3 Tips for Trenching a Straight Line With a Skid Steer

Whether you’re looking to create a drainage system or dig out a level spot for secure fence posts, your skid steer’s trencher is incredibly useful. Trenchers can displace dirt and rock with ease, clearing out clean, functional trenches in no time at all. These attachments are high performing, but the way you operate them can influence the quality of the results you achieve. Here are our tips for trenching a straight line with a skid steer and ensuring you get the most out of your time in the cabin.

Ensure Proper Component Connection

The aftermarket skid steer trencher attachment has a specialized design to work in tandem with the mounting plate of your skid steer machine. Hooking up these devices correctly ensures optimal control over the attachment and helps you avoid potential error as you’re trenching. So it’s vital that you know how to get your equipment as secure as possible before you operate it.

Start by disengaging the coupler and sliding the mounting plate into the lip of the attachment. When the plate sits flush with the attachment, reengage the coupler and drop the lock pins into place.

Maximize Operator Visibility

Maximizing operator visibility is also important. The ability to see your work area is vital to making sure you’re trenching correctly. It also allows you to frequently check your surroundings for safety and accuracy purposes. You’ll also need to look behind you often as you use your trencher, so make sure you can see all around the cabin of your skid steer. If necessary, use a marker or two to guide your path in a straight line.

Work Slowly and Deliberately

The most important tip for trenching a straight line with a skid steer is to work as slowly and deliberately as you can. These attachments are very efficient, but they still take time to create the results you’re after. Trying to speed through this task can leave you with not only a subpar trench but also a trench that doesn’t even follow the path you wanted. For this reason, move slowly and keep your wheels straight. That way, you’ll have a greater chance of making the trench you need.

Whether you work in the irrigation, gas, or electric industry, proper trencher operation is the key to a successful job. So make sure you use these tips as you work to maximize the quality of your results.