Case Trencher - how do I use it?

andrewj · Nov 1, 2008

Hi folks I hope I can get some advice here...

I borrowed a case ride on trencher from a friend. it is gas powered. Articulating center. Small kind of device with a blade on back.

How do you dig a trench with this? Do I let it pull itself forward? Do I set drive wheels to pull backwards against the cutting teeth? The teeth are really dull and cutting takes longer.

Thanks!

Stimw · Nov 1, 2008

I've used walk-behind trenchers but they should be the same.
The teeth aren't really sharp they are super hard and chew rather than cut. Broken or missing teeth is another story.
You need to set the ground speed so that the chain digs but dosen't try to climb or wheels spin.
Rocks, roots and other debris will make it tricky but usually you can fight your way through.
Trenchers dig backwards and turning is tricky too.

SimS · Nov 2, 2008

Andrew;

I don't know your machine but if it is like other trenchers, there is an auger mechanism that ejects freshly dug material to the side of the trench. I would think you would dig in the direction that allows you to dig/move without driving over the "spoils". I have a ride on Ditch Witch and it has a fixed operators seat that always points you in the right direction! Good Luck.

SimS

bigdad · Nov 2, 2008

If this machine or variation of the ones I used it has a crawl knob that lets you adjust the speed you want to dig depending on the composition of the soil. There is normally a tension adjustment on the digging bar plus a digger chain clutch. Normally these diggers trench in the direction of the backfill blade which can sometimes come in handy pushing debris out of the way while trenching.

Be careful! Those small trenchers can be very dangerous because they are relatively light though have considerable power. While trenching those chains can grab a pipe, root or rock and "Buck up" and get you. Also, stay away from that auger when trenching. Widow Maker!

Experiences from years of trenching with Case trenchers.

Send photos. BD

dirtworksequip · Nov 2, 2008

The blade is on the front. Trench in that direction. Also the bottom of the chain should be rotating towards the machine.

bigdad · Nov 9, 2010

bigdad said:
If this machine or variation of the ones I used it has a crawl knob that lets you adjust the speed you want to dig depending on the composition of the soil. There is normally a tension adjustment on the digging bar plus a digger chain clutch. Normally these diggers trench in the direction of the backfill blade which can sometimes come in handy pushing debris out of the way while trenching.

Be careful! Those small trenchers can be very dangerous because they are relatively light though have considerable power. While trenching those chains can grab a pipe, root or rock and "Buck up" and get you. Also, stay away from that auger when trenching. Widow Maker!

Experiences from years of trenching with Case trenchers.

Send photos. BD

-----------------------
Brian,

Found a book for you but lost your Private Email.

(Sorry to use this forum to locate a brother in need...... BD)

schmism · Nov 10, 2010

youtube?

YouTube - Nuestra Ditch Witch 1820 en acción

bout 50 different vids of trenchers in action.

But with any piece of equipment like that. If you dont know how to use it, i strongly recommend you get your buddy you borrowed it from to give you some instruction on it first.

56FordGuy · Nov 12, 2010

schmism said:
But with any piece of equipment like that. If you dont know how to use it, i strongly recommend you get your buddy you borrowed it from to give you some instruction on it first.

This is good advice. Probably the best option, if your friend can come over and explain it to you. :thumbsup: