Product Focus -- Trenchers and borers

Triple-axle trailer for underground drills
Felling Trailers, Inc. has developed a trailer for a new drill model with a mud mix system that is heavier and wider than current models. To meet that need, Felling’s engineers and sales teams developed a three-axle model with the deck between the fenders to obtain the lowest deck height possible yet be available in either electric brakes or air brakes, depending on the end user’s needs. The FT-30-3 I trailer also has an extended hitch with nearly 30 inches of minimal tongue width back as far as the jack for a tighter turning radius. Features a heavy-duty spring foot jack and elevated water tank stands that accommodate wider drills without compromising height.
www.felling.com

Power trencher/edger 
The Turf Teq model 1304H is a self-propelled walking forward trencher/edger that can trench up to 7 inches deep. Four blades sizes are available: ½ inch wide x 5 inches deep, 2 inches wide x 5 inches deep, 2 inches wide x 7 inches deep and 5 inches wide x 5 inches deep. The unit features a commercial-grade Honda GXV 390 engine and a hydrostatic forward/reverse transmission. The machine also functions as a power edger by simply changing the blade.
www.turfteq.com

Trenching attachments
Lowe Mfg. XR-Series trenching attachments feature significant advances in strength, durability and efficiency over previous designs. The Lowe XR Series trenching attachments feature a 50,000-pound digging chain, removable double-flighted spoil auger, self-aligning boom with grease cylinder tensioning system, maintenance-free tapered roller bearings in the nose, longer life boom roller and high operating pressure capability. Trencher depths range from 2 to 5 feet and digging widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches. Trenchers operate on hydraulic flow ranging from 8 gpm to more than 40 gpm. Manual side shift is standard with hydraulic side shift as an option. The hydraulic flow and pressure of the base machine determine the best model to optimize digging chain speed and power while application and soil conditions establish the most productive configuration.
www.loweman.com

Hole hammer 
Vermeer MV Solutions offers two options in its Vermeer Hole Hammer piercing tool line — a positive-turn reverse design and air-on quarter-turn reverse design. The popular positive-turn reverse design has minimal moving parts and is available in 2-, 2.5-, 3- and 4-inch sizes. A replaceable head is constructed of heat-treated steel alloy. The tailbolt system allows for 35 foot-pounds of torque. A moving head design provides full striking force of the piston to the head of the tool, pulverizing stones into the surrounding soil. 
www.mclaughlinunderground.com

Walk-behind trencher line
Toro has enhanced its TRX walk-behind trencher line with two models that are designed for exceptional performance, serviceability, ease of use and operator comfort. The new TRX-250 and TRX-300 models feature Intelli-Trench technology, an innovation that optimizes the machine’s hydraulic flow for the digging conditions. This system automatically diverts the hydraulic flow from the traction motors, providing more power to the trencher head. As a result, the traction handle can be held in one place without requiring constant adjustment, reducing operator fatigue and optimizing performance. In addition, the Intelli-Trench feature decreases track wear and maintains engine speed for efficient engine cooling. TRX models also have a new hydraulic design that requires significantly fewer components than previous models. This new design simplifies maintenance, potentially reducing service needs.
https://www.toro.com/en/professional-contractor

13-inch trencher
With an adjustable cutting depth from zero to 13 inches and cutting width of 2 ½ inches, the Groundsaw trencher by E-Z Trench is ideal for installing irrigation systems on commercial or residential jobs. Minimal turf disturbance and fast trenching speeds make for quick installs and very little cleanup. Heavy-duty replaceable carbide cutting bits will slice right through hard soils and roots. Weighing only 250 pounds, the Groundsaw trencher is compact enough to fit through a garden gate and transports easily.
www.eztrench.com

Redesigned mini-trencher 
MiniTrencher introduces the GeoRipper Series 7 models that have a great fit in the rental market. The models feature new, USA-assembled line-digging chains, an enhanced dirt and rock deflector and a new USA-made EZ Kart. The digging chains are made with a thicker, more durable steel for better wear resistance and feature orientation indicators to assure chains are installed correctly every time. The enhanced dirt and rock deflector includes two larger mud flaps with an asymmetric shape that deflects up to 85 percent more debris for better spoil collection and contains rocks better, so there is no need for an additional rock shield. The EZ Kart underwent a complete face lift and will come standard with all rental models. The digging handle has been redesigned so the operator can pull on it as well and its wheels are color-matched spoke wheels.
www.minitrencher.com 

Mini skid-steer trencher 
The Ditch Witch SK5TR trencher attachment for mini skid steers have been upgraded to an 11-tooth forged sprocket for faster chain speeds and increased chain life. The compact attachment offers greater operator visibility and increases productivity. It features a replaceable boom stub, reducing downtime and repair cost. Its maximum digging depth of 38 inches provides operators the ability to trench deeper while still being able to maximize the versatility of the SK model. The SK5TR is compact and easy to transport. Its compact size allows users to transport multiple attachments at once and can use the attachment with ease when working on tight job sites.
https://www.ditchwitch.com/mini-skid-steer/attachments

This article appeared in the November-December 2019 issue of Pro Contractor Rentals magazine. © 2019 Urbain Communications LLC. All rights reserved.