Do you Dig it?

LCN HorsePower - July 2008
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Trenchers come in all shapes and sizes to perform many different tasks including digging trenches, laying out cable and pipes and drainage. They can be powerful to perform any job, but compact enough to maneuver in smaller spaces. 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.

Kubota Tractor Corporation
Model No.: M59 TLB
Engine: Kubota Three-Vortex Combustion System (E-TVCS) Diesel Engine
Horsepower: 59 Gross Horsepower
Weight (With Loader, Backhoe and ROPS/FOPS): 8,344.5 lbs
Special Features: HST Plus Transmission for superior performance and control; Feather-step operation (Hydraulic Servo System) for smoother, more responsive pedal; Four-wheel Drive; Heavy-duty Rear Axle; Integrated Main Frame; Quick Mount Attach/Detach for backhoe; Reversible Seat; 12-foot Digging Depth; ROPS/FOPS and Protective Canopy
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: (Base MSRP): $48,975

Barreto
Model No.: 1824 Track mounted trencher
Engine: choice of 3: Briggs & Stratton, Honda or Kohler
Horsepower: 18 HP
Machine Weight: 1,660 lbs.
Special Features: 238'' square inch footpring on track for superior trenching.
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $14,200 varies by boom, chain and engine option

Compact Power
Model No.: Boxer 118 Dedicated Trencher
Engine: Kohler Command Pro Gas engine
Horsepower: 18 HP
Machine 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: Less than $13,000 list
Cost: 1 year warranty on the unit, 2 years warranty on the engine

Vermeer
Model No.: RT200
Engine: Kohler Command CH-23
Horsepower: 23 HP
Machine Weight: 1,380 pounds
Special Features: Hydrostatic ground drive with twin wheel motors.
Warranty: 1 year or 1,000 hours parts and labor
Cost: $12,000 to $15,000, depending on options

Ditch Witch
Model No.: Zahn R150
Engine: Honda IGX440
Horsepower: 15 HP
Machine Weight: 968/1010 lbs.
Special Features: R150 is only 36 inches wide, so it can get in, out and around the tightest jobsites with ease; through standard yard gates and around small backyards, in freight elevators, between zero-lot-line homes, in alleyways, barns, horse stalls-anywhere the job demands.
Warranty: 1 year limited manufacturer's warranty
Cost: $11,300 to $11,900

The Toro Company
Model No.: TRX 15 walk-behind trencher
Engine: Kawasaki FH430V V-twin or Kawasaki FH580V V-twin
Horsepower: 15 HP
Machine 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: MSRP $10,367 to $11,152 depending, on boom & chain configurations

Ventrac
Model No.: KT 400 Trencher
Engine: Vanguard Turbo Diesel on 4231TD Ventrac Tractor
Horsepower: 31 HP
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 scraper; 5 1/2 inch wide chain with 40 inch cutting depth.
Warranty: 3 years residential and 2 years commercial V-Plus Warranty
Cost: $4,410

Turf Teq
Model No.: 1305
Horsepower: 13 HP
Engine: Honda
Machine Weight: 400 lbs.
Special Features: Landscape bed opening, bed grooming and trenching. Can be converted to a rotary power broom or power rake.
Warranty: 1 year machine/2 years engine
Cost: $4,000 to $5,000, depending on options chosen

Brown Products
Model No.: F-991H Bededger
Engine: Honda GX270
Horsepower: 9 hp
Machine 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
Machine 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

E-Z Trench Mfg.
Model No.: EA55 Edge Artist
Engine: GX160 Honda
Horsepower: 5.5 HP
Machine Weight: 100 lbs.
Special Features: Utilizes patented Bedscaper blade to re-edge and define landscape edges.
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $1,695