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Forum Index : Other Stuff : Homemade trencher
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
I thought I would have a go at making a light duty trencher. Something good enough to dig a trench for water pipes, etc. Officially, I wont be using it for any power cables, as they need to be 600mm deep. I picked up a rotary hoe a few months ago, motor was stuffed, so I fitted a spare Robin motor I had, and it now works fine. I'm thinking I could use this as my trencher, just remove the hoe digging blade things, and fit a trenching disc. And do it in such a way I can change between hoe and trencher and back with minimal work. The trencher will be a disc type, not chain, want to keep it simple and cheap. I bought a big round BBQ plate from the tip shop, plus some flat steel strip offcuts, for $15. I plan to drill out the center to suit the hoe, and fit digging blades made from the steel strips to the outside edge. This will give a trench depth of 250mm ( about 10 inches ). 
Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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Rastus Guru  Joined: 29/10/2010 Location: AustraliaPosts: 301 |
Hi Glenn, The idea sounds good,will it pull/dig to one side and want to make a dogleg trench? Just wondering?Cheers Rastus see Rastus graduate advise generously |
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| Gizmo Admin Group Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
Hi Rastus So far I've mounted the BBQ plate and added 2 cutters. The cutters were too deep, and it was throwing dirt everywhere, especially at me, so I'm going to shorten them so each cut is only about 10mm deep, and add 4 more, so each revolution could did out 60mm in soft soil. I also added a wood "clutch" that can slip if the load it too much. It seams fairly controllable, I think the big handles helps. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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| Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462 |
Not sure if it is good idea, but maybe you could have height adjustable wheel or slide, so you can pick depth of cut (something like mower grass height cut adjustment) As to muck thrown at you, maybe a deflector plate so it throws toward one side. George |
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| domwild Guru Joined: 16/12/2005 Location: AustraliaPosts: 873 |
Thanks, Glenn. When you find the time, then show us a few more photos as I am easily confused how the cutters and the whole setup then looks like. BBQ plate on axle, wasn't that some engineering challenge to transfer the torque? Is it a spline? Taxation as a means of achieving prosperity is like a man standing inside a bucket trying to lift himself up. Winston Churchill |
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