Trencher Attachment: Complete Guide to Skid Steer and Equipment Trenchers

A trencher attachment turns a compatible skid steer, compact track loader, mini skid steer, excavator, or other carrier into a powerful trenching machine. Instead of purchasing a dedicated walk-behind or ride-on trencher, contractors can use equipment they already own to dig controlled trenches for water lines, irrigation, electrical conduit, drainage, cable, fiber, utilities, and landscaping projects.

Professional trencher attachments are available in several sizes and configurations. Digging depths commonly range from approximately 30 to 60 inches, while chain widths can range from narrow utility cuts to approximately 12 inches on larger attachments.

Choosing the right trencher attachment requires more than selecting the deepest model. Hydraulic flow, operating pressure, chain type, soil conditions, carrier size, trench width, side shift, spoil removal, and attachment weight can all affect performance.

What Is a Trencher Attachment?

A trencher attachment is a hydraulic digging tool designed to produce a relatively narrow, continuous trench.

Most models use a boom surrounded by a rotating digging chain. Cutting teeth attached to the chain break the soil as the hydraulic motor turns the system. A spoil auger helps move excavated material away from the trench.

Because the trencher is an attachment rather than a dedicated machine, the carrier can perform other work when trenching is finished.

The operator can remove the trencher and connect a bucket, auger, forks, grapple, breaker, or another attachment.

This versatility makes trenchers especially useful for contractors who already own hydraulic equipment.

Skid Steer Trencher Attachment

A skid steer trencher attachment is one of the most common configurations.

The skid steer's auxiliary hydraulic system supplies the flow and pressure required to operate the digging chain.

Professional skid steer trenchers can provide substantial capacity. Current heavy-duty attachments are available with 36-, 48-, and 60-inch digging depths and chain widths from approximately 6 to 12 inches.

This allows one skid steer to handle everything from relatively shallow irrigation installations to deeper utility trenches.

The key is matching the hydraulic motor to the skid steer.

Compact Track Loader Trencher Attachment

A compact track loader can also serve as an excellent trencher carrier.

The trencher itself operates similarly, but the tracked undercarriage provides a larger contact area with the ground.

This can be useful on loose, sandy, muddy, uneven, or challenging jobsites.

Contractors already using compact track loaders for grading, excavation, landscaping, and site preparation can add trenching capability without purchasing another dedicated machine.

However, physical mounting compatibility is not enough.

Always verify hydraulic flow, operating pressure, attachment weight, couplers, and manufacturer requirements.

Mini Skid Steer Trencher Attachment

Mini skid steers and compact utility loaders can use smaller trencher attachments.

These systems are particularly useful for landscaping, irrigation, residential electrical work, cable installation, and projects with limited access.

A mini loader can travel through areas that may be difficult for a full-size skid steer.

Current professional mini-loader systems can provide digging depths around 24, 30, or 36 inches depending on the attachment.

That gives contractors useful trenching capability while retaining a compact machine footprint.

Excavator Trencher Attachment

Trenchers are also available for compatible excavators.

An excavator-mounted trencher provides additional positioning flexibility because the operator can use the excavator boom and arm to position the attachment.

This can be valuable around slopes, embankments, structures, and unusual trench paths.

Compatibility should be carefully verified.

The excavator's size, hydraulic flow, pressure, auxiliary hydraulic configuration, coupler, attachment weight, and intended digging application all matter.

An attachment should never be selected solely because its mounting bracket appears to fit the excavator.

How Deep Can a Trencher Attachment Dig?

Digging depth depends on the attachment and boom.

Common professional depths include approximately 30, 36, 42, 48, and 60 inches.

For example, the current Bradco 640 platform offers boom configurations from 30 to 60 inches. Virnig's V60 is offered in 36-, 48-, and 60-inch versions.

A 36-inch attachment can cover many landscaping and utility applications.

A 48-inch trencher provides additional versatility for deeper conduit, pipe, and utility work.

A 60-inch trencher moves into more demanding professional applications and may require high-flow hydraulics depending on the attachment.

36-Inch Trencher Attachment

A 36-inch trencher attachment provides approximately three feet of maximum digging depth.

This is a useful size for irrigation, landscape work, cable, electrical conduit, and many general utility applications.

A 36-inch boom also tends to be smaller and lighter than deeper configurations.

Contractors should consider whether 36 inches represents their occasional maximum depth or their normal working depth.

If nearly every project requires a full three feet, buying additional capacity may provide more flexibility.

48-Inch Trencher Attachment

A 48-inch trencher attachment can dig approximately four feet deep when configured and operated according to the manufacturer's specifications.

This additional depth expands the range of potential utility, water, drainage, and electrical applications.

Current attachments show that four-foot trenchers can still be available for standard-flow or moderate-flow carriers depending on model.

However, digging depth is only part of the equation.

A 48-inch-deep trench that is 12 inches wide removes considerably more soil than a 48-inch trench that is only 6 inches wide.

60-Inch Trencher Attachment

A 60-inch trencher attachment reaches approximately five feet.

This is the heavy-duty end of many skid steer trencher families.

For example, current Virnig V60 configurations provide a 60-inch option, while the Bradco 640 also offers a 60-inch boom with the deepest configuration requiring high-flow hydraulics.

Large attachments can weigh well over 1,000 pounds.

Carrier capacity, hydraulic output, machine stability, and transportation should therefore be considered before purchasing.

Trencher Attachment Width

Chain width determines how wide the trench will be.

Professional skid steer systems commonly provide 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-inch chain options, although available widths depend on depth and manufacturer.

A narrower chain removes less material.

This can be useful for electrical conduit, irrigation, cable, and smaller pipe.

A wider chain creates additional working room for larger pipe and utilities but increases the amount of soil being excavated.

More excavation means greater digging resistance and additional spoil that must later be handled or backfilled.

Standard-Flow Trencher Attachment

Many trenchers operate on standard-flow auxiliary hydraulics.

Exact requirements vary substantially by manufacturer.

For example, Bradco currently specifies approximately 14–24 GPM for standard-flow versions of its 640, while Virnig specifies approximately 15–25 GPM for its V60 standard-flow motor.

Never choose an attachment based only on the description "standard flow."

Check the exact GPM and operating-pressure requirements against the specifications of your carrier.

Correct hydraulic matching helps the trencher maintain appropriate chain speed and torque.

High-Flow Trencher Attachment

High-flow hydraulic systems can support larger or more demanding trencher configurations.

Current professional attachments illustrate this difference.

Virnig offers V60 high-flow motor configurations for approximately 25–45 GPM, while Bradco lists approximately 25–44 GPM for high-flow versions of the 640.

Blue Diamond's Severe Duty Trencher operates in approximately the 28–45 GPM range and provides up to 60 inches of cutting depth.

High flow can be particularly useful when greater torque and digging capability are required.

It is not automatically necessary for every job.

Trencher Chain Types

Chain selection is one of the most important parts of configuring a trencher.

A standard earth-style chain is intended for appropriate soft or medium soils.

More aggressive configurations can combine cup-style cutting teeth with carbide teeth for mixed conditions.

Rock-and-frost chains use specialized carbide cutting teeth for rocky or frozen conditions.

For example, Virnig currently offers Single Standard, Double Standard, Terminator, and Rock and Frost configurations for different soil conditions.

Match the chain to the material you actually encounter rather than simply choosing the most aggressive option.

Trencher Attachment for Rocky Ground

Rocky ground can dramatically affect trenching performance.

Loose soil containing occasional stones is different from hard-packed ground, fractured rock, shale, or continuous solid rock.

A combination chain can provide versatility in mixed ground.

Carbide-equipped rock-and-frost chains are designed for more difficult conditions.

However, a conventional chain trencher is not automatically the correct attachment for every form of solid rock.

Rock wheels and specialized cutting equipment may be more appropriate for severe applications.

Trencher Attachment for Irrigation

Irrigation is one of the most common uses for a trencher attachment.

Residential sprinkler systems, commercial irrigation, farms, golf courses, sports fields, parks, and landscaping projects can require long runs of underground pipe.

A mini skid steer attachment can be useful around residential properties and narrow access points.

Larger skid steer and track-loader trenchers can provide greater productivity across open commercial or agricultural sites.

Select depth and width according to the irrigation system being installed.

Trencher Attachment for Electrical Conduit

Electrical contractors can use trencher attachments to create narrow excavations for underground conduit.

The correct trench depth depends on the specific installation and applicable requirements.

Determine the required depth before selecting the attachment.

Existing underground utilities should also be properly located before digging begins.

For contractors performing frequent commercial electrical installations, a skid steer trencher can allow the same loader to excavate trenches and then switch to other attachments for site work.

Trencher Attachment for Water Lines

Water-line projects can require deeper excavation.

Attachments capable of 48 or 60 inches may provide useful capacity for certain installations.

Required water-line depth depends on location, climate, project specifications, pipe, and applicable requirements.

Determine installation depth first and select the attachment accordingly.

Do not use the trencher's maximum capacity as the basis for deciding how deep a utility should be installed.

Trencher Attachment for Drainage

Drainage applications can require both additional width and depth.

Larger pipe requires enough trench space for proper installation.

Gravity drainage also requires the correct slope.

A trencher creates the excavation but does not automatically establish the required grade.

Operators should monitor depth and grade throughout the trench.

A wider chain also creates more spoil, so consider how excavated material will be managed and later backfilled.

What Is Side Shift on a Trencher?

Side shift allows the digging boom and chain to operate away from the centerline of the carrier.

This is particularly useful when trenching beside a wall, building, sidewalk, curb, or other obstruction.

Current professional attachments can provide manual side-shift positions, while some manufacturers offer hydraulic side shift.

Virnig's V60, for example, provides three manual positions with up to approximately 17 inches of side-shift travel.

For contractors frequently trenching close to structures, side shift can be an important feature.

What Does a Spoil Auger Do?

The spoil auger helps move excavated soil away from the trench.

As the chain carries material upward, the auger pushes it to the side.

This keeps the trench opening clearer and can make installation easier.

Some professional trenchers use removable or adjustable spoil augers.

Spoil handling becomes increasingly important as trench depth and width increase because a deeper, wider trench creates substantially more excavated material.

What Does a Trencher Crumber Do?

A crumber follows the digging system and helps remove loose material remaining at the bottom of the trench.

This can leave a cleaner trench bottom for pipe, conduit, cable, or other installations.

Professional attachments may use spring-loaded or self-adjusting crumber systems.

Like the chain and teeth, the crumber operates directly in abrasive material and should be inspected regularly for wear.

Planetary Drive Trencher

Some heavy-duty trenchers use planetary drive systems.

The purpose is to deliver strong torque through a compact drive system suitable for demanding trenching.

Current severe-duty attachments combine high-torque hydraulic motors with planetary drives to support deeper and more difficult excavation.

This can be particularly valuable when the machine is operating in challenging soil or using a large chain.

Hydraulic compatibility remains critical even with a heavy-duty drive system.

Trencher Attachment Maintenance

Regular inspection helps protect performance and reduce downtime.

Check cutting teeth and replace worn or damaged components.

Inspect the digging chain and maintain the manufacturer's recommended tension.

Check the boom, sprockets, bearings, spoil auger, crumber, hydraulic hoses, couplers, and side-shift system.

Inspect for hydraulic leaks before operation.

Grease required lubrication points according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Keeping common teeth and wear components available can help prevent a small repair from delaying an entire job.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trencher Attachments

What is a trencher attachment used for?

Trencher attachments create narrow trenches for irrigation, electrical conduit, water lines, drainage, cable, fiber, utilities, landscaping, and similar underground installations.

What machines can use a trencher attachment?

Depending on the model, trenchers can be designed for skid steers, compact track loaders, mini skid steers, compact utility loaders, excavators, tractors, and other hydraulic carriers.

How deep can a trencher attachment dig?

Professional attachments commonly offer approximately 30-, 36-, 42-, 48-, and 60-inch digging configurations.

How wide can a trencher attachment dig?

Many full-size professional attachments provide approximately 6-, 8-, 10-, or 12-inch chain options.

How much hydraulic flow does a trencher need?

It depends on the attachment. Current professional skid steer trenchers span roughly 14–25 GPM for many standard-flow configurations, while high-flow systems can extend into approximately the 25–45 GPM range.

Can a standard-flow skid steer run a trencher?

Yes, if the attachment motor is designed for the skid steer's hydraulic flow and pressure.

Do I need high flow for a trencher attachment?

Not always. Many 36- and 48-inch professional trenchers can operate with standard-flow systems. Some 60-inch and severe-duty configurations require or benefit from high flow.

Can a trencher attachment dig through roots?

Some roots can be handled with the appropriate chain. Large roots or substantial obstructions may require another method.

Can a trencher attachment dig rock?

Certain carbide and rock-and-frost chains are designed for rocky conditions. Continuous hard rock may require specialized rock-cutting equipment.

What is the best trencher chain for dirt?

Standard cup-style earth chains are commonly used in suitable soft-to-medium soil. Exact chain selection should follow the attachment manufacturer's recommendations.

What is the best trencher chain for mixed ground?

Combination-style chains using both cup and carbide cutting teeth can provide greater versatility in mixed soil, roots, gravel, and rocky conditions.

What is the difference between a 36-inch and 48-inch trencher?

The primary difference is maximum digging depth. The 48-inch model provides an additional foot of capacity but can also be longer and heavier.

What is side shift on a trencher attachment?

Side shift moves the digging assembly away from the carrier's centerline, allowing the operator to trench closer to buildings, sidewalks, curbs, and other obstacles.

What is a crumber on a trencher?

A crumber helps clean loose material from the bottom of the trench after the chain cuts through the soil.

What should I check before choosing a trencher attachment?

Verify the carrier's hydraulic GPM, pressure, mounting system and capacity. Then compare required digging depth, trench width, soil conditions, chain type, attachment weight, side shift, spoil auger, crumber, replacement parts, and manufacturer support.