
Special Features: Hydraulic steering makes the RT12 more maneuverable and more productive. Designed with maximum weight on the digging chain so you can put more product in the ground faster. Trail wheel that supports the oscillating tracks increases stability over uneven and rough terrain and reduces breakover when loading and unloading.
Warranty: 1 Year
Cost: $8,695 to $11,995

Ventrac
Model No.: KY400 Trencher
Engine: n/a-attachment
Weight: 493 lbs.
Special Features: Terminator/cup combo chain with carbide cutting tips; depth indicator for accurate depth of cut; dual push-n-pull cylinders for lift and cut; adjustable crumb scarper 5 1/2 inch wide chain with 40 inch cutting depth; Ventrac Minute Mount System.
Warranty: 3 years residential and 2 years commercial V-Plus Warranty.
Cost: $5,090

E-Z Trench Mfg.
Model No.: EZ9100 Groundsaw
Engine: GX200 Honda
Horsepower: 6.5 hp
Weight: 250 lbs.
Special Features: High speed carbide tipped cutting wheel digs through hard soils and even tree roots; You can dig a trench 13'' deep and 2 1/2'' wide at a rate of 20 feet per minute.
Warranty: 1 year on unit.
Cost: $4,679

Lowe Manufacturing
Model No.: XR-Series 21
Engine: n/a-attachment
Weight: 1,250 lbs.
Special Features: Premium Lowe hydraulic motors; self-aligning boom with grease cylinder tensioning system; maintenance-free tapered roller bearings in the nose; increased strength, durability and efficiency.
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $3,800 to $5,700

Turf Teq
Model No.: 1305SP1 Turf Teq Power Edger/Trencher
Horsepower: 13 hp
Engine: Honda
Weight: 400 lbs.
Special Features: Landscape bed opening, bed grooming and trenching; can be converted to power broom, power rake or brush cutter.
Warranty: 1 year machine, 3 years on engine.
Cost: Starting at $3,450

Brown Products
Model No.: F-991H Bededger
Engine: Honda GX270
Horsepower: 9 hp
Weight: 165 lbs.
Special Features: Utilizes a variety of digging attachments. Capable of digging trenches 1/2'', 1'', 2'', 3'', 4 1/2'' wide. Specialty rotors for digging special trenches for defining mulch beds, grinding stumps, digging footings for concrete curbs and digging in rocky conditions.
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: MSRP $2,745, depending on options.

Trench'N edge Trencher
Model No.: Landscape & Irrigation Model
Engine: Honda GX 270 Robin/Subaru EX 27
Horsepower: 9 HP
Weight: 235 lbs.
Special Features: Discharges the trenched material directly onto tarps on either side of the machine for easy clean-up. Excavate for brick edging, landscape retaining walls, drain tile, irrigation systems, low voltage lighting cable, water lines and root pruning.
Warranty: 2 or 3 years on engine; 60 days on machine
Cost: $2,395, depending on options

Ground Hog Inc.
Model No.: T-4
Engine: Honda, Subaru or Briggs & Stratton
Horsepower: 5.5 hp
Weight: 230 lbs.
Special Features: Heavy-duty steel construction; low maintenance; easy to maneuver and transport; fits through narrow gates and doorways; chain type trencher; carbide tipped digging chain; available in 12'' or 18'' maximum depth; optional carrier available.
Cost: $2,190 to $2,610