Trenching is a pivotal part of any excavation project. Because ground conditions change from one job site to the next, it is important to know which trenching equipment for projects is the best. Choosing the wrong machine can increase fuel usage, raise labour costs, and slow down production for you and your team.
Soil type, project scale, accessibility, and trench depth are all important to analyse prior to starting your dig. This is why it is so important to inspect your job site and assess the scope of work. A residential water line requires different machinery from a large civil pipeline project.
At Sunstate, our extensive range of trenching equipment for projects are designed to improve the safety and efficiency of all excavation projects, and will answer the question of what trenching equipment to use for your dig.
Assess the Site Conditions
All trenching jobs must start with a thorough inspection of the work site. Ground conditions affect machine performance more than any other factor. Loose soil conditions allow for faster trenching speeds, whereas hard, rocky terrain can slow down production time and place more strain on cutting systems. Wet ground conditions also change machine performance, with tracking equipment often working on muddy surfaces. Before commencing work on your excavation project, make sure to check the following: ground moisture levels, access restrictions, soil density, rock content. Existing underground services, length of trench run, and required trench depth and width. If the project has a narrower width, a more compact trencher will be the most appropriate choice.
It is vital to assess all terrain conditions prior to commencing your digging project to be fully prepared.
Your Project Size Matters
The size of your project is a critical factor to determine as it plays a major role in which trencher would be the most appropriate.
Large infrastructure projects require bigger trenching machinery, whereas small residential developments need smaller machines to get through. When choosing which type of trencher would be the most suitable for your project, there are two different types: walk-behind and ride-on trenchers.
Walk-Behind Trencher
A walk-behind trencher is a solid choice for smaller scale projects. They are compact, easier to transport, and also help to reduce surface disturbance on finished landscapes. Some project types that a walk-behind trencher is suitable for include tighter access spaces, residential plumbing, irrigation systems, and small electrical installations.
Ride-On Trenchers
Ride-on trenchers are better suited for bigger projects where speed and efficiency are the number one priority. Ride-on trenchers help to increase productivity and cover more ground in less time, which ultimately leads to reduced labour hours and lower excavation costs. Projects that a ride-on trencher is beneficial for include pipeline installations, long trench runs, large utility projects, and civil construction works.
For larger civil construction, bigger excavator machinery that offer automation are the best choice, as they help to support longer operating periods and deeper excavation.
What is the Difference between Wheeled and Tracked Machines
When deciding on which trencher is the best for your project, it is also important to consider whether the machine is tracked or wheeled. Machine mobility matters on active construction sites, and can make your dig more efficient and timely overall. Ultimately, wheeled trenchers are more suitable for firm, stable grounds as they move quickly across compact surfaces and perform well on drier sites. Whereas tracked trenchers are more suitable for softer, muddier, and uneven terrain where sloped sites may also be present.
Consistently changing weather conditions alongside unpredictable rainfall patterns can impact construction sites and slow down production. Wet ground and muddier conditions will often change the preferred machine choice from wheels to tracks. Our team will provide you with recommendations based on whether the switch is the best thing for your project.
Focus on Efficiency and Productivity
Efficiency and productivity are at the core of every excavation project. Everyone wants to get the job done with speed and minimal labour costs, which is why it is so important to select the right equipment before entering the construction stage. Unfortunately, machine size alone doesn’t always guarantee faster progress. In fact, unnecessarily oversized equipment can create access problems and lead to increased fuel usage on small jobs. This just causes headaches for both you and your team, and they could have been completely avoidable with the proper guidance and equipment.
Instead of purely focusing on machine size, direct your focus towards these key factors: maintenance access, chain strength, ground speed, digging depth, ease of transport, fuel efficiency, and operator visibility. Considering these will allow for a safe and effective excavation project, and minimise additional labour costs and service fees.
Choose Sunstate for All of Your Trencher Needs
At Sunstate, our dedicated team are experts at helping you decide which trenching equipment is best suited to your excavation project! As straightforward as it may sound, there is no single answer as to which trencher machine to choose. The right choice depends on a variety of different factors, including site conditions, project scale, and trench dimensions. Making the right decision prior to starting your project will ultimately increase productivity, reduce labour costs, and allow for a smoother excavation that will leave you with an optimal result. If you are ready to start your excavation project with the right trenching equipment, look through our extensive range of equipment available to hire or contact us today.