Find the Best Trencher Near You

The term ‘trencher’ can cause a bit of confusion in the construction industry. The term can be applied to a range of machines - however, a true trencher is used to break through earth materials and, you guessed it, dig a trench. Trenchers are often used to excavate areas for pipes or cut through rocks to make room for other activities.

Read more about trenchers hire here!

There are three main trenchers that you’ll find for hire in Australia. Self-propelled (walk-behind) trenchers can excavate a trench 3 to 16 inches wide, 12 to 48 inches deep and are great for space-restricted projects.

Compact ride-on trenchers can dig trenches up to 60 inches wide, upwards of 2 feet deep and are reliable for space conscious projects. Industrial track/rock wheeled trenchers are used in large-scale commercial projects and excavate 134 inches wide, with a depth of upwards of 6 feet.

Find out more about the right trencher for your project here!

While you’re going to need skill to operate a trencher efficiently, no, you won’t need a license. There isn’t such a thing as a ‘trencher license’ in Australia currently, although you’ll need to undertake training if you’re looking to be employed to operate a trencher.

To learn more about trencher training, click here!

Check out the average self-propelled trencher hire rates here:

• Very small self-propelled trenching machine (75mm wide x 300mm deep) hire rate: $150 per day
• Small self-propelled trenching machine (90mm wide x 450mm deep) hire rate: $165 per day
• Medium self-propelled trenching machine (100mm wide x 600mm deep) hire rate: $210 per day
• Large self-propelled trenching machine (125mm wide x 1000mm deep) hire rate: $310 per day

Find out more trencher hire rates here!

With more and more options becoming available on the market, it’s important to distinguish which brands of trenchers are going to be a reliable option to hire. The best trencher brands in Australia include:

• Ditch Witch
• Vermeer
• Toro
• Caterpillar (Attachment)
• John Deere (Attachment)

More details on the top trencher brands can be found here!

iseekplant has a nationwide network of superior trencher hire suppliers operating in all capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer trencher hire solutions in all major towns and cities from Mackay down to Toowoomba, Ballarat and Hobart, and then across the country to Bunbury, Geraldton and Mandurah.

Trench diggers have many uses including removing tree roots, cutting through pavements, flood prevention, burying electrical wires and garden remodelling. Essentially a trench digger can be used for most jobs that involve large scale digging.

Check out this blog to learn more!

There are a couple of steps you must complete before you start digging your trench. For one you must know the lay of the land and identify utility cables and pipes underneath your site. Then you will have to make a plan on measurements of where you will start digging. After that you will need to organise machines and equipment needed. Once you have done that you can mobilise your trencher and begin trenching. Remember to remove dips and humps in your trench using a shovel. Then you can clean up the site and install cabling, pipes or drainage.

Learn more about trench diggers here

A trencher is generally faster than an excavator for creating trenches because it is specifically designed for this task. Trenchers can continuously cut into the soil, making them highly efficient for installing cables or pipelines over long distances. While versatile, excavators may require more time for trenching due to their operational mechanics, which involve digging and removing soil in cycles.

The speed advantage of trenchers becomes particularly noticeable in projects where the trench's straightness and uniformity are crucial. However, the choice between a trencher and an excavator may also depend on the project's specific requirements, including trench depth and width, as well as the presence of obstacles or hard materials.

Walk-behind trenchers are designed for smaller-scale projects and can typically dig trenches up to 24 inches (about 61 cm) deep. The exact depth capability depends on the trencher model and the type of ground being excavated. These machines are ideal for installing irrigation systems, cable lines or small drainage pipes where deep excavation isn't necessary.

Walk-behind trenchers offer an efficient solution for projects that require precise trench depths without the need for larger, more powerful equipment. Understanding the depth requirement of your project is essential before selecting a trencher to ensure it meets your needs.

The time required to trench with a trencher varies based on several factors, including the type of soil, the trencher model, and the trench's size and depth. Trenchers are designed to work quickly and efficiently, significantly reducing the time needed compared to manual trenching methods.

In optimal conditions, a trencher can complete tasks in a fraction of the time it would take using hand tools or even some mechanical excavators. For example, laying a utility line across a straight, obstacle-free landscape can be accomplished rapidly. However, rocky soil, existing utilities, or other underground obstacles can slow down the process, requiring careful operation and potentially different trenching methods.

Trenchers can be adjusted to dig at minimal depths, often starting as shallow as 4 inches (10 cm). This capability makes them suitable for tasks that require only surface-level excavation, such as laying cables or shallow irrigation lines. The ability to control trench depth is crucial for avoiding unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding area and ensuring the installed system's efficiency, like irrigation or drainage, is maximised.

Trenchers offer flexibility in depth adjustment, allowing operators to match the trenching depth to the project's specific requirements precisely. Always consult the trencher's manual or manufacturer's guidance to set the machine correctly for your project's depth requirements.

For projects where a trencher may not be the most suitable option, several alternatives can be considered. Mini excavators with trenching attachments, backhoes, or even manual digging tools like shovels and picks can be used for smaller or more precise trenching tasks. Each alternative has its own set of advantages and limitations, such as the ability to navigate tight spaces or the level of manual labor involved.

The choice of equipment should be based on the project's specific requirements, including the trench's depth, width, and length, as well as the type of soil and presence of obstacles. It's also important to consider the cost, availability, and operational skill required for each alternative to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective solution is chosen for your project.

Some trenchers, especially those equipped with rockwheel attachments, are capable of cutting through concrete and other hard materials. These attachments allow them to be used in urban environments where trenches need to be dug through existing concrete or asphalt surfaces.

The effectiveness of a trencher in breaking concrete depends on the machine's size, power, and the cutting attachment used. Heavy-duty trenchers designed for industrial or construction projects are more likely to have the necessary power to penetrate concrete surfaces. However, operators must exercise caution and use the appropriate safety measures when trenching through concrete to prevent damage to the trencher and ensure the safety of workers and nearby structures.

Trenchers are generally faster than excavators for digging narrow trenches, especially in soft to moderately compacted soil. They are purpose-built for continuous trenching, allowing for a consistent, straight cut with minimal manual effort. Excavators, while more versatile, dig more slowly when creating narrow trenches because each scoop requires repositioning and precision.

Speed comparison:

Excavators excel in versatility and depth, while trenchers excel in speed and consistency for straight, narrow trenches.

Trenchers are designed to dig precise trenches quickly, and their depth and width depend on the type and size of the machine. Walk-behind trenchers are ideal for shallow, narrow trenches, while ride-on or heavy-duty trenchers can achieve deeper and wider cuts suitable for pipelines, cables, and drainage systems.

Typical trench dimensions:

Actual depth and width depend on ground conditions, machine power, and attachment type. Always consult the manufacturer’s specifications before use.

Trenchers can work in rocky or root-filled ground, but their effectiveness depends on the type of trencher. Standard chain trenchers are suitable for soft to moderately compacted soil and light roots, while rock wheel trenchers are designed specifically for hard, rocky, or heavily root-laden surfaces. Using the correct trencher type ensures faster digging, reduced wear, and minimal machine downtime.

Ground suitability summary:

Choosing the right machine for the ground conditions is essential for safe, efficient trenching.

When preparing for an NBN or electrical installation, the right trencher depends on how deep, wide and precise the trench needs to be. NBN lead-in cabling and electrical conduit typically require trenches that are clean, straight and to specific depths (around 300–600 mm for NBN on private property and 450 mm or more for electrical conduits).

Recommended trenching equipment:

For most NBN lead-in and electrical conduit jobs on residential properties, a walk-behind or ride-on trencher with adjustable depth is sufficient. Microtrenching tools are ideal where surface finish and minimal disruption are priorities, such as paths or driveways. Always match the trench size to the required depth, conduit size, and local standards before hiring or buying equipment.