Do it Yourself Power Trenching

Check with utility companies before digging to verify that you won't interfere with gas lines, electrical lines and any other buried utilities. In some states, you can dial 811 to make the inquiry.

Clear the trenching area of any stray objects and debris. Maintain a clear trenching zone to avoid equipment malfunction and injury.

Open the throttle, turn the ignition switch to on and wait several seconds to prime the engine. Pull the chain to start the engine.

Use the plow lift lever to raise and lower the plow and the trencher lever to raise and lower the trencher boom. Typically, these levels will be colored differently to distinguish them. Consult the trencher's manual for details on which lever operates which function.

Activate the digging chain control, starting with a low speed, so the digging chain is rotating around the boom.

Lower the boom slowly to the soil. Increase power as needed in the case of firm or resistant ground or deeper cuts.

Move backward as you trench. If you move the machine forward while trenching, you will end up filling the trench with the soil you have just displaced.

Proceed in this fashion until you have completed the trench according to the specifications of your project.

Return the trencher controls (boom, plow, etc.) to their neutral position, shut off the engine and apply the parking brake when finished trenching.