Trenchers: Can You Dig It?

By Gregory V. Harris, regional editor

A good trencher is a must-have piece of equipment for landscape contractors because of its variety of uses: curbing and landscape edging; the installation of low-voltage outdoor lighting systems, drainage pipe, sprinklers and irrigation systems; footings for foundations; to bury water and natural gas lines, telephone and television cable, and satellite dish transmission cables.

Trenchers come in a variety of sizes and power ranges, so selecting the ideal trencher depends on the job being undertaken. Vermeer Manufacturing Company offers trenchers in a range of sizes, including the RT200, one of the members of the company’s family of walk-behind trenchers.

Designed for easier handling and operation, the RT200 features separate insulated, color-coded levers for steering and propulsion, conveniently laid out for quick identification. Operator controls on the propel handle stop the propel and digging chain if the operator releases the propel control.

Vermeer touts the RT200 as the first fully-hydrostatic pedestrian trencher, stating that the RT200 is a good choice for utility installations, as well as landscaping, plumbing and irrigation work. This unit was designed for use in most ground conditions including dirt, clay and other tough soils, and is built to endure the usage demands of rental centers and contractors.

The RT200 comes standard with a 23 horsepower Kohler engine, and can trench depths down to 48 inches, with widths of four to eight inches wide. The chain and boom style trencher can be configured with several different cutter chain options: the Vermeer Shark Tooth, Tiger Cutters, cup cutters, rotary bits, or combination chains.

Since it is fully hydrostatic, the RT200 eliminates all mechanical parts. Vermeer asserts it offers increased reliability over belt-driven trenchers. The hydrostatic ground drive is equipped with twin wheel motors that eliminate the need for a gearbox or locking differentials to maintain maneuverability. The heavy-duty hydrostatic drive components operate at lower pressure with greater oil flow for longer life and less maintenance. Unlike mechanically-driven trenchers, the RT200’s digging chain allows operators to reverse.

Vermeer has redesigned the greaseless headshaft and trencher pivot. All bearings are sealed, and the pivot uses a fiber bushing. Standard on the RT200 is a rugged outboard bearing support that lengthens the life of the headshaft, bearings, frame, and auger.

The RT200’s low center of gravity and compact design make it easy to transport on a trailer or a truckbed. And, at 35.5 inches wide, the RT200 allows operators access into many hard to negotiate areas, such as backyards or around obstructions. The addition of a tow valve allows the operator to move the machine.

The RT100, like the RT200, features separate insulated, color-coded levers for steering and propulsion.

Vermeer also has the RT100 trencher, the slightly smaller brother of the RT200. The RT100 trencher is available with the choice of a 13 horsepower Kohler or Honda engine, or 15 horsepower Kohler engine. Designed for easier handling and operation, the RT100 features separate insulated, color-coded levers for steering and propulsion that are conveniently laid out for quick identification. Operator-presence controls on each handlebar stop the engine if the operator releases the handlebar controls.

The RT60 trencher from Vermeer Manufacturing Company trenches depths of four, eight or 12 inches, and three-inch widths.

The baby of the Vermeer trencher family is the RT60. This trencher available with a six horsepower Kohler or 5.5 horsepower Honda engine, and is capable of trenching depths of four, eight, or 12 inches deep and three-inch widths. The RT60 is also equipped with Vermeer Shark Chain, has a standard patent-pending ground drive assist and features operator-presence/control. With the RT60, Vermeer was the first manufacturer of large trenchers to offer a chain and boom style trencher under 10 horsepower.

For more information on Vermeer’s line of trenchers, visit www.vermeer.com.