Trencher for CK20?

Blister · Jul 18, 2007

Hi all. I have a CK20 with FEL and backhoe along with various other attachments. Anyone use a trencher with theirs?

I've been thinking that in 8 or 9 months I'll be wanting to add a trencher and 9" auger attachment to the list of attachments. While searching the net for what I may get I found all kinds of stuff but don't know what's best for my CK20.

Anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Best case scenario for me would be to be able to cut a 4"-6" trench up to 6' deep. I realize 6' deep is pushing it as far as trenchers go so let me know what you think even if it wont cut 6'.

kentrodngun · Jul 18, 2007

Unless you're going to commercially use the trencher, it may be a waste of money. I own a 40HP Ditch Witch Trencher / Backhoe and I've had a couple of inquiries from my excavation friends asking if I would rent it out. Even as professionals, they feel it is not worth purchasing a trencher since it is not used frequently enough to return the investment.

The same might be said for a PHD unless you are commercially putting in fences, planting trees, etc. on a very regular basis. It is very tempting to buy all sorts of attachments when you have a tractor but my advise (for what it's worth) is to very carefully consider the amount of use you will get from your purchase before you lay out your hard earned money.

There has been lots of similar discussion concerning backhoes, snowblowers, etc. Sometimes, especially for one-time jobs, it's better to rent the proper machine to get the job done, beat up someone else's equipment and save that precious storage space in your garage for something you'll use often. I'm off the soapbox now. Good luck with your decision.

Highbeam · Jul 18, 2007

Have you priced the trencher attachments? Very expensive from what I recall and easily and cheaply rented. Stump grinders are pretty similar in that way.

Blister · Jul 20, 2007

Thanks for responding folks.

kentrodngun, what I want to do is increase my opportunities for work so yes, the tractor will be for semi-commercial jobs. It is my farm tractor but I need to pay it off in 2 years. My dad is the one who purchased it and he went through his bank which was gracious enough to give him the low, low payment of $409! a month? I think he got ripped on the loan but what's done is done and now I need to help him get out from under this debt.

I would have to talk to some folks in this area, the general contractors and whatnot to see how much of a possibility work for the trencher is going to be. I live in GA and have plenty of opportunity to gather much work in FL but I just don't want to put all those miles on myself or the truck and my wife's health is another reason I don't want to travel for work.

Highbeam said:
Have you priced the trencher attachments? Very expensive from what I recall and easily and cheaply rented. Stump grinders are pretty similar in that way.

No, I have not priced them. In my opinion the backhoe wasn't cheap at $5,900. I really don't know much about them and have no idea what this tractor can take. I was hoping someone had already done this so I could get an idea of what I could use with it.

I see bobcat has a new design that attaches where the bucket is on their FEL's but I don't know how practical that is or even if they make one that will fit my CK20. It may not be worth it at all. I just don't know yet.

IslandTractor · Jul 22, 2007

I don't have a special trencher but do have a backhoe on my CK20. It can certainly dig a 6ft deep trench and is a very capable BH for it's size. I have a 12 inch bucket on mine and I believe a 9" bucket is available. Any bucket smaller than that would likely get clogged up unless you are digging in sand.

You'd have to crunch the numbers carefully if you were thinking of adding a BH to help pay off the tractor. The CK20 does make a pretty efficient TLB that comes very close to the Kubota B21 in digging capability and at substantially lower price.

darkviper · Jul 23, 2007

also consider the risk associated with commercial operations. Some states will require you to have a contractors licsense. You will also have to carry liability insurance. When i priced it for landscapeing it would be around 1500 a year, you will also have to keep in mind that any lines you cut is you pocket book. Use 811 faithfully and get the utilites marked or you can pay up to 100 times the cost to repair. At least that is what it is here in VA. If you have any insurance on the tractor they will not cover it if you use it commercially unless you have a business policy. Same will apply most likely to your vehicle insurance that you use to haul to the job sites. If you are a farmer there may be some protections for you as you can possibly do it agianst the farm. Also bear in mind that trencing is one of thoes things that everyone thinks is good money in it. I have 2 friends that do it and are trying to get out. You do a job and break the chain. You may can fix it or you may have to replace it. Figure the cost to replace something like that and the size of you average job as well. Im like everyone else i wanted one but a back hoe is just as quick for me. Renting is difinatly a better option in my opinion. I dont want to discourge you. However as with any business plan all your expenses in you consideration before you jump in. Cause it is easier to get in then to back out if you start loosing your pants