Trencher vs Backhoe

[Kubotasrking]

Trencher. Much faster, much easier, and maybe most importantly, much cheaper. I rented a walk behind last year for $125 overnight, and it was the biggest model.

If you can ask if you can run one, you can run one. They are pretty easy to use. I agree w/ dfk, get a rider for that distance.

 

[EddieWalker]

I agree with the trencher crowd. Even though it's a shallow trench and a backhoe operator can dig it really fast, he's also moving allot of dirt. Even if he had a 12 inch bucket, but more then likely, he'll have a 24 inch one. All that dirt has to be moved back into the trench, and this is where the trencher will far outperform the backhoe. Digging the hole is just half the job.

Eddie

 

[40Kchicks]

The trencher is a good choice but you want to make sure you soil conditions are good. I rented a ride on one before which was very easy to use and very fast in good firm soil however I had to go across a very small stream bed and it just got stuck there. We had to have an excavator come in to finish digging that section. The second time I rented a large trencher attachment that fit on my skid steer. Again it did great when the soil conditions were good but eventually I had to give up using it because I have too many large rocks in my ground. Both of these trenchers would go through tree roots with little problem.

Eric

 

[Oleozz]

I rented a ride-on trencher to lay electrical wire to my sheds, once you get the hang of using it they do a good job and are fast. Didn't tear the lawn up much but does take some digging if you want to go deep.