How to Dig a Trench Really Fast

Digging a trench is an easy process. Digging one quickly adds an extra layer of complexity. Besides hiring a large workforce to dig the trench, the only way to dig a trench really fast -- literally digging up a foot of dirt every minute -- is to use the right equipment. The equipment you use and the approach you take depends on the type of trench you need, the equipment you have access to and the amount of money in your budget.

Instructions

- 1
  Rent a chain trencher to dig large stretches of trenches. These machines act like a chain saw and dig the dirt out with a chain. It works well for digging through hard soil.
- 2
  Loosen the soil along the trench path with a rototiller before digging the trench. Remove the soil with a trenching shovel. Use a trenching hoe to level out the bottom.
- 3
  Buy a disc or blade trencher for smaller jobs around your property. These machines use a blade that digs holes between 80 and 200 millimeters. It transports easily and is usually the least inexpensive trenching machine on the market.
- 4
  Rent or purchase a turf cutter if you intend to dig a trench under any grass. They are hand-operated and allow you to replace the sod after you fill in the trench, but cut relatively shallow trenches.

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