Digging Maintenance: Routing Inspections for Ride-On Trenchers

Featured In: Compact Equipment

Jobs requiring long trenches, beyond 100 ft, are the bread and butter of ride-on trenchers. These machines keep the operator comfortable and, most importantly, productive for long days spent installing water, electric or sewer lines. As with every job, productivity is of the utmost importance for operators working behind the wheel. Any minute of machine downtime can be a heavy burden on the bottom line. That’s why removing sources of downtime is so important.

Reducing downtime is heavily dependent on machine maintenance. Routine maintenance can help underground construction contractors proactively identify a problem before it occurs on a jobsite, drastically reducing or eliminating downtime. For instance, if a digging chain has the wrong tension, a contractor can identify the issue before stepping out on a jobsite, eliminating the risk of a chain slipping off its sprockets during operation. The risk of lost productivity is a key motivator for healthy maintenance habits. Another benefit of proper upkeep: the extended life of equipment. Developing maintenance habits is not a hard task, especially when the outcome keeps a contractor’s trencher fleet running smoothly.

Selecting a Ride-On Trencher

It’s important to understand the working conditions of a ride-on trencher before setting a maintenance routine, as proper maintenance intervals are often determined by operating environments. For example, average trench depth can be a key factor when developing maintenance routines for a ride-on trencher.

Once the trench depth is known, contractors can better determine the type of ride-on trencher to efficiently handle the task while also reducing wear. When selecting a ride-on trencher, there are three groups to keep in mind. The 18- to 50-hp group is dedicated to digging depths of 3 to 5 ft, while the 50- to 80-hp group is best for depths of 4 to 6 ft. For 4 to 8 ft of digging depth, the 80- to 130-hp group is a better fit.

The next step in ride-on trencher selection is determining soil conditions on the job. Long-term wear and tear ultimately comes down to soil. Based on soil conditions, contractors will choose the appropriate digging system for a project and determine if additional attachments are required. Loose soil or tough clay and rock require different chains. For the most efficient cut, digging systems should match the operating conditions.

Enhanced Performance Calls for Routine Maintenance

To keep ride-on trenchers productive, it’s important to perform daily, weekly and monthly maintenance activities. Best practices for maintenance can be found in the trencher operator’s manual. The manuals provide a wealth of information, and there is no better constant companion for performing proper maintenance. A few common maintenance routines all ride-on trencher operators should follow include:

  • Check engine oil and coolant levels regularly or even daily.
  • Regularly change filters, especially when working in adverse or dusty conditions.
  • Lubricate all trencher service points.
  • Inspect digging systems daily or after each job.

Digging systems are the primary culprit of operational issues for ride-on trenchers. The process of digging a trench causes wear on the teeth, chain and sprockets — the more difficult the soil conditions, the more often they must be replaced. Operating a trencher with worn or damaged digging components can not only decrease productivity, but also cause unnecessary stress or damage to the trencher itself.

Improving Digging-System Efficiency

Worn teeth, chain and sprockets reduce digging efficiency, which can result in shock loads that damage other parts of the machine, such as the engine and transmission. Additionally, when consistently operating with a worn chain link, sprocket teeth can completely wear through roller sleeves, causing damage to the pins that connect them. And if a chain doesn’t have the correct tension, a contractor will lose productivity when the chain slips off the sprocket.
The best defense against wear and incorrect tension is regular inspection of the digging chain. As mentioned, the length of time between inspections depends on the machine and type of work. To learn more about making adjustments and identifying proper chain tension, check the operator’s manual.

Depending on conditions, teeth can wear prematurely or unevenly. When this happens, the teeth can put unnecessary stress on the digging chain with all the issues mentioned. Digging teeth should be replaced as soon as they become dull. To stay on top of performance, check the teeth whenever the trencher is acting sluggish or at the end of every day or job. When replacing teeth, make sure they conform to the pattern on the digging chain.

Don’t overlook sprockets — where there are worn teeth, there are often sprockets in need of replacement. Keep this in mind when performing routine trencher maintenance. Remember: Sprockets should never be replaced alone. The digging chain should be changed at the same time. Operating an old chain on new sprockets causes premature sprocket wear, and operating a new chain on worn sprockets causes excessive chain wear and can result in chain failure.

Beyond the Trencher: Track Maintenance

Contractors expect their ride-on trenchers to easily navigate the jobsite. This is best accomplished by a track system in top shape. To extend the life of a track system, keep it clean and free of mud, rocks and other debris. All debris must be purged from the bearing areas to prevent intrusion to the roller bearings. This care is even more important in cold regions where the contaminants could freeze and cause damage to rollers, bearings and sprockets in sub-freezing temperatures. Contaminants can also result in premature wear on imbeds of the rubber track and the drive sprockets.

Keeping the roller bearings lubricated will also extend the productive life of a ride-on trencher. This is even more relevant when the jobsite has wet, muddy and cold conditions. Correct fluid levels in the planetary gearboxes must be maintained to prevent premature damage to internal gears.

Additionally, track tension is an important factor in ride-on trencher upkeep. Correct track tension must be maintained to lessen the chance of damage to imbeds and the track, caused by the track sliding off the idlers and sprocket. As always, the operator manual lists the correct fluids, grease and track tension procedures to extend the track drive system life. The best way for a contractor to remain productive is by following a proper maintenance routine. From reading the operator’s manual to keeping a close eye on the digging system, wheels and tracks, maintenance is a simple step for optimizing performance, reducing downtime and improving the bottom line.

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS

From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety of buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000