Trenching 101: A Step-by-Step Guide with Essential Equipment Rentals
Trenching is the process of digging a long, narrow depression that’s usually used to lay pipes, wires or other structures. Once the material is in place, the earth is replaced on top. Trenches might also be dug for drainage needs. Whatever their purpose, the equipment needed to create them will depend on what needs to be dug up, the depth of the trench and how long it needs to be.
The simplest trench – such as a shallow one that will house a garden watering system, for example – might be possible to dig by hand. However, anything but the smallest task will require some form of earth moving equipment to complete.
10 Steps to Successfully Excavate a Trench
The scale of the project will determine the type of equipment required. Even the smallest trench should follow the same strategic steps (although not all of them will necessarily be needed for very small projects).
Plan your trench excavation: Where is the trench going from and to? Are there any obstacles in the way? If so, do you need to go through them, around them, or would it be better to find an alternative route? What is the soil type? This will determine the size, type, and power of excavation tools necessary.
Determine the right excavation tools: Excavators come in different sizes – from the smallest, miniature version to huge 14T+ options. For small to medium-scale trenches, miniature excavators are often the best, providing excellent manoeuvrability and powerful hydraulics to cut through the soil. Other, more specialise trenching options include:
Augers: Spiral-shaped machines or attachments that remove soil gradually and precisely. Often used for utility installations.
Chain trenchers: These efficiently produce a narrow, deep trench with a narrow digging chain. Can be used for irrigation trenches, pipeline construction, etc.
Skid steer loaders: These come with various attachments, allowing different sizes and depths of trenches to be excavated. Suitable for a wide variety of small to medium-sized projects.
Wheel trenchers: As per the name, these dig a trench using a rotating wheel. They come in different sizes and are often used to trench in sandy, very crumbly soil.
Check for any existing underground construction: While this might not be necessary for a small-scale DIY project, anything larger will require checking with local authorities that there are no existing pipelines etc in the vicinity of the proposed new trench.
Remove any vegetation that needs to be replanted: Be sure to retain enough earth around the roots and store appropriately to ensure survival during the move.
Mark out the trench: Using plumb lines or other appropriate markers.
Remove the topsoil: This should be to a depth of no more than 20cm. Place well away from the trenching site to avoid it becoming contaminated by debris. It shouldn’t be piled too high to prevent it from becoming too compacted.
Use your chosen trenching tool to dig the trench: This should be carefully set to ensure the correct, uniform depth along the entire length.
Check the trench depth: Once all the soil has been excavated, use a laser to check the depth is even throughout.
Install the desired construction: Lay the pipe, utility or material as required.
Backfill the trench: Depending on the material that’s been laid, you may or may not use every scrap of the soil removed. Be sure to tamp the area tightly to reduce subsidence.
Replace the topsoil and any vegetation: The final task – ideally there should be barely any evidence of the trench once completed.
Renting the right trenching equipment is the key to an efficient, cost-effective and professional installation. McMahon Hire Solutions has everything you need, whatever the size or scale of the trenching project. As well as earth moving equipment, we also offer access equipment hire, compaction tool hire, material handling hire and pretty much everything else that might be needed to complete the task.
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