Types of manual trenchers and their use for digging trenches

While digging trenches by hand can be difficult and time-consuming, it can be made much simpler and more effective with the right tools. Hand trenchers are straightforward but effective tools for breaking through ground and digging precise, orderly trenches for a variety of uses. A manual trencher can save you a great deal of time and effort when planting hedges, laying electrical cables, or installing irrigation lines.

Manual trenchers come in a variety of varieties, each appropriate for a particular use and soil type. While some are more robust and able to handle more difficult terrain, others are lightweight and perfect for small, shallow trenches. Selecting the appropriate tool for your project can help ensure a more efficient and successful trenching process by helping you understand the various types that are available and their specific uses.

We’ll examine the most popular varieties of manual trenchers in this post, going over their benefits, features, and ideal applications. You will discover how each kind of trencher operates and why it is appropriate for particular jobs, ranging from basic spade trenchers to more sophisticated models with cutting wheels. You’ll be well-prepared to choose the ideal trencher for your upcoming landscaping or construction project with this knowledge.

Where is it used??

Even in light soil, it is challenging to manually dig a trench that is thirty meters or longer. If the task needs to be finished quickly and in a difficult-to-dig area (like through an asphalt road or on sandy soil), it can only be done with a manual trencher in a single day.

There is a wide range of applications for manual trenchers:

• laying trenches for water pipes or sewerage;
• work on laying telephone, electrical cables and the Internet;
• gas pipeline laying;
• installation of drainage ditches and irrigation systems;
• preparation of soil for a construction site;
• loosening the soil;
• cutting out blocks of earth when replanting trees;
• removal of old asphalt during road work;
• laying grooves for laying curbs;
• landscape design.

When laying a trench or digging up a block of earth in a small space or somewhere that is challenging for large equipment to access, the manual trencher stands out for its excellent maneuverability and can be used for both private and public utility purposes.

With the trencher, you can dig a trench that is between 20 and 120 centimeters deep and has a 10 centimeter width and smooth edges without having to worry about it collapsing.

Types and features of their work

When creating ditches and trenches in a constrained space, a manual or portable trencher is an efficient device that is a need. It can also be fitted with additional tools, cutters, plows, and special attachments for laying cables.

Three varieties of transportable trenchers exist:

1. Stationary – with its own engine.
2. Mounted – based on a walk-behind tractor.
3. Manual minibar.

A stationary trencher is a small device with an appearance similar to a chainsaw. On average, it weighs 16–18 kg more than a chainsaw, but it also has less sharp chain teeth and a slower rotation speed.

Diesel or gasoline engines can power manual stationary units up to 15 l.With, depending on the model. They are able to excavate slender ditches to install cables on any kind of terrain.

Walk-behind tractors that are self-propelled can be equipped with mounted trenchers. They are more potent than stationary ones and come with unique couplings that can be mounted on various walk-behind tractor models.

When installing communications in older buildings, it’s critical to be able to independently dig a trench up to half a meter deep, even close to the foundation, with this attachment.

Moreover, the mounted digger can be employed for:

• loosening the soil;
• planting garden crops;
• cutting out a block of soil, for example, when replanting trees with developed roots;
• removing asphalt pavement during repair work.

A cutting element is mounted on a lightweight wheeled or tracked chassis of the minibar, which is a motorized base. The chassis guarantees the mechanism’s stability and a firm grasp on the ground when operating on any surface. By using a control panel consisting of buttons or toggle switches, an operator can control the ditch digger’s operating mode while they are walking nearby.

You can excavate a trench with the minibar that is 10–15 cm wide and slightly deeper than a meter.

The categories of manual trenchers are as follows, based on their principle of operation:

Chain

Trenchers with a chain-driven mechanism are the most basic. It is fixed to a rectangular frame, which has more strength than the other frame.

The portion of the cutting that is in use comprises:

• reduction gearbox to activate the working chain;
• a chain in one or two rows, with cutters or scrapers attached to the links, designed for cutting soil;
• 2 sprockets – a tension sprocket, which ensures operating tension of the chain, is located at the end of the bar, and a wire sprocket – which activates the movement of the chain, is located on the shaft of the reduction gearbox;
• side auger for removing excavated soil;
• shoe – cleans the chain from soil adhesion located on the tire of the working part;
• single cylinder, lifts the working part to a safe position, adjusts the depth and width of the trench.

You can create a trench that is only 15 centimeters wide by using chain trenchers.

Rotary

Rotating trenchers are more widely used than chain trenchers. The rotary mechanism’s design consists of:

• a frame that serves as the basis for fixing the working part and the engine;
• a rotor disk with cutting parts placed on it;
• a hydraulic drive – drives the rotor disk;
• a casing – serves as protection against parts of the soil flying out from under the rotating rotor;
• hydraulic cylinders – ensure the immersion of the cutting part into the ground.

In addition, the rotary mechanism has a rear support wheel that allows the trencher to be transported and the desired digging depth to be set.

With the rotary digger, you can dig a trench up to 250 centimeters wide with great productivity.

Selection criteria

Even the least expensive manual trench-laying mechanism is fairly pricey, so before you start shopping, find out more about the model’s features and decide what kinds of tasks you want to use it for.

Consider the following when selecting the appropriate model:

1. How much work remains to be done. The smallest machine size is usually less powerful and is suitable for small volumes, since its work rate is slower.
2. Assess working conditions and soil quality. A lightweight trencher will bounce and vibrate when tackling rock, causing the operator to exert more force, and excessive machine vibrations can cause damage to the machine.
3. The more powerful the trencher, the heavier it is. Such mechanisms are capable of working on the most difficult soils.
4. Pay attention to the equipment of the cutting part. On a chain-type trencher, the cutting teeth can have different shapes and are bolted to the chain or tightly welded to the links. If you have to dig trenches of various widths, it is better to choose a mechanism with bolted teeth. By changing the teeth, you can perform different types of work. At the same time, bolted fastenings, unlike welded ones, require attention and regular tightening.
5. Determine at what speed the machine is preferable for your conditions. Wheel travel allows for higher speed operation. However, the wheels exert point pressure on the ground and can get stuck in soft and wet soils. The tracked undercarriage has less force on the ground. At the same time, the soil surface is less susceptible to damage, and the mechanism itself has more powerful traction. The tracked undercarriage may have a rubber coating, which also helps preserve the treated surface.
6. Select the drive type based on its features. Mechanical drive has higher efficiency with less risk of overheating. However, due to the complex design and large number of parts, the mechanical drive is difficult to maintain. The hydrostatic drive is more reliable in operation, due to fewer moving parts, and does not require complex repairs;
7. Make sure there are service centers nearby that service the model you like.

You should also consider factors like engine power, fuel efficiency, ease of use, and the ability to use additional devices when making your decision.

In addition to these considerations, it is important to remember that the cost of the mechanism increases with the complexity and power of the model, respectively. For instance, the LASKI TR50/CH270/60 trenches are a lightweight device with pneumatic wheels that weighs only 135 kg. It is designed for modest workloads on easy-to-manage soils. It costs no more than 200,000 rubles on average.

A more complex model, the hydrofoisted TKMG-1200 trenches with a Honda GX-690 engine, has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters and a mass of +/- 820 kg. In the equipment market, it costs 568,000 rubles on average.

Any hand technology model made in the country is far less sophisticated than equivalent models made elsewhere. Selecting transportable equipment from overseas producers is preferable if you intend to use the trencher continuously or for a significant amount of work.

How to dig?

When designing a trench and using a manual digger (SP for excavation work), there are several guidelines that must be followed in order to use equipment effectively and achieve the intended outcome.

Preparation

You must plan out where the future trench will be located on the site, taking into consideration the topography, before you begin any work. Next, in order to proceed with excavation work, it is imperative that you meet several requirements outlined by the joint venture:

• make sure there are no underground communications in this area;
• if underground communications are present, it is necessary to obtain written permission from the organization operating them indicating the permissible boundaries;
• clearly mark the boundaries of the trench on the site in accordance with the previously drawn up plan;
• if you discover previously unmarked underground communications or structures during work, you must stop digging the trench and call a representative of the relevant organization;
• Close from buildings and structures, you can only dig a trench by excluding the possibility of precipitation of the object as a result of the work performed;
• According to SNiP, laying the trench with a compact mechanism when crossing with current underground utilities is allowed to a depth of not more than 1 m above the cable or the upper edge of the pipe, as well as no closer than 2 m parallel to the wall of the structure;
• The surface of the soil before starting work should be planned and cleared of foreign objects to exclude skew and tipping up the trenches.

Picking technology

The trenches’ operational component is a closed chain with teeth designed to cut primer. It is fastened to the front suspension block of the block.

Moreover, the following order is followed when performing the work:

1. Before starting work, using a ratchet, the angle of installation of the cutting part is fixed to adjust the depth of the trench.
2. The engine of the walk-behind tractor starts and the transmission to the attachment is started; the transmission to the wheels or tracks is disabled for now.
3. The hydraulic motor of the cutter is turned on, and the rotating disks form a trench cut.
4. The chassis of the walk-behind tractor starts and progress along the intended trench begins.
5. The destroyed soil is thrown out by dump devices onto the edge of the trench.

The cutting portion, transmission, and blade attachments must all have protective covers on them for the operator’s safety.

Difference from minibars

Walk-behind tractor trenchers come in disk or chain varieties. The chain attachment looks like an enormous chainsaw, just like a typical manual soil cutter. Trenches deeper than one meter can be dug thanks to the working boom’s size.

A geared wheel called a disc trencher breaks up both hard and soft soil, including areas that contain crushed stone.

In comparison to alternative kinds of soil cutters, this suspension is inexpensive and simple to use.

1. Mounting of suspended equipment to a walk-behind tractor is carried out using couplings.
2. The power of a suspended trencher directly depends on the power of the walk-behind tractor.
3. The coupling system is designed in such a way that the suspension can be mounted on different models of walk-behind tractors.

When buying suspended equipment, you should consider the walk-behind tractor models that it can be used with.

Unlike a suspended trencher, Minibara is equipped with a stationary engine and base of its own. The equipment for the minibar is set up on a tiny platform and can be finished with:

• drill,
• chainsaw,
• concrete mixer,
• dump body.

The total cost of the minibar rises with the quantity of extra equipment and engine power.

How to make a homemade device?

Manual trenchers are not as frequently needed as factory units, which are costly. Finding a lessor with the required equipment isn’t always possible, and shipping it is frequently just as expensive as renting it. In these circumstances, building a trencam by hand for a walk-behind tractor is far less expensive if you already own one.

To perform, the following equipment and tools will be needed:

• disk saw (grinder);
• welding machine;
• milling cutters for road works;
• device for lumping the soil (shovel, rotor);
• Protective casings for cutters, chain connection and dump rotor.

Regarding a movable trench To create a functional node, the following components must be added:

• hydraulic motor with a hydraulic pump NSh-10;
• driving shaft;
• chain gear;
• The primrose cutter of the EC – 1800 – 2 pcs;
• MOTOR for cutters GMSh-32;
• chain cutter (disk bar).

Even with very basic locksmithing knowledge, if you have the right tools and information, it shouldn’t be too tough.

Procedure of operation:

1. A chain cutter is installed on the front suspension of the motor block.
2. The blade rotor is mounted on the rear suspension.
3. Protective covers are installed on the cutting parts, chain drive and blade.

The walk-behind tractor must have a capacity of 8–13 liters and be paired with homemade attachments that have a power-reducing shaft.Alongside.

What is the price for the service??

Having the money to buy a new trencher or extra parts to make walk-behind tractor attachments is not always feasible. Occasionally, a trencher is only required when digging a trench for pipes or cables. It is preferable to temporarily rent a manual trencher in this situation.

There are various terms under which special equipment rental contracts can be signed:

• rental of a trencher for the number of work shifts;
• for digging trenches according to pre-agreed volumes;
• operating the equipment independently, without the services of an operator.

The price of renting specialized machinery is directly influenced by its purchase price, ongoing maintenance expenses, engine output, and efficiency. Payment may be made for each meter of trench dug, or for each work shift, contingent upon the terms of the rental agreement. Fuel consumption, equipment maintenance and shipping expenses, and compensation for the operator’s labor are all factored in when calculating the rental cost.

In Russia, the average cost of hiring a minibar with a worker is approximately 12,000 rubles per work shift. The average cost to rent a manual trencher for excavating a trench of a specific length is slightly more than 100 rubles per meter.

While renting a trencher without an operator may be slightly less expensive, the renter will still be responsible for handling any maintenance and transportation issues with the rented machinery. A competent operator will also complete the task far more quickly and effectively.

Pros and cons of using

Heavy excavation work is greatly facilitated by manual trenchers, which also help to develop soil in areas that are hard for heavy machinery to access.

The primary benefits of employing them:

• savings on purchase;
• high maneuverability;
• carrying out different types of work using additional devices;
• minimum fuel consumption;
• work on any type of soil;
• the ability to work in limited areas, in close proximity to buildings and structures without the risk of damage to them.

However, a manual trencher is far less productive than heavy machinery, such as a tractor or excavator’s suspension.

Because of this, it is recommended that this equipment be used when constructing non-industrial trenches or when public utilities need to open an asphalt pavement in an urban setting in order to minimize damage to neighboring surfaces.

This section contains all the essential information regarding manual trench digging.

The effectiveness and result of trenching jobs can be significantly impacted by selecting the appropriate manual trencher. Depending on the particular requirements of the project, each type of manual trencher has a distinct set of advantages. A small handheld trencher is quite useful for smaller tasks or locations with restricted access. It’s perfect for small-scale trenching in gardens or confined spaces where larger machinery can’t reach because of its maneuverability and ease of use.

Wheelbarrow-style trenchers work well for more difficult jobs that call for wider and deeper trenches. These models can withstand tougher soils and longer trenching distances because they are built for stability. These are appropriate for tasks like installing irrigation lines or laying drainage systems because of their strong construction and capacity to dig deeper trenches.

Walk-behind trenchers are a dependable option when control and accuracy are crucial. Trench dimensions are accurate thanks to these machines’ adjustable cutting widths and depths. They are preferred for utility installations and professional landscaping projects where trench depth and consistency are essential for long-term functionality.

Compared to their mechanized counterparts, manual trenchers are more affordable, portable, and environmentally friendly, regardless of the type selected. They reduce the possibility of unintentional damage to already-existing structures or subterranean utilities by enabling operators to keep control over the excavation process. Because of their adaptability, they are essential tools for both experienced contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

Video on the topic

Trencher rental, trench digging

HAND TRENCHER.

Manual trencher cable layer. Motoblock Neva. Depth up to 1.2 meters

Mini trencher Georipper

Digging a trench for the foundation is easy and simple

Quick trench digging. Mini trencher