What size trenches can the Mini Bigfoot Trencher cut and what applications is it best suited for?
The Mini Bigfoot Trencher cuts trenches up to 36 inches deep in three width options: 4 inches, 6 inches, or 8 inches. This range covers the majority of common residential and light commercial trenching applications including irrigation line installation, underground electrical service runs, communication cable placement, drainage systems, and utility repairs. The adjustable skid foot provides preset depth stops at 18, 24, 30, and 36 inches, allowing you to maintain consistent depth throughout the trench without constant measurement.
The 4-inch width works perfectly for single utility lines and small irrigation mains, the 6-inch width accommodates most standard residential utility installations, and the 8-inch width handles larger pipe or situations where you need extra clearance around the line. Contractors appreciate the precision of narrow trenching because it minimizes landscape disruption, reduces backfill material costs, and speeds up restoration work after installation. Whether you're a landscaping company installing irrigation systems, a utility contractor running service lines, or a property manager handling underground repairs, this trencher delivers professional results without the expense and logistics of renting larger equipment for every job.
How does the side-shift frame feature work and why does it matter for trenching work?
The side-shift frame allows you to move the cutting chain laterally relative to your carrier machine, which is invaluable when trenching close to buildings, foundations, walls, hardscaping, or other permanent structures. Instead of positioning your mini skid steer dangerously close to a structure and risking collision damage, you keep the machine at a safe distance and shift the trencher attachment to position the chain exactly where you need it. This capability transforms jobs that would otherwise require extensive hand digging or risk property damage.
Landscapers working around established homes appreciate being able to run irrigation lines along foundation walls without tearing up more lawn than necessary or threatening the building itself. Utility contractors installing service lines to outbuildings can work efficiently in tight spaces between structures. The side-shift function also improves operator visibility and control because you're not constantly repositioning the entire carrier machine to maintain trench alignment. On finished properties where every square foot of undisturbed turf matters, the ability to trench precisely along property lines, fence lines, or hardscape edges without widening your working corridor saves significant restoration costs and keeps customers satisfied with minimal disruption.
What's the difference between the Earth, Combo, and Diggatac chain options and which one should I choose?
Stinger Attachments offers three chain configurations to match different soil conditions and budget considerations. The Earth chain features standard teeth designed for general digging in softer to moderate soil types including loam, sandy soil, and clay without significant rock content. It's the most economical option and works well for the majority of residential trenching in typical soil conditions. The Combo chain runs a 30% earth, 70% carbide tooth mix that balances versatility with enhanced cutting power for variable conditions where you might encounter roots, occasional rocks, caliche, hardpan layers, or mixed soil compositions.
The carbide teeth maintain their edge longer in abrasive conditions while the earth teeth keep costs reasonable. The Diggatac chain features 100% carbide teeth designed for the toughest trenching conditions including rocky soil, heavy clay, shale, root-laden ground, or situations where standard chains wear out quickly. While the initial investment is higher, the Diggatac chain pays off through extended service life and maintained cutting speed in challenging conditions. Consider your typical job sites when selecting a chain. If you primarily work in residential landscapes with prepared soil, the Earth chain delivers excellent value. Contractors working across diverse sites or in areas with rocky native soil benefit from the Combo or Diggatac options that maintain productivity regardless of what's underground.
What mini skid steer specifications do I need to run the Mini Bigfoot Trencher effectively?
Your mini skid steer or walk-behind loader needs to deliver hydraulic flow between 13 and 25 GPM to operate the Mini Bigfoot Trencher effectively. The attachment's 2K Bell Eaton motor is designed to work within this flow range while producing up to 34 continuous horsepower for professional-grade cutting performance. Your machine should not exceed 3,500 PSI at 16 GPM or 25 GPM at 2,900 PSI to prevent damage to the hydraulic motor. The trencher weighs 320 pounds, which is well within the capacity of most mini skid steers including Bobcat MT series, ASV units, Terex models, PT30 and RC30 machines, and similar walk-behind loaders.
Before purchasing, verify your machine's hydraulic flow specifications in the operator manual or contact the manufacturer. Most compact carriers in this class provide sufficient flow, but confirming compatibility prevents performance issues. When you order from Forge Claw, you'll specify your exact machine model so the correct universal mount configuration ships with your trencher. The attachment includes hydraulic couplers, so you're ready to connect and start working as soon as it arrives. If you're unsure about compatibility with your specific machine, contact Forge Claw before ordering and we'll verify that the Mini Bigfoot matches your carrier's specifications and mounting system.
How does owning a trencher attachment compare to renting equipment for trenching jobs?
Owning the Mini Bigfoot Trencher gives you scheduling control, eliminates rental logistics, and allows you to capture trenching revenue instead of subcontracting that work. Rental costs for trenching equipment typically run several hundred dollars per day, and you're constrained by the rental company's availability and return schedule. If weather delays your project or the job takes longer than expected, rental fees continue accumulating. When you own the attachment, you schedule trenching work at your convenience without coordinating rental pickup and return times. You can tackle trenching portions of jobs as soil conditions permit without committing to full-day rental periods.
The financial equation shifts quickly in favor of ownership once you're performing regular trenching work. A landscaping company installing even a dozen irrigation systems per season covers the attachment cost through eliminated rental fees and the ability to quote complete installation packages. Utility contractors and property management operations running underground services regularly benefit even more dramatically. Beyond direct cost savings, ownership means the equipment is always available when opportunities arise. You can take on emergency repair work, add trenching services to existing contracts, and respond to customer needs immediately rather than explaining rental wait times. Equipment sitting in your yard ready to work generates more revenue than scheduling around rental availability.
What maintenance does the Mini Bigfoot Trencher require to keep it running reliably?
Regular maintenance keeps the Mini Bigfoot Trencher operating reliably season after season and prevents costly repairs from neglect. Before each use, check chain tension and adjust according to Stinger Attachments' specifications—proper tension prevents premature wear on drive components and maintains cutting efficiency. Inspect hydraulic connections for leaks and verify coupler condition, replacing worn or damaged fittings before they fail during operation. After each use, particularly in sticky clay or wet soil conditions, clean debris from the crumber system and frame to prevent buildup that interferes with spoil removal and chain movement.
Monitor chain tooth wear throughout the season and replace chains before they're completely worn down, which maintains cutting speed and prevents damage to the drive sprockets and motor. In abrasive or rocky conditions, chains wear faster and require more frequent inspection. Check the adjustable skid foot mechanism periodically to ensure smooth operation of the depth preset system. Store the trencher out of weather when not in use to extend component life and reduce corrosion on hydraulic fittings, chain components, and the motor housing. Proper winter storage in a dry location prevents freeze damage to trapped moisture in hydraulic lines. Following these straightforward maintenance practices maximizes your investment and ensures the trencher is ready to perform whenever you need it. Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and stands behind every Stinger Attachments product with manufacturer support.
