Rent a trencher to easily bury pipe or cable.
When renting a trencher, look for one that can fit where you need it to go and that can dig the needed size of trench. Read our article What to Look for in a Rental Trencher for additional information.Wondering if a ride-on trencher is the right size? Read The Many Sizes and Types of Rental Trenchers.
Benefits of a ride-on trencher
When you need to dig a trench quickly and easily without disturbing the surrounding ground too much, you should consider renting a trencher. Here’s why:
- Multiple applications. You can rent a trencher to dig a trench for landscaping purposes or for burying utility lines, drainage pipes, cable and conduit or sprinkler and irrigation systems.
- Less time and effort. Digging a trench manually using a shovel would take much more time and effort than it takes to use a rented trencher.
Best practices
Almost everyone has heard about the dangers associated with chain saws. Picture then a chained blade — several times larger than a chainsaw blade — that cuts into the ground and you have a trencher. This comparison underscores the need for safety when using a trencher. The following suggestions provide information to help you use a rented trencher safely. Please review the tips below and read all manufacturer warnings and instructions. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store professional can provide you with complete instructions. Some rental stores offer how-to video instructions for information on using the equipment safely and effectively.
- Read all manufacturer warnings and instructions prior to using rented trencher.
- Secure rented trencher for transport.
- Follow safe practices when hooking up and towing a rented trencher.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Never wear loose clothing or jewelry during use.
- Always wear your seat belt when operating a rented ride-on trencher.
- Do not allow anyone to ride in a rented trencher other than the operator.
- Keep onlookers away from the jobsite while operating the rented trencher.
- Rent the appropriate trencher from your local ARA-affiliated rental store. See The Many Sizes and Types of Rental Trenchers and What to Look for in a Rental Trencher for a description of types of rental trenchers available.
- Check and, if needed, service fluid levels in the rented trencher. Shut off the trencher’s engine before refueling.
- Before use and regularly during operation, check a rented trencher’s chain tension to make sure that it is neither too tight nor too loose. If necessary, adjust its tension according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Perform a worksite inspection, taking note of all obstructions, drop-offs and steep slopes.
- Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for starting and shutting off the rented trencher.
- Only operate the rented trencher from the operator’s position or seat.
- Operate engine of rented trencher at full throttle while trenching.
- Start rented trencher before lowering slowly moving cutting parts to the ground.
- Avoid making sharp, sudden turns with the rented trencher when trenching.
- Always lower the attachment to the ground, turn off the engine and set the parking brake or use chock blocks prior to leaving the rented trencher.
- Mark the areas where you will dig.
- Before you dig, call 811 — the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number — to notify utility companies of your digging plans, so that they can send a locator to mark underground lines for free. Plan ahead, it will be a few days after calling. The exact time requirements for waiting vary by state.
Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your ride-on trencher and attachment needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.
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