What skid steer or excavator do I need to run the Bigfoot XD Trencher?
The Bigfoot XD Trencher is compatible with skid steers, backhoes, and excavators up to 8 tons, but you need to match the model to your machine's hydraulic capacity. The XD 900 requires 16–30 GPM flow and works well with compact skid steers and smaller machines. The XD 1200 and XD 1200 Hi-Flow need 28–45 GPM, making them ideal for mid-sized skid steers and excavators with higher hydraulic output. The XD 1500 Hi-Flow also requires 28–45 GPM and is designed for machines that can handle deeper trenching applications up to 60 inches.
Before ordering, confirm your machine's hydraulic flow rate and pressure specs. Operating outside the recommended range can damage the motor or reduce performance. If you're unsure about compatibility, Forge Claw can help you select the right model based on your machine's specifications and the type of trenching work you're planning.
Which cutting width should I choose for my trenching jobs?
The Bigfoot XD Trencher offers four cutting widths—6, 8, 10, and 12 inches—so you can match the trench size to the specific pipe, conduit, or cable you're installing. For small irrigation lines, drip systems, or communications cable, the 6-inch width minimizes soil disruption and speeds up backfilling. The 8-inch width works well for standard water lines, electrical conduit, and most residential utility work. The 10-inch width is ideal for larger drainage pipes or situations where you need a bit more room for fittings and connections. The 12-inch width handles bigger pipes, heavy-duty drainage systems, or jobs where you're installing multiple lines in one trench.
Choosing the right width prevents overcutting, which wastes time on unnecessary spoil removal, and undercutting, which forces you to make a second pass. Matching the width to the job keeps your trenching efficient and reduces labor costs on every project.
What's the difference between the Earth, Combo, and Diggatac chains?
Chain selection makes a significant difference in trenching performance and operating costs. The Earth chain is designed for general digging in soft to medium soils like loam, sand, and light clay. It cuts fast and works well in most common ground conditions, making it a good all-around choice for residential and light commercial work. The Combo chain blends 30% earth teeth with 70% carbide teeth, giving you a balance of cutting speed and durability when you're working in mixed conditions with occasional rock, hard-packed soil, or roots. It's a versatile option for contractors who encounter varying ground types on different job sites.
The Diggatac chain runs 100% carbide teeth and is built for rocky, abrasive, or extremely hard-packed soils where standard chains wear out quickly. It maintains cutting performance in the toughest conditions and significantly extends chain life in environments that would chew through softer teeth. Choosing the right chain for your typical soil conditions reduces downtime, lowers replacement costs, and keeps your trencher cutting efficiently job after job.
How does the adjustable skid foot improve trenching accuracy?
The adjustable skid foot is one of the standout features of the Bigfoot XD Trencher because it locks in your digging depth and maintains that depth consistently across the entire trench. You set the skid foot to your desired depth using the preset positions—18, 24, 30, or 36 inches on the XD 900, for example—and the foot rides along the bottom of the trench, keeping the cutting chain at a constant depth. This eliminates the guesswork and constant adjustments that come with trenchers that don't have depth control.
Even better, the skid foot is visible from the cab, so you can monitor your depth and positioning in real time without climbing out to check. That visibility is a huge time-saver on every job, especially when you're working in changing soil conditions or need to maintain precise depth for utility code compliance. The result is faster trenching, fewer errors, and professional-quality cuts that meet spec the first time without rework or callbacks.
Can the Bigfoot XD Trencher dig close to existing structures?
Yes, the side-shifting frame on the Bigfoot XD Trencher gives you the flexibility to dig close to buildings, fences, curbs, and other permanent structures without repositioning your entire machine. This feature is a major productivity advantage when you're working in tight spaces or around existing infrastructure where precision matters. Instead of stopping to reposition your skid steer or resorting to hand digging for the final few feet, you simply shift the frame and continue trenching right up to the structure.
This capability saves significant labor time, reduces the need for hand tools, and keeps your crew moving efficiently through the job. It's especially valuable on residential properties where you're running utilities near homes or outbuildings, or on commercial sites where you need to install drainage or irrigation lines close to existing pavement or landscaping. The side-shift feature turns what would normally be a two-step process into a single, continuous operation, cutting down on job time and improving overall efficiency.
What kind of maintenance does the Bigfoot XD Trencher require?
Regular maintenance on the Bigfoot XD Trencher is straightforward and keeps the attachment running at peak performance. Before each use, inspect the chain for worn or damaged teeth and replace any that are broken or excessively worn to maintain cutting efficiency. Keep the chain properly tensioned according to the manufacturer's specifications—too loose and it can jump off the bar, too tight and it wears prematurely. Lubricate the chain regularly to reduce friction and heat buildup during operation.
Check all hydraulic connections for leaks before starting work, and ensure hydraulic hoses are in good condition without cracks or abrasion. The skid foot adjustment mechanism should be kept clean and free of debris so it moves smoothly and locks securely at your chosen depth setting. Periodically inspect the frame and mounting system for cracks, loose bolts, or signs of stress, and tighten or repair as needed. With this basic routine care, the Bigfoot XD Trencher will deliver years of dependable service and maintain its performance across hundreds of jobs.
Is it better to buy a trencher attachment or rent one for occasional jobs?
For contractors and property owners who trench regularly, owning a Bigfoot XD Trencher is a clear ROI advantage. Rental costs add up quickly—renting a trencher for just a few days can cost several hundred dollars, and if you're doing utility work, irrigation installations, or drainage projects even a few times a year, you'll recover the cost of ownership in a single season. Beyond the financial savings, owning your own trencher means it's always available when you need it, without scheduling conflicts, pickup logistics, or the risk of getting equipment that's been abused by previous renters.
You can also customize the attachment with the chain type and cutting width that match your most common jobs, rather than making do with whatever the rental yard has in stock. For occasional users who only trench once or twice a year, renting might make sense, but for anyone running a contracting business or managing property with regular trenching needs, ownership pays off in lower costs, greater flexibility, and the ability to take on more work without rental delays.
How deep can the Bigfoot XD Trencher dig, and which model do I need for deep utility work?
The Bigfoot XD Trencher comes in four models with different maximum digging depths to match your application. The XD 900 digs up to 36 inches deep, which handles most residential irrigation, shallow utility lines, and drainage work. The XD 1200 reaches 48 inches, covering the majority of commercial utility installations, water lines, and electrical conduit runs that need to meet code depth requirements. For deep trenching applications like main water lines, sewer laterals, or agricultural drainage systems, the XD 1500 Hi-Flow goes down to 60 inches, giving you the capability to handle jobs that would otherwise require a dedicated trenching machine or extensive excavator work.
Each model includes preset depth stops that make it easy to dial in your target depth and maintain it consistently across the entire trench. If you're regularly working on projects that require trenches deeper than 36 inches, the XD 1200 or XD 1500 Hi-Flow models are the right choice, and both come with the higher hydraulic flow capacity needed to maintain cutting speed at greater depths.
Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping on all Bigfoot XD Trencher models and flexible financing options to make ownership easy and affordable for every operation.