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Frost conditions vary throughout the country and from year to year. An early snow might mean a well-insulated ground and little frost. But a rainy season followed by a cold snap with little snow cover could mean frost as deep as 4 ft.

With winter just around the corner, it's important to know how to equip your trenchers for whatever cold-weather soil conditions they may encounter.

Choose the right outfit
Trenching through frost can be nearly as difficult as trenching through rock. Weight and horsepower are important considerations for tackling frozen ground conditions. A ride-on trencher is viewed as the minimum for regular frost trenching.

Stu Senska at Vermeer Midwest Inc. in Aurora, IL, says the majority of trenchers rented out for winter trenching are in the 14,000-lb. and 90-hp range. "The heavier the machine and the more horsepower, the easier it is on the operator, especially if you're in frozen soils with rock, because the machine will want to bounce or buck," he explains. Minimizing the bounce with a heavier machine will also reduce wear and tear on the trencher.

Properly outfitting the chain and tooth assembly is also essential for working in frost conditions.