Meet The Trencher Family On Boom&Bucket

9 Min read

Caleb Woods

Caleb Woods

Content Specialist, Boom & Bucket

January 20, 2024

Welcome to the world of trenches, where ancient bread plates meet futuristic construction marvels! Imagine when your dinner plate doubled as a shovel – medieval multitasking at its finest. Fast forward to today, and we've traded stale loaves for cutting-edge trenchers, the unsung heroes of modern construction sites.

But wait what's a trencher, you ask? No, it's not the latest superhero or a new snack sensation. A trencher is a powerhouse machine designed to dig trenches with the finesse of a master chef slicing through veggies, only it's slicing through dirt instead. Picture a giant mechanical beast with an insatiable appetite for earth, tirelessly carving out the groundwork for pipelines, cables, and drainage systems.

You might be wondering why a trencher is the VIP of construction sites. Well, it's not just because it looks cool (although that's a bonus). Trenchers are the backbone of efficient and speedy excavation, saving us from the days of back-breaking manual labor. They're the unsung heroes, the diggers of progress, and without them, construction sites would be stuck in a perpetual game of dirt Jenga.

So, buckle up for a journey into the fascinating world of trenchers – where history meets innovation, and a machine with a voracious appetite for digging steals the spotlight on every construction stage. Get ready to dig deep into the dirt, because we're about to unearth why trenchers are the essential rockstars of the modern construction scene!

Meet The Trenchers

Here's the lowdown: Trenchers create trenches that are clean, tidy, and ready. Think of it like the Marie Kondo of construction – sparking joy with every smooth, flat-bottomed trench and walls so sleek they'd make a runway model jealous.

On the flip side, excavators are more like abstract artists. Sure, they can dig, but their ditches are a bit wilder – wider at the top, narrower at the bottom.

Trenchers are the speed demons of the duo, racing through tasks like they're in construction. They're the go-to for straight and smooth trenches, making them the best when precision is the name of the game. Excavators, on the other hand, are versatile pals who can handle different terrains and even tackle sloped trenches like it's a walk in the park.

Toro TRX-20

Meet the Toro TRX-20, the pocket-sized powerhouse that's ready to redefine your trenching game. Don't let its modest size fool you – this walk-behind trencher is armed with a robust 20 HP Kawasaki® FS481V V-Twin engine, making it a force to be reckoned with in the world of compact construction machinery.

Engine Specs:

Engine Type: Kawasaki® FS481V, V-Twin

Power Output:  20 HP (15 kW)

Capacity With 1.7 liters (1.8 quarts) of engine oil at its disposal, the TRX-20 is geared up for extended trenching sessions without breaking a sweat.

Compact Design, Mighty Performance

Dimensions: The TRX-20 measures 92.6" long, 33.8" wide, and 46" high, making it a nimble and maneuverable companion on any job site.

Weight: Despite its small stature, this trencher boasts a solid 1133 lbs operating weight, providing stability and control in tight spaces

Digging Precision

Trench Depth: Whether you're going shallow or deep, the TRX-20 has you covered with an adjustable trench depth ranging from 0 to 36 inches.

Trench Width: With a slender 6-inch trench width, this Toro model excels in creating precise and neat trenches for various utility installations.

Hydraulic Efficiency

Hydraulic System: The TRX-20 flaunts a hydraulic system designed for maximum digging efficiency, operating at an impressive 2,900 psi.

Flow Rate: With a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute (38 liters per minute), it's a fluid dynamo ensuring a steady and reliable workflow.

Compact yet formidable, the Toro TRX-20 stands tall in the realm of walk-behind trenchers, proving that size is no obstacle when it comes to delivering power and precision in construction tasks.

Ditch Witch RT45

Get ready to ride into the trenches with the Ditch Witch RT45, a formidable ride-on trencher engineered to conquer the depths with ease. Designed for digging trenches of 4–5 feet, this trenching marvel is equipped with a 49-hp Deutz diesel engine and a high-torque digging chain motor, ensuring it's ready to tackle the toughest soil conditions.

Engine and Maintenance

Engine Type: The RT45 boasts a 49-hp (36.5-kW) Deutz diesel engine, emphasizing both power and efficiency.

Maintenance Focus: Engine design prioritizes minimal maintenance, allowing operators to focus on the task at hand.

Performance in the Trench

Trench Size Range: Tailor your trenches with precision, thanks to the RT45's capability to dig trenches ranging from 4 to 5 feet (1.2–1.5 m).

Digging Chain Speed: With a robust 2,600 rpm engine speed, the digging chain sets a pace of 460 feet per minute (140 m/min), ensuring efficient trench creation.

Sturdy and Comfortable Design

Operating Weight: Weighing in at 5,375 lbs (2438 kg), the RT45 strikes the perfect balance between robust construction and maneuverability.

Operator Comfort: Crafted for operator productivity, the RT45 provides a comfortable and ergonomic workspace, making long hours in the trench more manageable.

The Ditch Witch RT45 isn't just a trencher; it's a rider's dream come true for tackling construction projects that demand precision and power. With its powerful engine, versatile trenching capabilities, and operator-focused design, the RT45 stands tall as a reliable partner on any job site.

Vermeer RT450

Get ready to witness the prowess of the Vermeer RT450, a ride-on tractor trencher that doesn't just dig trenches – it masters them with finesse. Weighing in at 4,507 lbs with rubber tires (or a brawny 6,205 lbs with tracks), this trenching beast is a force to be reckoned with on any job site.

Engine and Maintenance

Engine Type: 42.2 gross and 41.7 net horsepower at 2800 RPM

Maximum Torque: Power through tough soil with a maximum torque of 101 ft-lb.

Performance in the Trench

Trench Size Range: The RT450 showcases its versatility by trenching up to 60 inches deep and 12 inches wide.

Digging Chain Speed: Traction meets precision with hydrostatic 4-wheel drive, ensuring control in various terrains.

Sturdy and Comfortable Design

Operating Weight: 3,380 lbs. However, the weight can vary depending on the machine's configuration and attachments. 

Operator Comfort: The Vermeer RT450 trencher bucket seat has foam cushions for operator comfort. The seat is made of waterproof vinyl and has a central drain hole to prevent water build-up. The seat also has slide rails with 6 inches of travel. 

Some Vermeer ride-on tractors have operator seats that swivel 90 degrees for a better view of the rear attachment. The RT450 is a hydrostatic riding trencher/plow designed for ease of operation. 

The Vermeer RT450 is not your average trencher; it's a symphony of power, precision, and versatility. With its robust engine, compact design, and ability to conquer trenches with ease, the RT450 is the go-to choice for those who demand nothing but the best in ride-on tractor trenchers.

Vermeer RTX1250

Get ready to redefine your expectations with the Vermeer RTX1250, a ride-on tractor that's not just a machine; it's a powerhouse of versatility. This dynamic piece of equipment is designed to accept various attachments, making it a go-to solution for a range of tasks, from trenching to plowing and everything in between.

Engine and Maintenance

Engine Type: Experience a surge of power with the RTX1250's 120-horsepower engine.

Maintenance Focus: Engine design prioritizes minimal maintenance, allowing operators to focus on the task at hand.

Performance in the Trench

Trench Size Range: RTX1250 means business it is also capable of trenching up to 72 inches deep and 18 inches wide.

Digging Chain Speed: With a robust 10.2 mph 16.4 km/h ensuring efficient trench creation.

Sturdy and Comfortable Design

Operating Weight: Embrace lightweight maneuverability with a mere 1182 lbs (536 kg).

Operator Comfort: Adapt to any job with the ability to accept trencher, plow, rock wheel, or backhoe attachments.

The Vermeer RTX1250 isn't just a ride-on tractor; it's a versatile workhorse tailored for the demands of the job site. With its impressive specifications, dynamic engine, and the ability to accept a variety of attachments, the RTX1250

In the exciting world of trenchers, where history meets innovation, we've transitioned from medieval bread plate multitasking to cutting-edge trenching marvels. 

Trenchers, the unsung heroes of construction, are giant mechanical beasts with an insatiable appetite for earth, shaping the groundwork for pipelines, cables, and drainage systems.

These powerhouses come in various shapes and sizes, each with its unique strengths. Toro TRX-20, the pocket-sized dynamo, packs a punch with a 20 HP Kawasaki® engine. Its nimble design and hydraulic efficiency make it a go-to for precision trenching, proving that size is no obstacle to delivering power in construction tasks.

Ditch Witch RT45, the ride-on trencher, is a formidable force with a 49-hp Deutz diesel engine. Designed for efficiency, it balances robust construction with operator comfort, providing stability and control in tight spaces.

Vermeer RT450, a ride-on tractor trencher, redefines versatility with a 42.2-horsepower engine. Capable of trenching up to 60 inches deep, it offers a symphony of power, precision, and comfort for those demanding the best in ride-on tractor trenchers.

Vermeer RTX1250 takes versatility to the next level, accepting various attachments for a range of tasks. With a powerful 120-horsepower engine, it trenches up to 72 inches deep, combining lightweight maneuverability with dynamic specifications.

In conclusion, these trenchers aren't just machines; they're dynamic solutions tailored to diverse construction needs. From compact walk-behinds to ride-on powerhouses, each member of the Trencher family plays a vital role in shaping the modern construction scene. So, whether you need precision, power, or versatility, there's a trencher ready to steal the spotlight on your job site.

Caleb Woods
Caleb Woods

Caleb Woods is an experienced content specialist and an editor at Boom & Bucket, blending his journalism background with expertise in the heavy equipment industry. He delivers engaging, informative content to help professionals stay informed and make smarter decisions in the machinery market.

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