Many types of trencher attachments exist, but only some are suitable for your project needs. To determine which attachment is the best for digging trenches, you need to understand key features, specifications and brands.
What Is the Best Attachment for Digging Trenches?
There are three primary types of trencher attachments. The first is the chain trencher, which has a chainsaw-like design. The heavy-duty chain has specialized teeth for efficient earth moving. It cuts into the ground to excavate soil, easily adapting to a range of ground conditions, from soft shale to compacted Earth.
The wheel trencher uses a circular saw blade with steel teeth rather than a chain. It is ideal for cutting through tough surfaces rather than excavating standard soil. For example, you can use it to cut through asphalt, rocky soil, frozen ground or concrete.
Microtrenchers are functionally similar to wheel trenchers. However, they cut very narrow, shallow trenches. You would use them almost exclusively to install fiber-optic cables, irrigation lines or other small-diameter utilities.
There is no absolute “best” solution. What works best for you depends on your project needs. Take microtrenchers, for instance. They work best in dense urban environments where maneuverability is limited, and you must minimize surface disruption. While chain trenchers are the best all-around option, wheel trenchers are more effective for tough ground.
Key Criteria to Consider When Picking Attachments
To find the perfect fit for your project, you must consider ground conditions, trench dimensions and product features. Adjustable frames make it easier to dig close to permanent structures, while adjustable depth control fotos help you maintain digging depth. If you have multiple chain options, you can adapt to varying soil conditions.
Beyond these specific features, seek high-quality solutions made from high-grade steel. Durability is key, especially if you plan on digging through compacted or rocky ground. Versatility is another key deciding factor. You want multiple bar depths, chain types and width options.
Compatibility with most major brands gives you more flexibility. Say your Caterpillar skid steer breaks down. Instead of buying the same model, you want to switch to Bobcat. If your attachment hooks up to both, you will not have to replace it, saving you time and money.
Ultimately, the best attachment for digging trenches is the one that meets your project’s needs. Generally, the more versatile it is, the more jobs you can take on. These factors should help you find a powerful, durable, cost-effective solution you can trust for a wide range of trenching work.
The 4 Best Places to Get Trencher Attachments
Once you understand what to look for in a trencher attachment, you need to know where to get one. Here are the four best options for construction professionals in the United States.
1. Stinger Attachments
Every attachment from Stinger Attachments is built with high-grade steel and is made in America. With its direct-to-consumer pricingframework, you do not have to pay premium prices to get high-quality goods. You can order online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It offers fast, flat-rate shipping anywhere in the continental U.S., so you will get your tools quickly.
Its Bigfoot 900 Trencher is the best attachment for digging trenches. The patent-pending crumber bar starts in the trench, eliminating the need to get out and reset it. With the adjustable depth-control foot, which is clearly visible from the cab, you can easily maintain a constant digging depth. It digs up to four times faster than an excavator or backhoe.
2. Ignite Attachments
Ignite Attachments designs attachments for compact equipment, including models from Bobcat, Caterpillar, Case, Kubota, Kioti, New Holland, John Deere and more. Most orders ship the same day — except on Saturdays — and arrive within 14 days. The typical delivery time is seven to 10 days. For orders over $99, it offers free shipping.
Its Mini Trencher boasts a 50,000-pound digging chain, a self-aligning boom and a removable double-flighted spoil auger with two cutting edges. You can remove material faster without risking clogs. If you are unsure of its compatibility, use Fit-Finder. This proprietary online tool has mapped over 10,000 machine specs, guaranteeing you will find a compatible attachment.
3. Blue Diamond Attachments
Since Blue Diamond Attachments has a nationwide dealer network, it can ship rapidly anywhere in the continental U.S. It offers attachments for excavators, tractors and skid steer loaders, all of which are Made in America. Moreover, they can dig up to four times faster than a standard excavator bucket.
Its skid steer trenchers have dirt, rock or combo chains, enabling you to move everything from soft shale to asphalt. They are available in weights spanning 200 to 1,120 pounds. The midrange option features an extended auger flighting and a spring-loaded, self-adjusting crumber to keep the trench clear, eliminating the need for extensive finish work.
4. Ditch Witch
Ditch Witch has received numerous awards for its equipment quality, product innovations and industry impact. Over its more than 75 years, it has developed numerous ride-on trencher attachments. Some are designed for vibratory plows, while others are compatible with backhoes. Its most unique offering is the MT26 Microtrencher.
Since the MT26 Microtrencher is compatible with the RT80 ride-on tractor and HX75 vacuum excavator, it may not be compatible with your existing system. However, you can get a clean, smooth trench in just one pass, lowering your cost per foot. It can create trenches as thin as 1.5 inches wide.
Methodology for Selecting Top Providers
These suppliers stand out from the rest by designing and building high-quality, reliable attachments for a range of heavy equipment. For instance, Stinger Attachments uses high-grade steel and produces every tool in the U.S. In addition, it charges competitive prices and ships orders quickly.
Ease of ordering and fast shipping are crucial. The faster you get your equipment, the sooner you can break ground. Each of these companies has an online marketplace, a large dealer network or an expert sales team, streamlining the order process.
Price, affordability and shipping costs are essential factors. Remember to consider value, not just the up front cost. You may find tools slightly cheaper elsewhere, but those companies can afford to charge less because they use lower-grade steel and do not offer warranties. Remember that quality creates value.
Comparing Your Attachment Options at a Glance
Each of the top four companies offers different types of trencher attachments, which can make comparisons challenging. A side-by-side comparison of their cutting capabilities, soil condition suitability, equipment compatibility and key features will make it easier.
| Trencher Attachment | Maximum Depth and Width | Designed for | Compatible Heavy Equipment | Key Features |
| Big Foot 900 from Stinger Attachments | 36-inch depth and 8-inch width | Dirt, rocky soil, asphalt and frozen ground | Skid steer loaders and excavators | High-grade steel and three chain options |
| Mini Trencher from Ignite Attachments | 36-inch depth and 6-inch width | Dirt and rocky soil | Compact tractors and skid steer loaders | A double-flight spoil auger and high operating pressure |
| Extreme Duty Trencher from Blue Diamond Attachments | 48-inch depth and 12-inch width | Dirt, rocky soil, asphalt and frozen ground | Skid steer loaders | A self-adjusting crumber and adjustable skid foot |
| The MT26 Microtrencher from Ditch Witch | 26-inch depth and 3-inch width | Dirt, asphalt and concrete | RT80 ride-on tractor and HX75 vacuum excavator | Swappable blades and infinite variable depth control |
Choosing Between the Best Trencher Attachments
The best attachment for digging trenches is the one fit for your project. Some excel at creating precise, narrow trenches, while others create exceptionally deep, wide cuts. If you regularly take on unique jobs, consider getting multiple tools or prioritizing your selection.