Comparing Compact Excavators and Trenchers

Both the Compact Excavator and the Trencher are highly productive and popular machines. They are also affordable. They are often used to lay long runs of pipe and cable in the ground. When compared, there are differences in how they perform in residential utility installation.

Price and Size
When it comes to utility installation in residential areas, the average depths dug are between 3 ½ and 4 feet. The common trencher that digs to this depth will probably have a 20-30 horsepower engine, and cost you about 40,000 dollars.

A compact excavator in the 2.5 metric ton class is the most common. It will include about a 30 horsepower engine, and costs around the same. It can dig around 8 foot deep. A trencher that could do the same would require closer to 100 horsepower and cost up to 90,000 dollars.

Maintenance Costs
With a compact excavator your daily costs are fuel and routine maintenance, though beyond that there are bucket teeth and rubber track to be replaced every 2000 hours of operation. On a trencher, you need to replace wear items such as the digging chain, teeth and sprockets frequently. Long term the 2 different pieces of equipment even out in cost when also considering productivity.

Productivity and Results
When trenching straight lines at an average depth, trenchers will win the race every time. With reasonable conditions a trencher will move 3 to 4 times faster than a compact excavator. They also excel in areas where there are many roots and logs (wooded sections). These will normally be very slow using a bucket to dig and be quite messy as well.

Versatility
There are many things that compact excavators can do beyond trenchers. There are extra attachments that make this even more noticeable, though they are slower than a quality trencher.

A trencher isn?t a one task machine. Most varieties can be fit with a backhoe attachment at the front. When confronted with pavement or rock, the Chain/Boom can be replaced with rock teeth and a wheel. In softer soil, you can also setup a trencher with a plow attachment that will plow cable in even faster.

So when you are on the market, put a lot of focus on your potential needs. Consider what the compact excavator can do for you and what the trencher can as well. Which one stands out better in your own terms for better?