Can I use a chainsaw to dig a trench?

Chainsaws can be modified to handle tasks like trenching, but the modifications will decrease the lifespan and performance of your saw. Many people use their chainsaws for digging trenches because it is an easy way to cut through dirt or other types of material without having to utilize any additional tools.

Can I dig a trench with my chainsaw?

In just minutes you can convert your existing chain saw to dig mini-trenches using new Mini-Trencher chains. Designed by Bill Rose, McMinnville, Ore., the chain fits most major brand chain saws. "It's designed to make small trenches for irrigation pipe and drip irrigation tubing," says Rose.

Can you use a chainsaw in dirt?

Nobody plans to run their chain saw into dirt. But when you cut close to the ground, you're just begging for a quick dip into dirt, rocks and crud. All it takes is a second in the dirt to dull the cutters. In addition to dulling the cutters, dirt also wears out the chain links faster, causing the chain to stretch.

What is the best equipment to dig a trench?

A compact excavator is one of the most efficient options for digging a trench quickly. These have a narrower footprint than any alternative option, so you need less space on the work site to accommodate your equipment.

Can I use an edger to dig trench?

An edger can be used as a trencher, but you won't get the best operational efficiency. Specifically, your depth will be very limited, and the whole project will take longer to complete. However, it's possible to convert an old edger into a mini makeshift trencher.

Trenching with a Chain Saw - A Mini DitchWitch

What can I dig a trench with?

How deep should a drainage trench be?

A drainage trench should be at least 18 inches deep. This allows you to install a gravel bed, as well as an adequately-sized pipe to carry away water. It also allows you to cover the pipe to protect it and make your drainage trench an attractive lawn feature.

How do you dig a sloping trench?

Can a chainsaw cut roots in dirt?

Chainsaws are strong equipment that will not be damaged by dirt or have the chain snapped off. Remember to leave some wood beneath the dirt. Large roots can also be removed by cutting into the ground vertically and then pulling the root out with a shovel or pickax.

Can chainsaws cut roots?

Cut Up the Roots

Use the chainsaw to slice through and break up the roots as much as you can. Be careful not to make contact with the ground as the dirt can cause damage to your chainsaw. (That's why it's important to dig out as much dirt as possible!)

What should you not do with a chainsaw?

Don't ever run while carrying a chainsaw. Do try to avoid cutting with the blade tip, this will also help avoid kickback. Do try cut below shoulder height wherever possible. This will keep a chainsaw away from your face in the event of kickback.

How wide of a trench does a Ditch Witch make?

Size. Smaller models can often dig trenches between 1 and 4 feet deep and between 4 and 16 inches wide. Larger trenchers can dig ditches up to 18 feet deep and 4 feet wide.

How wide is a trenching shovel?

How wide is a trenching shovel? Trenching shovels are narrow, with blades typically no wider than 6 inches. Some are as narrow as 3 inches.

How long does it take to dig a trench by hand?

How Long Does it Take to Dig a Trench by Hand? Allow 1 hour of work for every 10 feet (3 meters) of the trench. Although this number can fluctuate based on trench depth, soil consistency, and how many obstructions you encounter, 10 feet per hour is a good baseline.

Do trench drains need to be sloped?

When it comes to the in-floor draining system, your floors must have a slope that allows water to flow to the drain channel. It is where the pre-sloped trench drain system comes in. With this system, you need a two-sloped floor to let it work properly.

Should I put rocks in my ditch?

Lining a ditch with rock enhances any ditch. It improves water flow through the ditch, can trap trash and sediment and can reduce erosion. A properly maintained ditch lined with rock can even improve the property value of a piece of land.

How fast can a mini excavator dig a trench?

Increasing Jobsite Efficiency

A project that would take one person a full day to dig, a mini excavator could do in an hour or less.

Whats the difference between edging and trenching?

Trenching is the process of making a deeper hole to create a border on surfaces such as a lawn. If we compare it to edging, the main difference is that trenching creates a deeper hole while edging only excavates a shallow surface.

How deep can an edger trench?

The appropriate depth adjustment can range from 0.5” to 3.5” for most machines. The maximum typical cutting blade diameter for an edger is commonly 9”, which produces a standard edge cut of about 3” when set to the lowest depth.

What is the easiest way to dig soil?