Backhoe Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench...

   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #1  

Kickstand

New member
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Messages
17
Location
Huntersville, NC
Tractor
1997 Kubota L35
So I recently got a compact TLB and enjoy the added flexibility of having the backhoe. But two of my first projects are trenching in a wire and laying some 4-inch corrugated drain pipe. I would like to build some kind of attachment that would allow me to dig a narrow trench...I've seen a few things on the forums including a ripper tooth bolted to the side of the backhoe bucket, and someone that uses a log chain and binder to strap a strong angle iron onto their front bucket to backdrag and "scratch" a narrow trench. I'm not opposed to making a new attachment that replaces the bucket for narrow trenching and stump removal, but would rather keep it simple.

Any ideas are appreciated!

Joe
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #2  
If it is perferated pipe dig it 16" wide and fill with washed gravel. Otherwise build a 4" wide banana bucket so the dirt doesn't get stuck in it. It can be pretty long since it is so narrow. I'd still make it 6" wide at least. You can always backfill the extra width.
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #3  
Rent a trencher
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #4  
May also be able to rent just the trenching bucket for your tlb. But 6 in is good for running corrugated pipe so that you aren't fighting to get it in the hole.
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #5  
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #6  
Rent a trencher

I agree.

Depending on your soil, a narrow bucket may get loaded up and be jammed full of your dirt. Not fun.

I have laid wire after using a single ripper tooth. That didn't really work out that well.
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #7  
Have to agree with renting a trencher. This is one thing they do really, really well. Ride-ons are best unless the run is really tight. If you need a walk-behind due to space, look for the ones with two tracks instead of wheels, as they can be steered instead of muscled. Maneuvering these things is a pain.

True PTO trencher attachments cost a fortune and in our expensive market, you can rent a ride-on for about $175 a day, or so. You can trench a lot more than you can do in a day.
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #8  
I'm in the "rent a trencher" camp, but I'm going to disagree with daveshoot. I was perfectly satisfied with a Dingo with trencher. One time I rented a big Vermeer, then on the next job I rented the Dingo. When it comes up again, it'll be the Dingo.
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #9  
No specific brand recommended. Dingo has several sizes, one with tracks, but I have never used any of them. I do have enough experience with the wheeled Ditch Witch walk-behinds from rentals to get tired just looking at them, and the little tracked set up is waaay easier.

36_trencher.jpg

Toro has one like it, also.

For straight lines in the open, I'll take a ride-on any day (and I have used Vermeer for that). If a walk-behind is called for, I just look for some steering assistance, beyond wrenching the thing into position.
 
   / Help! I've got a 16-inch backhoe bucket and need to dig a 4-inch wide trench... #10  
How about this for a novel idea....just dig a 16" wide trench. Make do with what you have.

It won't hurt anything (according to your post).
 
 
 
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