On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:49:05 -0600, "SteveB"
wrote:

I need to trench for sprinklers. The area is VERY sandy, amounting to sand
dunes, but with occasional rocks, big rocks, and rocks the size of
Cleveland.

I only need it to be 18" deep or so, and it will be about 800 feet or so.

What is the trenching rate for a Ditch Witch in sandy soil? I know
everything won't go perfectly, but think the sandy soil will be fast in most
areas, and I do have a couple of filled areas where it may be gravel and
small rocks.

I've never used one of these. Any hints or caveats?

Steve


I assume you're talking about a walk-behind, not a backhoe mounted
unit. I'd figure on a long weekend. You might do better, especially
if you can avoid the "Cleveland" rock.

They go pretty well, especially in soft soil. It can get exciting
when you hit a big, but not huge rock. It will lunge and buck and
then toss the rock out the side. If you hit a huge rock, it will just
vibrate and buck until you stop and reroute or dig the rock out by
hand. Gravel and small stones are not a problem.

Have you thought about using a vibratory plow or a pipe plow instead?
I'm not sure if they will go that deep, but if so, you'll have a lot
less cleanup to do afterwards.

Make sure you know the location of any utilities. The trencher is an
expensive way to find them.

HTH,

Paul F.