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Trenchers and Compact Excavators: A Comparison
When looking for affordability, popularity and productivity, the trencher and the compact excavator are on an equal playing field in those regards. Functionally, the trencher and compact excavator can both be utilized in laying cable and pipes in to the ground. However, while it is true that they both can do similar work, there are differences between the two machineries, specifically how they measure up against one another in tasks involving residential utility installations. Comparing Size and Price On average, the dig depth ability for the standard utility installation that is done in residential applications is somewhere between 40 and 48 inches. If using the basic trencher that is capable of digging up to that dig depth, it will pack a 20 to 30 horsepower (HP) engine, and generally cost you about 40,000 dollars. In todays industry, the most common and popular type of compact excavator weighs in at a 2.5 metric ton size class. The compact excavator will use a 30 horsepower engine and cost around the same price as the above-mentioned trencher. The real difference between the two is reflected in the surfaces and depths they will dig. The standard 2.5 metric ton compact excavator will have little trouble digging a depth of 8 feet or more, but while the trencher is also able to dig that same depth, it will require more horsepower. To be precise, the trencher would need to be 100 horsepower, and this would increase the cost to 90, 000 dollars. Comparing Maintenance Costs With any piece of major construction and excavation machinery, there will be costs to keep the equipment running up to an efficient standard. When looking at the maintenance requirements for the compact excavator, it will be necessary to check and replace the bucket teeth, the rubber tracks at around 2,000 hours, and fuel and routine minor adjustments from time to time. The trenchers, on the other hand, will require periodic maintenance and replacement of common wear items like the digging chain, teeth and sprockets, which will require attention often. However, despite the high consumable costs for the trenchers, the expenses will even out when you take productivity into account. Comparing Productivity If the task is straight line trenching to an average depth, the trencher is the choice, hands down, over the compact excavator. When the conditions are normal, trenchers will work almost three to four times faster than the compact excavator. Also, the trencher does better in wooded terrain, where there are often obstacles like tree roots and logs that can make the job troublesome, and digging is often sloppy when using a bucket. A Comparison of Versatility It is obvious that compact excavators can do many different jobs that a trencher cannot do, and vise versa, especially when you take into account the fact that compact excavators can be used with interchangeable tool attachments. This feature allows the compact excavator to carry out many more tasks that the trencher is unable to do. However, on the flip side, the trencher can maneuver faster, whereas the compact excavator cannot. Also, it is important to keep in mind that trenchers can also be multi-tasked machines. They can be fitted with a backhoe attachment, which affixes to the front end. Sometimes concrete, rocks and hard asphalt can be a real obstacle, but the boom and chain can be changed out and replaced with rock teeth and a wheel. Trenchers can be fitted with a plowing attachment and this will allow it to handle soft soil with ease, letting it plow in cables with speed and precision. In the end, the choice you make will depend upon what type of jobs you are planning to use these machines in. The compact excavator will handle certain tasks better than the trencher, and vise versa. Each has its good qualities and you will ultimately narrow the choice to fit your needs.
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