Do they make trench digger attachments?

AgentWD40 · Jul 19, 2004

Do they make trench digger attachments for compact tractors? I have a Kioti LB1914 (17 PTO HP). Is this enough power to run one of these attachments?

Also, what brands/type are best to get? How much do they normally cost? I'm looking to use one for puttin in sprinkler pipes. Thanks.

zuiko · Jul 19, 2004

You could use a subsoiler. They dig narrow trenches down to about 12" max. Big enough for sprinker work I would think. They run about $140.

OkieG · Jul 19, 2004

Don't know much about brands, but yes, 3PH trencher attachments are available. I believe they are quite expensive, though. On the way to work last week, I passed by one mounted on a tractor.

OkieG

MMM · Jul 19, 2004

ARP made one called a trench hog. Not sure if they/re still available. Depending what your burying subsoiler will work for small dia and single moldboard for bigger dia stuff . A 3pt hoe would be much more versatile than trencher for probably same price.

AgentWD40 · Jul 19, 2004

How do most people dig trenches for this sort for work? With a backhoe attachment? What attachment would you recommend to do this project?

Does a subsoiler actually clear the trench? Or does it just break the dirt up and you clear it by hand? Would a 3PH hoe clear the trench as it dug it? Do the trenchers you rent from the yard actually clear the trench as they dig?

OkieG · Jul 19, 2004

I do not believe a sub-soiler will clear the trench. There have been some very innovative uses of sub-soilers in various threads, for laying long lengths of coiled pipe. For placing discrete short lengths of pipe, like for your sprinkler system, a trencher would do a better job, in my opinion. A backhoe would work, but is way overkill, leaves too wide a trench, and is not fast.

The sprinkler service that put in our sprinkler system used a walk-behind trencher unit, that dug almost as fast as the installer could walk. They layed the pipe in no time. A rental yard might have one of these machines. I don't think using a 3PH version would have gone any faster or easier. Trenchers will clear the trench as they dig.

OkieG

Bird · Jul 19, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Do the trenchers you rent from the yard actually clear the trench as they dig? )</font>

They clear it pretty well, but not perfectly, and to some extent it may depend on how wet the ground is. The ones we've rented have worked quite well.

hockeyhead · Jul 19, 2004

Yes they do make 3pt, cat 1, pto powered trenchers, search here at TBN for more information, and an internet search for dealers. I did this some time ago when myself and my neighbor talked about buying one about $2500 for 18" max depth, or $3500 for 36" max depth. We (I) decided we could do alot of renting and sharing for $3500. Also they say here and dealer sites must have hydro or be extremely quick on that clutch running one 36" deep. As both me and my neighbor own gear tractors, another concern even if we wanted to spend our money. I think I agree with what was mentioned earlier for a sprinkler operation a walk behind might be more versatile.

Smithla · Jul 20, 2004

I just purchased a Middle Buster just for that purpose. I have to dig two trenches to lay electrical conduit, and felt that I could make two or three passes to get it deep enough for what I need. Both trenches are going to be over 100 feet, and this Georgia red clay makes using a shovel impossible, especially if the ground is dry.

I'm still a few weeks away from laying the conduit.

Regards, Les

shvl73 · Jul 20, 2004

Bolton Power Equipt. has one of chinese orgin, $1495.00. His site states that it requires 21 pto hp. He is a member on TBN. Do a search for Boltonpower if you're interested. I'm sure he'd check to see if there is a smaller version available.