Looking for a trencher rental near you, but not sure which trencher size is the right choice? First, you should evaluate your project requirements; desired trench dimensions, type of installation job, and degree of environmental disturbance are all factors in choosing the correct trencher lease. Read our helpful guide to make sure you rent the best trencher size for your needs.

First Thing’s First: Evaluate Your Needs

What kind of terrain will you be trenching? How deep and wide of a trench do you need? Are you installing cable, or digging space for a hedge? All these questions – and many more – are critical to ask yourself as you’re looking for the right trencher size.

TRENCH SIZE

The dimensions of the trench your building will play a large part in determining your equipment size. Walk-behind trenchers can be effective in short-term, smaller trench projects, but they are also limited in power and efficiency. According to Ditch Witch Product Manager Chris Thompson, you should use a ride-on trencher if:

• Your trench is longer than 250 feet
• Your trench is wider than 8 inches
• Your trench is deeper than 48 inches
• You have a long-term or multi-trench job
• Your jobsite is on dense soil or concrete

If you’re looking to use a trencher for the long-hall, or if your trench requirements are larger than those listed above, consider renting a ride-on or even a quad trencher for the strongest diesel engine and quick shifting transmission. Beyond opting for a ride-on trencher, consider the type of installation project you’re working on, and if you’re concerned about disrupting the surrounding environment.

JOB TYPE

When building a large trench or several trenches, many contractors require heavy-duty equipment for the most cost-effective way to get the job done. A larger trencher, like the Ditch Witch RT45 , has the force and speed to cut job time in 4- to 5-foot trench jobs; however, if you’re on a jobsite in which a large trencher will take up too much space or disturb surrounding land, it may not be the right equipment for you.

Consider your end goal. Many contractors in the fiber-optic cable installation industry have turned to microtrenching, which involves minimal ground disturbance and creates a trench only a couple of inches wide. If you’re laying cable in concrete or asphalt and require a thin trencher with minimal disturbance, a microtrencher rental could be the right fit for you.

ENVIRONMENTAL DISTURBANCE

If you’re looking for minimal land disturbance – often in private landscaping jobs – bigger trenchers can do more harm than good, causing unnecessary clean up. In this scenario, you can opt for a compact trencher like the Ditch Witch RT55, which works inconspicuously, even in tight, urban areas.

The trencher size you rent depends on more than just the size of desired trench; the decision requires thorough analysis of the goal of your installation, the surrounding environment, and your business’ priorities.

Call our rental experts at Ditch Witch West and relay your trencher rental needs; we will help you rent a trencher from one of our convenient Ditch Witch locations. Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty, long-term rental or a quicker, low-impact trenching project, we have a versatile rental fleet for any trenching job.