Underground Infrastructure - May 2023 - 16

TRENCHERS
Choosing the Right Trencher: Benefits,
Configurations, Performance Optimization
Maggie Moller
Many contractors use excavators to handle
the bulk of trenching work because they
already have them in their fleet. However,
excavators aren't always the optimal machine
for the job, especially in challenging
ground like rock and hard clay.
Excavators and track trenchers are
both designed to cut through and remove
rocks or soil from the ground. But an
excavator has to set up, dip, pull, swing,
dump and repeat to do the job, and those
repeated cycles take time. A trencher can
remove the same rocks and soil in one
continuous movement. In fact, in many
scenarios and ground conditions, a trencher
can work three to four times faster
than an excavator.
But some contractors continue to
employ excavators instead of track
trenchers simply because they have
always done it that way. According to
Vermeer Application Specialist Gregg
Van Roekel, frequently, contractors do
not consider a trencher simply due to
unfamiliarity. " If they take a step back
and think through the process of digging
a ditch from Point A to Point B, the benefits
of using a trencher are clear. "
Optimal digging
A trencher will leave the ditch clean with
straight sidewalls and a flat, on-grade
bottom. But digging with an excavator
often will result in the need for more
bedding on the bottom. Uneven walls
and inconsistent depths are also more
likely to resist compaction and may increase
surface patching costs.
Also, excavators struggle digging in
rock. That means a contractor has to
bring in a hammer attachment to break
up the ground. The large chunks of material
excavated are usually not suitable
to be used as backfill, either. Additional
backfill often must be hauled in, adding
to the time and cost of a job.
Conversely, trenchers can efficiently
cut rock of approximately 20,000
pounds per square inch and less. The
spoils from the trench are small, stackable
materials that can be used as backfill,
depending on the engineering specifications
for the project.
Spec'ing a trencher
" Another concern that some contractors
have about using trenchers is related
to sizing a machine and making sure
it is configured correctly for a project, "
said Barry Scieszinski, Vermeer application
specialist.
" Choosing the right unit typically
starts by analyzing the type of material
the machine will be working in. Smaller,
16 MAY 2023 | UndergroundInfrastructure.com

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Underground Infrastructure - May 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Underground Infrastructure - May 2023

Underground Infrastructure - May 2023 - 1
Underground Infrastructure - May 2023 - 2
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Underground Infrastructure - May 2023 - 18A
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