How to Dig a Trench Fast

If you need to dig a trench quickly, especially if it is a long trench, renting a power trencher is going to get the job done. These are gas-powered tools that look similar to a push-behind lawnmower. They are capable of making thin trenches or wider trenches depending on the size of the machine and the settings. Trenchers are available at most tool rental stores and are for rent by the hour or day depending on how long you need it. These typically require some kind of transport like a pick-up truck or pull-behind trailer.

Rental trencher
Spray paint
Pick-up truck or pull-behind trailer (if necessary)

Instructions

- 1
  Contact the utility companies for your area to have the location of underground pipes and wires marked prior to digging the trench.
- 2
  Rent a power trencher from a tool rental company. Choose one built to make the size of trench required. Many tool companies offer small trenchers for laying cable or water pipe, and larger trenchers for drainage basins or other needs.
- 3
  Spray a line of spray paint on the ground to indicate the path of the finished trench. Ensure that there are no obstructions too close to the intended area like trees, bushes or other landscape items.
- 4
  Place the trencher transmission into neutral and turn the key to start the motor. Increase the throttle to the position for driving the trencher and engage the forward transmission. Walk the trencher to the spray paint line and move it back into neutral.
- 5
  Increase the throttle to the setting for trenching and activate the switch for the hydraulic pump. Release the safety lever to start the auger spinning and lower the bit into the ground to the desired depth. Put the trencher in gear and begin walking the line to create the trench.
- 6
  Monitor that the trencher is staying on course over the paint line and that the excavated dirt is being easily pushed off to the side. Adjust the throttle control to a comfortable speed for walking behind and controlling the trencher until complete.
- 7
  Put the unit into neutral, stop the auger and shut down the hydraulic pump. Drive the trencher away from the trench and examine the work to ensure it is how it is needed.

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