Need to rent a digging tool - what to get ?
 

So I have hand dug with pick and shovel a drainage trench , so far about 40 feet. It is approx. 16" wide and about the same depth . But my back is waving the white flag 😩 and I have about 60' more to go .

Is a mini back hoe the proper tool ? I need it to be as small as possible due to space restrictions . I am running plastic drain pipes for gutters to drain into AND use the trench for rain runoff . Will be filled with gravel . Any advice on what tool is best is appreciated as I have never done this before .......... and hopefully never will again 😁

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Rent a trencher

^^^ Good choice. Also if you are going to use the trench for drainage, get some fabric (landscaping ?) from H.D. or wherever and liine the trench with it, lay your drain pipe and fill the fabric lined trench with your gravel. Overlay the fabric over the top of the trench & spread a couple of inches of gravel on top.

If it needs to be 16" wide, I'd go with the mini excavator. A trencher/ ditch witch is only a few inches wide.

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That thing above or a small chipping hammer. Don't rent the big and heavy one jack hammer, because moving that damn thing all day will hurt but the added weight is nice as it cuts into the soil. Rent a spade or shovel bit with it. Use a narrow shovel to scope the soil out. Easy and the 60' will be done one afternoon. Its more work to shovel the dirt out then it is to dig. No more fooking pick unless you want to lose weight and get 6 pack?

https://www.tools-plus.com/bosch-rh1255vc.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAkJKCBhAyEiwAKQBCkopr9N ZJZ8LmXvfoS4ZvRW9Ci3DVaGfY_XTkM06XDEJM160KI9f6yRoC hJUQAvD_BwE

Here's the bit, get the longest one possible.

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-12-in-sds-max-type-clay-spade-bit-60414.html?cid=paid_google|||60414&utm_source=goog le&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&gclid =CjwKCAiAkJKCBhAyEiwAKQBCkhQM3uQGH6oVP_JDPpERU_Hcb XCoe8dqUcsI7vrkjNz4tHg6RveRIBoCv7MQAvD_BwE

I don't think a trencher will give me the width of cut I want . While it doesn't HAVE to be 16" wide that's what I have dug by hand so want to stay approx. the same . The lot slopes towards this trench , so when it pours a good amount of water volume is created .

There is a small backhoe commonly available with a 16” hoe that will fit a small trailer. It’s called a Terramite and it’s about the size of a sub compact tractor. It’s just what you need. A mini excavator would work too.

Check local tool rental places, find a Bobcat with a backhoe attachment..

Or do a few passes with a ditch-witch to loosen the soil and excavate by hand

Tiny mini ex like a Bobcat E10 or Kubota K008

Check your local ads for an operator that has the equipment, mini excavator or whatever, unless you already know how to use one. Space restrictions? What will you damage if you make a mistake, make sure they are insured.

Get the largest machine that will fit into the space. Always better to have a machine with enough ass to take care of the job. A machine too small is frustrating when it doesn't get the job done.

I’m lazy. Since you are looking at maybe $500 for both for a half day I’d rent a trencher and a backhoe. Two cuts with the trencher to establish the borders and then backhoe to scoop out and refill. Be done in no time and it won’t be a mess.

If you had more space I’d say just backhoe, but if it’s tight then define the edges.

This is what children are for. At least my summer vacations were spent digging footings.

Borderline job, finding a contractor to do the digging and filling with stone, vs renting.

Home depot gets $300/day for a small kubota tractor with a backhoe attachment. That's probably the smallest machine I'd use.

If you're not familiar with running a backhoe, there's a learning curve. My neighbor put one on it's side, and they had to bring out a bigger machine to right it.

I'd rent a couple of men. Other than that, I'd check with the local ads as suggested and tell the person with the equipment you are not on a tight schedule and you have cash. If he is well enough equipped, he will bring the gravel with him.

2 birds — one stone.

Compare Milt's cost to a daily backhoe rental. Assume a real laborer is as fast as you...how long did you take to go 40'?

I hired a friend of mine and he had a narrow bucket.........

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1615171327.JPG

His price for this job was only $250 but I ended up tipping him a $100 because I kept him there for 2 hours (total - an hour over what it would have taken) doing a couple other things.

You could rent a mini-excavator - worth calling for pricing - but having someone show up with their own machine - do the job - then leave - is a nice way to go as well.

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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1615171716.JPG

check your local harbor freight for:https://www.harborfreight.com/40v-lithium-ion-cordless-16-in-brushless-chainsaw-tool-only-56938.html?_br_psugg_q=chain+saw

make sure they have a coupla xtra so you can do the exchange shuffle. be sure to wreck the last one so the cost is just gas to/fro the store. for your back, a four pack of st. bernardus. that'll get you easily another 80' with no feel, no swaet.

A lot of good advice . I am concerned about learning curve vs possible damage . Finding someone with the equipment and experience with the equipment may be the best choice . Or hire one or two day laborers and go at it the old fashioned way . Thanks guys for the sanity check . SmileWavy

The learning curve is pretty smooth on a mini. Most have pattern a pattern changer so you can switch to whichever pattern feels most comfortable to you. I can run them in either pattern but my brain seems to like one more than the other. But my brain can't remember whether it's backhoe or excavator pattern it likes! I have to run it and go "nope! that's not the one". Mini ex's are easy to get the hang of.

Just rent a couple of younger guys.

Don't call them "tools" :D

I have a guy who runs Bobcats. He uses a Ditch Witch or Mustang skid-steer for trenching. It's expensive because he charges his shop rate during his travel time. But well worth it. OTOH I've seen our plumbing contractor just get a bunch of Mexicans with shovels and they did a pretty good job.

Mini ex all the way. With a backhoe you have to stop and move every couple feet. Although if only going 20 ft no big deal. With the mini ex you just back up, with the hoe you have to unseat, lift the pads move and rest.

Hire 1 or 2 young guys ... pay "them" the rental fees and avoid the hassle... tip 'em like movers :D

Just checking, you mentioned that you will fill with gravel, what is used up here is called river rock or drain rock, round stones vs rough, and intended for drainage.

Just hire somebody to dig the ditch for you, with a backhoe or trackhoe. What’s left shouldn’t take them more than 15 minutes.

Make sure you’ve done a utility locate before digging any further.

Make sure you’ve done a utility locate before digging any further.[/QUOTE]

This ^^^^^

You need to buy a 1st class return air ticket from the UK

A well stocked fridge full of beer and BBQ steaks

I'll be with you as soon as I've had my 2nd COVID vaccination :D

Haha good one 😁 . I think I have it figured out but appreciate the offer .

I am using standard # 57 gravel . I am leaving this trench exposed it runs along one side of our parking garage . And # 57 is what is in front of the garage so it looks good .

Don't forget the bags of lime. :D