CIVIL CONSTRUCTION // PARTNER SOLUTIONS
SELECTING THE RIG SOLUTION Excavators are often the go-to piece of equipment for traditional excavation work, and some contractors wouldn’t think of using anything else when it comes to digging trenches and holes. However, implementing a quality piece of purpose-built machinery such as a trencher is often beneficial, leading to greater efficiency, cost savings and safety outcomes.
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xcavators have a variety of applications, from material handling and demolition, to dredging and digging trenches. But while a multi-use piece of heavy machinery can certainly come in handy on some job sites, excavators’ awkward size and lack of accuracy for specific tasks can leave contractors needing something more. While excavators are widely used and have their place for some construction applications, it is crucial for organisations to consider the impact that alternate machinery, such as a trencher, could have on project outcomes. With walk-behind, ride-on and track trenchers available, trenchers suit a wide variety of sites and tasks. According to Vermeer Australia’s General Manager of Sales, Jeff Lawson, choosing a trencher over an excavator for site work can have significant advantages, providing stability and accuracy that generally excavators cannot offer. CONSIDER YOUR TERRAIN The ability to handle different types of terrain and materials is one major reason that a trencher may be preferable to an excavator. Trenchers are capable of working with rock or tightly cemented soils in deeper trenches and can accurately cut through terrain, leaving smooth edges that are important for wall stability.
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“With a trencher, the width of a trench is always consistent. It moves less material than an excavator due to the width of the trench, but this also means it can be more accurate and leave walls that are cleanly cut,” Mr Lawson said. This type of accuracy and stability is crucial to large-scale projects such as Australia’s major pipeline networks. Vermeer’s track trencher technology has been used on these pipelines, cutting through hard rock to prepare for installation, with machines such as the T755 Commander 3 trencher offering an accurate and efficient trenching solution. “The T755 is built for long distances and heavy rock conditions, and stands firm with up to 27,215 kilos of tractive force on the ground. It also has an optional sectionalised boom with less tooth wear and reduced vibrations,” Mr Lawson said. Ride-on trenchers can also be a good option for cutting through tough rock and concrete. These are usually trencher attachments for ride-on utility tractors, making it the perfect solution for challenging ground conditions. “Vermeer’s rockwheels cut through rock, concrete and other tough surfaces easily, giving you clean, straight-sided trenches. The versatility of these machines is second to none, which is enhanced further with the addition of diverse attachments such as backhoes and backfill blades,” Mr Lawson said.
