As soon as the snow clears, homeowners across the Peace Region dive into spring landscaping—but some of those backyard projects go deeper than just planting flowers.

If you’ve got a spring landscaping project in the works and you’re staring down the idea of digging long, narrow trenches by hand… stop right there. There’s a machine made specifically for this kind of work: the trencher. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to install irrigation or a contractor laying fiber optic cables, understanding what a trencher is—and how to choose the right one—can save you hours of effort and potentially a few blisters, too.

At Rentco, we’ve helped thousands of customers—from first-timers to seasoned pros—figure out whether trenching equipment is the right solution. Let’s walk through the essentials.

What is a Trencher?

A trencher is a piece of heavy machinery designed to dig narrow trenches in the ground. These trenches are typically used to lay cables, pipes, or drainage systems. The machine does exactly what its name suggests: it trench-es.

But trenchers aren’t just about brute force. They create clean, straight cuts in a variety of soil conditions, whether you’re digging into soft topsoil or tearing through rocky ground. And depending on the type, they can be operated manually or via ride-on platforms. That flexibility makes them ideal for everything from backyard sprinkler installs to large-scale utility work.

What is a Trencher Used For?

Trenchers come in handy across a wide range of applications, especially in spring when landscaping, irrigation, and drainage work kicks into gear. Here’s a closer look at what a trencher can do:

• Installing Irrigation Lines – Essential for farms, gardens, or lawns, trenchers dig smooth paths for water systems without destroying your yard in the process.
• Laying Electrical or Fiber Optic Cables – Utility companies dig trenches to bury cables underground in straight, protected lines.
• Solving Surface Drainage Problems – Trenchers help dig shallow or deep drainage trenches, ideal when you’re trying to address surface runoff or soggy yard issues.
• Root Management – Cutting through dense tree roots or compacted soil becomes a lot easier with a trencher, especially in tougher terrain.

Bottom line: if your job involves long, narrow excavations through varying soil types, trenching equipment is likely the right call.

What Are the Different Types of Trenchers?

This is where folks sometimes get tripped up. Trenchers vary widely in size, functionality, and ideal use cases. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Walk Behind Trenchers

Great for smaller residential jobs, walk behind trenchers are easy to maneuver, require less training to operate, and can tackle softer terrain with ease. They’re perfect for irrigation or landscape lighting trenches.

2. Ride On Trenchers

When the job gets a little bigger or the ground gets tougher, a ride-on trencher offers more power and greater digging depths. These machines handle medium to large-scale projects and are commonly seen on construction sites and rural properties.

3. Chain Trenchers

Think of these as giant chainsaws for the earth. They use a chain with digging teeth to cut into the soil—ideal for deep trenches or rocky soil conditions. They’re commonly used for laying utility lines or drainage systems.

4. Wheel Trenchers

These use a large, toothed metal wheel to cut through the ground. Often used in harder terrain or where clean trench walls are needed. These are better suited for roadwork or heavy industrial applications.

5. Micro Trenchers

For projects that require extremely narrow trenches, like fiber optic installations in urban environments, micro trenchers are the go-to. They’re smaller, more precise, and minimize surface disruption.

6. Trencher Attachments

If you already operate a skid steer or compact loader, you can outfit it with aBobcat Trencher Attachment to cut through soil without renting a dedicated machine.

Choosing the Right Trencher

Selecting the right trencher means evaluating a few key variables:

• Soil Conditions – Softer terrain? Go with a walk-behind. Rocky or root-filled soil? You’ll need more torque and a deeper cut.
• Trench Depth and Width – Need a shallow groove for garden lighting, or something deeper for drainage pipe?
• Access and Space – Tight yard? A compact model will save you time and frustration.
• Project Size – For small to medium jobs, portable trenchers work well. Larger areas might require heavy machinery.

Still not sure? That’s what we’re here for. Our team at Rentco can walk you through the decision so you don’t end up with more machine than you need—or worse, not enough.

Trenching Safety: What You Need to Know

Trenching may look straightforward, but safety can’t take a back seat. Here are the essentials:

Use the Right PPE

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment: gloves, steel-toe boots, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Dust and flying debris are real risks.

Be Aware of Utility Lines

Before you start digging, always call or check with your local utility locator service. Cutting into a buried electrical line or gas pipe isn’t just dangerous—it’s expensive.

Protect Workers in Deep Trenches

If your trench is more than 4 feet deep, you may need protective systems like trench boxes or shoring to prevent collapses. Even shallow trenches can be unstable depending on soil type.

Don’t Operate Beyond Your Comfort

Operating trenchers takes a steady hand and a bit of know-how. Always start by reading the manual and asking for a quick walkthrough. At Rentco, we provide basic operating instructions before you leave with your rental equipment—to help keep both you and the machine safe. If you’re ever unsure about proper or safe operation, just ask. We’re here to help make sure you’re comfortable and confident before you get started.

Common Questions About Trenchers

Q: How deep can a trencher dig?
A: It depends on the model. Smaller walk-behind trenchers might max out around 3-4 feet, while larger ride-on models can dig several feet deeper.

Q: Can trenchers handle rocky soil?
A: Yes—but not all models. For rocky or root-filled ground, a chain trencher or trencher attachment with a high-torque engine is usually best.

Q: How wide are the trenches?
A: Most machines cut trenches between 4–12 inches wide, but it varies. Narrower trenches are ideal for cable installs, wider for drainage or pipework.

Q: Are trenchers hard to operate?
A: Most models are surprisingly straightforward, especially walk-behinds. We’ll always give you a safety and usage rundown before you take one out.

Rentco Has the Trencher for Your Job

Whether you’re trenching to solve a drainage problem or planning a full irrigation setup, Rentco has the equipment—and the experience—to help you get it done. From compact walk behind trenchers to rugged Bobcat attachments, we’ll match you with the right machine for the job and walk you through the basics so you’re ready to roll. Safety and confidence go hand in hand, and we make sure you’ve got both before you leave the yard.

Explore other rental equipment if you’ve got more spring projects lined up. From excavators to compaction tools, we’ve got it covered.

We’ve been serving the Peace Region for over 60 years—so if you’re not sure what you need, just give us a shout. We’ve seen it all, and we’re always happy to help.