How to use a walk-behind trencher

A walk behind trencher is designer for adaptability and manoeuvrability through diverse weather and ground conditions. For example, our RTX250 uses a 25hp (18.6 kW) Kohler electronic fuel-injected (EFI) gas engine that can start in a wide variety of temperatures and altitudes (check out our full range here). Our walk-behind trenchers can work on wet ground too, which you can learn more about in our article on walk behind trenchers for wet conditions.

Here we look at the top four uses of walk behind trenchers and the benefits offered to users by these pieces of machinery, especially for urban and commercial projects.

1. Walk behind trenchers can be used for cutting roots

Did you know, one of the top uses of walk behind trenchers is cutting through tree roots? Tree roots can be stubborn and very difficult to cut through, but the blade on the end of a walk behind trencher acts as a rotary lawn mower blade.

To cut through roots, you’ll need to hold the blade in place and slowly inch forward to slice through the roots.

2. Use walk behind trenchers for irrigation

Another use of walk behind trenchers is irrigation. They’re the perfect size for creating narrow trenches for drainage lines or irrigation because of their small footprint, especially compared to a bucket excavator, for example. They can dig up a couple of feet of soil so that irrigation pipes can be inserted without hassle.

These trenchers can also manoeuvre in very tight spaces, even within spaces of a 35’’ width when it comes to the RTX130. This is made even easier and more comfortable with the effortless VZ steering system which allows easy steering with minimal effort to the handle bars.

3. Utilities maintenance with walk behind trenchers

Walk behind trenchers are commonly used for utilities maintenance work, such as accessing cables and wires for maintenance or replacement. This type of machinery is ideal for such applications because, as mentioned above, it has such a small relative footprint and so keeps disruption to a minimum while being highly efficient.

You can browse our full range here.

4. Walk behind trenchers can be used for shovelling dirt

Instead of manually using a shovel to dig up dirt, a walk behind trencher can be used to speed up the process. These machines are still technically manually operated, however digging with one is much more efficient than digging with a shovel! They can also dig approximately 3-4 feet deep.

This is a different process to excavation, and you can learn about the main differences between trenchers and excavators in our guide here.

There are many uses of walk behind trenchers, including cutting through stubborn tree roots, creating narrow trenches for irrigation and accessing utility wires and cables for maintenance or replacement. You might not have even realised just how versatile walk behind trenchers can be!

To find out more about the uses of walk behind trenchers and whether we have the right machine for you, contact our team of experts on 01933 274400 or email us at sales@vermeeruk.co.uk.  Alternatively, fill out an enquiry form with details of your request and we’ll get back to you. 

Vermeer Corporation delivers a real impact on the way important work gets done through the design, manufacture and support of high-quality industrial and agricultural equipment that helps connect people to the necessities of life, manage natural resources and feed and fuel communities. With a reputation for being built tough and built a better way, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn about Vermeer Corporation, products, the dealer network, financing options and careers, visit vermeer.com.