Skid Steer Trencher Attachment Overview
A trencher attachment replaces the manual work of digging cable, pipe and drainage trenches — 50 metres of 600mm-deep trench that takes half a day by hand is completed in under 30 minutes by a skid steer trencher. The spoil is deposited alongside the trench for refilling after pipe or cable installation.
Chain Trencher vs Wheel Trencher
Chain trencher: A continuous chain with carbide cutter teeth runs over a guide bar at a precisely controlled depth and width. Cuts cleanly to the rated depth even in difficult soil. The most common type for utility trenching. Available from 150mm to 600mm+ width and 600mm to 2,400mm depth.
Wheel/disc trencher: A rotating disc with cutting teeth. Best for straight-line, consistent-depth trenching in uniform soil. Higher productivity in ideal conditions but less adaptable to varying soil conditions or depth changes.
Selecting Trench Width and Depth
| Application | Typical Width | Typical Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical cable (low voltage) | 100–150mm | 450–600mm |
| Electrical cable (mains) | 150–200mm | 600–900mm |
| Irrigation pipe (25–50mm) | 100–150mm | 300–450mm |
| Water main (50–100mm) | 200–300mm | 600–900mm |
| Land drainage (perforated pipe) | 150–250mm | 600–1,200mm |
Soil Condition Limitations
Rock: Standard soil teeth cannot cut solid rock. Rock-spec chains with tungsten carbide tipped teeth handle soft rock (limestone, sandstone). Hard rock (granite, basalt) requires a rotary wheel trencher with specialised teeth or a hydraulic breaker first.
Buried utilities: Always survey for buried services before any trenching. Contact your local utility locating service (Dial Before You Dig equivalent for your region).
Contaminated land: If signs of buried contaminants are present (discolouration, unusual soil, odour), stop and investigate before proceeding. Disturbing contaminated material creates hazardous dust and may require specialist waste disposal.
Hydraulic Requirements
Most skid steer trencher attachments require high-flow hydraulics (60–100 L/min). Standard-flow auxiliary circuits (40–50 L/min) significantly reduce trenching speed. Check your machine's hydraulic output before purchasing.
FAQ
Can a skid steer trencher work in clay soil?
Yes, but clay is one of the most demanding conditions — it's heavy, can pack on the chain, and increases wear on teeth. Use a clay-rated chain, increase ground speed slightly to prevent packing, and inspect chain tension after every 2–3 hours of clay trenching.