Here at GeoTrencher, we believe that the best products are built to last. Our range of trenchers are designed to be hardy and resilient and we want our customers to be able to rely on them. Whether you invest in a handheld trencher or a cart-based one, you should be able to trust that it will keep running smoothly for a long time. 

However, like all things in life, trenchers don’t last forever. They’re involved in heavy-duty work and age will catch up with even the best ones. With a bit of care and attention though, you can extend the lifespan of a trencher and keep it in top shape longer than you might expect. We’ve put together a few tips on how to do this, so if you’re looking for advice on how to look after a trencher, read on. 

Basic Care

Trenchers benefit from consistent care. Every single time you use a trencher, it’s worth checking it and conducting some routine maintenance before you turn it on. This doesn’t mean you’ve got to replace the chain or motor each time, but even giving it a quick examination goes a long way. Look for signs of wear and tear, ensure that all the components are in place and in good condition and watch out for damage to the teeth. If you share your trenching equipment with other people (on a building site for instance), someone else could have used it with your awareness and there’s no guarantee they’ve not made a mistake somewhere. Trenchers are potentially dangerous if used while damaged, so always check before using one. 

Don’t just examine your trencher before use though. Try to get into the habit of checking your trencher – and indeed, all of your work tools and equipment – and conducting basic maintenance as and when required. The chain, teeth and sprocket components may have to be replaced and keeping them in good condition will ensure your trencher lives longer. It’ll be more suitable for the work too. Pay particular attention to the chain; if it hangs loose or is overly tight, adjust the tension as necessary. 

Oil, Grease And Cleaning

Aside from that, it’s also worth keeping your trencher clean. This might seem like a superficial requirement, but scrubbing out the dust and debris does more than make the trencher look nice. Dirt can build up in nooks and crannies and too much of it can impair the machinery. 

Consider lubricating it as well. Trenchers have moving parts so try to grease them lightly and frequently. If you notice the sound of metal grinding against metal while working, be sure to apply more. Lastly, remember to change the oil. Just like in a car’s engine, draining and replacing the oil can do wonders for a trencher’s lifespan and it only takes a few minutes. 

Follow these tips and you’ll get more use out of your trencher in the long run. It doesn’t require much effort and can have a significant impact. And of course, if you’ve noticed that you need a new chain or you could do with a handy maintenance kit, you can always visit our online shop. Have a browse, see if anything catches your eye and contact us if you’ve got any questions.