Trenching around a hill

[midlf]

Another trenching question:

I have to trench around a hill. I need to hold the trench level as I go around the hill. Think like trenching on the topo contour line. Hill is about 10+ degrees. Trench needs to be 2 or 3 feet deep and take a 4" conduit.

Can a trencher dig this or is the angle to severe for this to work?

If not a trencher, how would this be best approached with a backhoe?

 

[neilly2]

A trencher can work on that slope, but the trench will be at a right angle to the slope, since the tooth bar doesn't yaw. At least on the average size Ditchwitch type machine.

Why does the trench have to be straight down?

 

[midlf]

I guess the trench would not have to be straight down. My area is gravel and sand and I figured an angled trench would collapse. If the undercut side would hold long enough to get the drain line in I wouldn't care if it was angled if it would backfill OK.

 

[EddieWalker]

Putting a 4 inch pipe in the ground means you have to dig a pretty good sized trench. Most walk behind trenchers that I've used would be pretty tight to get that big a pipe into. Especially if theres any rought spots or angles to the trench, which there always are.

On 4 inch and larger lines, I like to use the backhoe, but a ride along trencher would do it to, I've just never used one of them.

Another problem is your depth. Three feet is allot of material and even if your walls are straight up and down, there will be some cave ins that will need cleaning out with a shovel. A larger hole is more work to dig, but allot easier to work in and keep clean.

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[Fabro]

How about taking a couple hardwood planks on pieces of 2x4" under the ends . driving the lower side of tires onto the planks to level the tractor. then keep a set of planks rotating around the hill in front of you . that should work well!