Trencher use

BobRip · Nov 28, 2004

I would like to discuss extra uses for the various attachments. I will start with the trencher

1. Dig trenches (Duh)
2. Dig post holes
3. Dig a pond
4. Break up dirt - The resulting dirt is very fine.
5. Pull your self out of a hole. The trencher will pull you forward and add a little extra force.
6. Convey dirt a short distance.
7. Cut roots - Over two inches in diameter is very difficult. I use the stump grinder for this.

I am sure that others will have additional suggestions.

J_J · Nov 29, 2004

Which trencher are you talking about. I have both trenchers. The 21 in wheeled trencher. 2 in wide. and the chain type trencher for 4 to 6 in trench.

BobRip · Nov 29, 2004

I am talking about the 4 to 6 inch wide trencher which looks like a chain saw with really big teeth, although you can post uses for the other one if you like.

BobRip · Nov 29, 2004

Just to post a few "facts" about the chain saw like trencher

1. According to Power Trac it has a life of about 1 mile. Of course I am sure this varies depending on the soil or gravel trenched.
2. While using it on gravel a piece of rock will sometimes get between the chain and a bolt head. I keep a hammer and cold chisel handy to knock this out. Sometimes this can be a real nusiance.
3. The tension on the chain has to be adjusted periodically. To do this put the trencher horizonal and there should be a gap between the chain and the bottom of the bar. This gap is about 4 inches or the width of your hand. Please check this with the engine off and the PTO off. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Loosen the center bolts and adjust the tensioning bolts to achieve this gap and then retighten the center bolts.
4. In normal soil (no rocks, not too many roots, no big roots) I can trench about a yard a minute. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
5. The chain has to be oiled peroidically. I keep a quart handy in the ROP Rack and poor about 1/4 of it on prior to start and peroidically during use. I probably don't use enough.

DonStillwagon · Nov 30, 2004

I probably have over a mile on mine - have changed a nose wheel bearing (common bearing, just peen it into sprocket), chain will last a long time yet. I oil it each shutdown with old gear oil or chainsaw bar lube. I use a lot of 3/8 in bolts due to the rocky soil.

It works great to cut down a bank that is too tough for the bucket with teeth, and is faster than minihoe. I find that putting the chain on the ground almost flat and backing up will dislodge most rocks (PTO off). I have a lot of rocks in this clay and find that it will bring up things the size of small watermellons - works best at a pretty steep angle so that rocks are pulled up instead of the chain just riding on them.

Don

BobRip · Nov 30, 2004

Thanks for your comments Don. It's good to know that the chain may last longer than the mile. Specifically where are the 3/8 inch bolts that you refer to?

It digs even when off. I never thought of that.

Bob

pequeajim · Nov 30, 2004

Have any of you guys used the stump grinder for a trencher?

pajoube · Nov 30, 2004

Welcome to the PT group of owners. Will get you added to the list of owners by state.
PJ

FOURTEEN · Dec 1, 2004

"" stump grinder for a trencher? ""

Of course!!

See:
#498780 - 09/18/04 11:20 PM
At: PT-425 PROS & cons??

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

pequeajim · Dec 1, 2004

Figures that you would have done this already Fourteen /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

How did you like it, and what does it do to the teeth?

J_J · Dec 1, 2004

I use my wheel trencher to lay irrigation lines. It digs a two in wide trench about 12 in deep. It can also be used to cut asphalt. Those carbide teeth should last a very long time. The trencher teeth are welded on. They can also be sharpened with a diamond grinding wheel.

Does the stump grinder have bolt on teeth or welded. ?

I believe that the trencher has a 24 in wheel, and the stump cutter has an 18 in wheel. They both should work well.

pequeajim · Dec 1, 2004

Yes, the stump grinder has carbide teeth, but I will have to look at it again to see if they are welded or bolted on...

hmmmmmm /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Phils · Dec 1, 2004

I can see in 14's photo that the teeth are welded on ( or formed on ) the wheel. The one I got from PT a month or so ago has the teeth bolted on, so I guess that was another PT improvement. I've ground down dozens of stumps already and have struck rocks and dirt while doing so. I inspected the teeth a few days ago and there was no wear that I could see... the carbide edge was just as sharp as when I first got it.

Phil

J_J · Dec 1, 2004

Do you have a close up picture of the stump grinder teeth?

pequeajim · Dec 1, 2004

I just bought one and it has bolted on teeth. I guess this is better as we can replace them at will.

BobRip · Dec 1, 2004

I belive that you can also reverse them and change rotation direction. This throws the dirt away from you. Be careful of people standing in front of you.

FOURTEEN · Dec 2, 2004

"" How did you like it, and what does it do to the teeth? ""

Great!
No noticeable wear after several hundred feet of trench and many stumps!
The grinder has Carbide teeth. The same as on masonry drill bits, so sand, soil, gravel, concrete, asphalt, limestone, sandstone, or wood should have very little effect! I would, however, avoid hitting steel, quartz, or granite!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DUSTMAKER · Dec 2, 2004

Has anyone used the wheel trencher for grinding stumps?

J_J · Dec 3, 2004

I purchased my Pt-1445 and all the attachments used. included the wheel trencher , but I thought it was a stump grinder, and used it as such. It worked ok, but I don't have any thing to compare it to.