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“A contractor in Fargo, ND, in nice ‘potato dirt’ can likely get by with a 40-hp machine,” Kuyers comments. “But that same machine would have a more difficult time in San Antonio, TX, ‘rock’ ground where conditions are more difficult.”

To ensure a better match, Adkins encourages utilizing the expertise of the local dealer/distributor, which is staffed by locals who know the area.

“Talk to your dealer. They are the local expert who can direct you to the best machine for a given application,” agrees Kuyers. “We [manufacturers] can talk specs and provide good guidelines, but all 50 states are different. A local dealer knows the local ground conditions. Utilize that knowledge. It’s something that’s free.”

Walk-behind or ride-on?

The selection process will likely include discussions about walk-behind vs. ride-on units. Walk-behind units are a popular choice for smaller, short-run jobs, such as residential irrigation where trenches are cut relatively shallow. These models are also typically less than 36 in. wide, so they can maneuver through backyard gates.

“You may be working in tight areas, such as a zero lot line home where you’re trying to get into the backyard to replace existing infrastructure,” Kuyers says. “You need a small machine because you can’t physically fit a large one. You will have to trench slower, but you may have no other option.”