Front Pulling Irrigation Trencher

Irrigation Trencher Operation

A dedicated irrigation trencher is used to trench for irrigation piping. Often the trencher is configured for 2 or 3 foot high abrasion resistant boom to meet the needs of different irrigation conditions. A well designed direct drive irrigation trencher makes use of a large hydraulic motor to provide high torque. Large motor with heavy duty nose roller bearing requires less maintenance and lasts longer as there is less “shock” transmitted to the trencher assembly and chain. The chain tensioner can be adjusted easily for different chain tension required of different job conditions.


Rider type trencher is always preferred over the walk-behind trencher. During trenching the trenched material are discharged on either side of the trench. Most irrigation trencher can cut up underground obstructions like rocks and large tree roots. Some irrigation trencher can make multiple trenches side-by-side to run multiple main lines in the same trench. Specialized trencher can also trench for subsurface drip irrigation with subsurface drip blade.


For lawn or small farm owner who does not want to use machine trencher, it is always good to keep a shovel handy as part of farm implement. A 4-inch wide round point shovel with long handle would be good for use for irrigation trenching. Even if a machine trencher is used, it is still good to own a wide round point shovel to remove loose dirt dug by the irrigation trencher.