DIY Trenching

Set the switch to the on position and engage the choke. Check that the hydraulic pump is off and that the blade is retracted. Put the transmission into neutral, turn the ignition key and let the engine idle for a few moments so that it warms.

Release the safety brake and put the trencher in forward gear by sliding the level into the forward position. Press the throttle smoothly and move the trencher to the location where you want to start the trench.

Lower the blade into the position for the desired depth. The blade lever allows for various height levels depending on the model of trencher used. Engage the hydraulic pump and press the throttle lever to start the trencher moving and trenching.

Walk behind the trencher and direct it over the ground where needed. The dirt is pushed to the side as it trenches to allow for easy replacement to the trench later. Lift up or apply more pressure to the throttle to control the speed of the trencher as you walk behind.

Stop the trencher from moving by lifting the throttle and placing the gear shifter into the neutral setting. Disengage the hydraulic pump and lift the blade to the fully retracted position. Return to forward drive and drive the trencher out of the way of the trench before turning it off and engaging the brake. Check the trench to make sure it is deep enough and open enough to feed pipe or conduit into.