Choosing the Right Trencher: Ride-On, Walk-Behind, or Stand-On?

When it comes to underground installation projects, trenchers are a time-saving, efficiency-boosting solution. Whether you're laying water lines, electrical conduit, or installing a drainage system, choosing the right trencher can make all the difference. At Pro Star Rental, we carry a range of trenchers to match your project’s size, soil conditions, and complexity. But which type should you use: ride-on, walk-behind, or stand-on?

Let’s take a look at each option, their ideal uses, and the benefits they offer.

Walk-Behind Trenchers - Compact • Lightweight • Great for tight spaces

Walk-behind trenchers are a go-to option for smaller jobs or projects in confined areas. They’re easy to maneuver and ideal for homeowners or contractors working in landscaped yards, narrow pathways, or locations where larger equipment isn’t practical.

Best for:

• Installing irrigation or sprinkler systems
• Running landscape lighting or low-voltage wiring
• Digging shallow utility lines
• Residential plumbing or drainage lines

Benefits:

• Easy to operate
• Requires minimal space to transport and store
• Fits through standard gates and narrow access points
• Affordable rental option for short-term projects

Stand-On Trenchers - Efficient • Nimble • Increased operator visibility

Stand-on trenchers offer the convenience of faster digging with the control and visibility of a platform-based design. These are a step up from walk-behind models and are often favored by contractors working on medium-sized jobs with varied terrain.

Best for:

• Residential and light commercial utility installations
• Moderate-depth trenching over longer distances
• Landscapes with slight elevation changes or obstacles

Benefits:

• Greater operator visibility and comfort
• Faster ground speed and digging efficiency
• Compact enough for tight areas but more powerful than walk-behind options
• Smooth, intuitive controls

Ride-On Trenchers - Powerful • Durable • Designed for tough ground conditions

Ride-on trenchers are heavy-duty machines designed for larger or more demanding trenching projects. They’re built for tough soil types like clay, rocky terrain, or compacted ground and allow for deeper trenching with more precision and speed.

Best for:

• Deep trenching for water, gas, or electrical mains
• Long runs of utility installation
• Commercial or industrial-grade jobs
• Rural properties and farm infrastructure

Benefits:

• High horsepower and digging depth
• Comfortable operator seating for extended use
• Handles challenging soil with ease
• Speeds up larger projects with minimal downtime

Which Trencher Should You Choose?

The right trencher depends on a few key factors:

• Project size and scope
• Soil type and terrain
• Depth and width of the trench required
• Accessibility of the work area
• Your experience and comfort level with equipment

If you're not sure which model is best for your project, our team at Pro Star Rental is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure you leave with the right equipment to get the job done right—and safely.

By Pro Star Rental Staff 10-1-2024