Trencher vs backhoe

[schmism]

So im going to need to put quite a few trenches in on the new property.

- 400' run for 2" conduit for power
- 400 run for new water line
- power from pole barn (meter base) to apt (all 100' runs below)
- power from pole barn to house
- water from pole barn to apt
- water from pole barn to house
- gas line from pole barn to apt
- gas line from pole barn to house
- lowvoltage (cable,phone) to house
- lowvoltage (cable,phone) to apt
- lowvoltage (cable,phone) to barn
- septic lines (i could save on cost of putting in system)
- downspout drains (black corgiated pipe)
- water to yard hydrant(s)
- power to other sheds?

so obiously have a lot of stuff to put underground. I could rent a trencher for like $200 a day. If i planned right i could trench a lot of stuff in one day. (but planning is unlikely to go down like that) a trencher 3pt attachment for the tractor i would assume rents for about the same.

to buy a bradco trencher looks to set me back about $4K after my inital construction is over in a couple of years i would have 0 need for it so i could resell it... (maybee)

but for the same $4K i could buy a small 3pt backhoe (subframe convert whatever) which would trench, albeit slower, but also allow me to do lots of other stuff.

it seems like a no brainer to go with a small 3pt backhoe

my ground is IL farmland ie 4' of topsoil with hardpan under it. Most trenching (digging) would be limited to the top 3' or less.

 

[RobJ]

Simple answer.

Rent the trencher, fast, less dirt piled up everywhere, fast. If you have good easy dirt like you say it'll cut through it in no time.

Then buy the BH on your way home from dropping off the trencher....just because!!

Problem solved!!
Rob

 

[3RRL]

No doubt the trencher is faster with less backfill time, but a backhoe is a great addition for the future "who knows what" projects. Plus it gives you another thing to customize by making a thumb for later.

 

[MossRoad]

If i planned right i could trench a lot of stuff in one day. (but planning is unlikely to go down like that)

Plan it out, spray paint the paths or mark with stakes. Check with any friends or family if they need any trenching done. Have them plan ahead, too. See if you can get a weekend rental to keep it over Sunday and return it Monday. Usually no extra or minimal charge. Split the cost with everyone. Have a trenchfest weekend!!!

 

[Neophyte]

I didn't realize they even made a 3PH trencher. You learn something new everyday.

 

[RobS]

That's all trencher work except the septic lines. As others have said, the trencher will be much faster and less collateral damage. For that much work though, you might rent a ride on trencher as the walk behind one's will work you pretty hard.

And as someone else also mentioned, pick up the backhoe attachment when you're done with all the trenching. You can then put in the septic and be ready for all the other projects that aren't on your list yet!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Obviously, the best is to own both. But since that most likely isn't going to happen, purchase a trencher and use as needed, forget about trying to get it all done at one time. We all know that is just about impossible. Sell when you have your trenching done. If you don't get all your money back, at least you were able to trench at your convenience.

Good luck, Brian

 

[BTDT]

I think someone had a post about a sub-soiler or some such instrument that they made for 3ph to lay water line. It operates like machines telephone co. uses to bury cable. Plows the ditch (inches wide) and plants the hose/wire etc. 2 or so ft. deep. Any one remember that?

 

[Dirthog]

Trenchers are fine as long as the soil is not rocky then they do not work as well unless you have a rock chain on them (carbide teeth= big bucks) the other thing is they are a high mantaince item I have had a bradco that will dig 4' deep for the last 6-7 years it will dig like a bear but be prepared to they do like to shake themselves apart. Even the bigger ones I have run on construction are the same.

 

[schmism]

Plows the ditch (inches wide) and plants the hose/wire etc. 2 or so ft. deep. Any one remember that?

ya i know what your talking about, only problem is "code" is 30-36" deep. that and technically i have a frost line thats 36"+ (although most people will tell you the most they have seen in the past 10 years has been a foot tops)