Skid Steer Trencher Attachment Maintenance: The Basics

Our skid steer trencher attachments are incredibly utilitarian pieces of equipment that can be used to dig trenches, irrigation ditches, ways for conduits, pipes, and utilities, and much more. They can also simply be used to loosen packed and frozen earth.

With that said, like all skid steer attachments, trenchers require routine maintenance. Here are a few basic items to observe, broken down by those that should be performed before every use versus those that fall under routine maintenance.

Before Use

The following basic maintenance items should be observed prior to every use of your skid steer trencher attachment.

Visual Inspection

The purpose of a basic visual inspection is to catch issues that might enlarge through the course of use, necessitating costly repairs.

During a visual inspection, inspect the condition of the teeth, the chain, the bearings, rollers, and boom, as well as bolts, cap screws, fittings, and all other fasteners. Replace or tighten any loose fasteners before use.

Inspect all hydraulic hoses to ensure they are free of damage. Never inspect a suspected leak with a body part. Always use a piece of paper or cardboard, as expelled hydraulic fluid can be released under enough pressure to cause grievous injury.

Tooth Condition and Chain Tension

Before use, inspect the teeth to ensure they are not excessively worn, as a state of advanced wear will adversely impact digging efficiency. Also, inspect the chain tension and ensure there is no excess sag in the chain prior to using the skid steer trencher attachment.

Using the Right Tooth Configuration for the Job

Make sure, before using your trencher attachment, that you are equipped with the right teeth for the job. Trencher tooth wear is largely a product of soil condition and using the right chain configuration, appropriately, will not only improve the performance of your machine but extend the lifespan of the chain and teeth.

Spartan Equipment offers chains with cup teeth, shark teeth for aggressive digging, as well as rock and frost chains for digging through frozen earth and rock - make sure to use the right one for the job.

After Use and Periodic Maintenance

The following items are those that should be performed either after using the skid steer trencher attachment, or as needed.

Keeping the Attachment Clean, Protecting Against Corrosion

Keeping your skid steer trencher attachment, and the chain, well cleaned and oiled will extend its lifespan by minimizing wear as well as arresting the advances of corrosion.

After use, your trencher attachment is likely going to be coated with mud. Rinse it off with a power washer to dislodge all mud and debris. Make sure to take special care to clean off all safety decals and warning labels so they are easily visible.

This part is critical as many soils are corrosive and if the soil is moisture-heavy, it can freeze in place on the chain/between the teeth, damaging it.

Oiling and Greasing

After cleaning the chain, allow it to dry, and then treat it with a machine oil or protectant which will lubricate it and seal it off to atmospheric moisture. Oiling the chain in this fashion will help to protect against corrosion which will shorten the lifespan of the chain.

Tightening/Replacing the Chain

Chain tension should be set appropriately and there shouldn’t be excess sag in the chain. Also, if the teeth are worn, always replace the chain before use to ensure efficient, optimal operations.

Chain Roller Inspection

In addition to inspecting for chain sag and condition, inspect the chain rollers, too. The tighter the chain during operation, the more wear this will incur on the rollers. If there is a scoop or groove in the middle of the roller, it may need to be replaced.

Before Storage…

Before storing your skid steer and trencher attachment for a prolonged period of time, perform another walkaround and visual inspection of all hardware, fittings, and hoses, replacing as necessary so you don’t forget before your next use.

Don’t Neglect the Bigger Picture

Our final words of parting are these: as important as skid steer attachment maintenance is, your attachments are no good if your skid steer is also not in proper working order.

Just like you have to administer periodic and routine maintenance to your attachments, you should also take care to service your skid steer as recommended by the manufacturer.

This includes but is not limited to keeping the machine clean, changing oil on a scheduled basis, and repairing or replacing tires, hardware, fittings, hydraulic hoses, and attachment parts as necessary.

Invest in the Industry’s Toughest Attachments

If your crew is not yet equipped with a skid steer trencher attachment, buy in confidence through Spartan Equipment. All of our skid steer attachments are proudly made in the United States using American steel only. If you need reliable attachments, you’re in the right place.