Lowe trencher attachment (skid steer type)

[Slacker]

Found a great deal on a Lowe trencher attachment that goes on a skid steer.
My tractor has a quick detach (skid steer compatible) front loader bucket.
The trencher wants between 10 and 20 GPM. I can get a prince pto pump that makes 21 gpm @540 rpm. The remotes on my tractor (FarmTrac 360 TLB) make 8.1 gpm. The tractor is used commercially and this would be a great service to offer as many of my customers need trenching done. I'm not sure how the FEL would hold up to stress the trencher puts on the FEL arms. I've never seen a trencher on a CUT FEL before and there might be a good reason.... Advice and thoughts are welcome.

 

[diyDave]

It might be more economical to replace the Hydraulic motor on the trencher. What you will need to know to order the correct motor is: The speed (rpm) that the trencher is supposed to run at, Your tractor's output ( both the pressure and Gallons per minute). Take this info and go to surpluscenter.com. They sell replacement pumps, motors, and have a page full of hydraulic formulas which will help you pick the right motor. If this helps, I used a lowe trencher on my Asv Rc30, It was way too heavy for it, but it ran at about 300-350 rpm, if I remember it right, and th ASV puts out 10 gpm at 3000 psi. I used it for putting in one pipe, and sold it for more than I had in it! One other thing- I wouldn't use it on a tractor that doesn't have a creeper gear, or hydrostat, as you can't make the tractor go slow enough to run it!

 

[Slacker]

It might be more economical to replace the Hydraulic motor on the trencher. What you will need to know to order the correct motor is: The speed (rpm) that the trencher is supposed to run at, Your tractor's output ( both the pressure and Gallons per minute). Take this info and go to surpluscenter.com. They sell replacement pumps, motors, and have a page full of hydraulic formulas which will help you pick the right motor. If this helps, I used a lowe trencher on my Asv Rc30, It was way too heavy for it, but it ran at about 300-350 rpm, if I remember it right, and th ASV puts out 10 gpm at 3000 psi. I used it for putting in one pipe, and sold it for more than I had in it! One other thing- I wouldn't use it on a tractor that doesn't have a creeper gear, or hydrostat, as you can't make the tractor go slow enough to run it!

I never considered going slow enough...dang it, another master plan down the tubes! My tractor doesn't have a creeper gear and it's a shuttle shift. Low 1 is still too fast for trenching in hard pan. Thanks alot for the info. Guess I'll just rent a ride on type trencher when I need one.

 

[sandman2234]

Being able to run slow enough for the trencher to do it's job with the available horsepower that turned it was the problem I had with my Ford 1100. I don't think hp is the problem now, with my JD2555 but I haven't had any jobs that require it lately. Renting a seldom used attachment does have it's advantages as the upkeep is marginal on somebody elses' equipment.
David from jax