What depth can the Bigfoot 900 Trencher dig, and how do you control it accurately?
The Bigfoot 900 Trencher digs up to 36 inches deep, with adjustable skid foot presets at 24, 30, and 36 inches. The skid foot remains visible from your cab, allowing you to monitor trench depth in real time without leaving your machine. This eliminates guesswork and constant manual checking, which is critical when you're working around existing utilities or need to maintain specific depths for irrigation or drainage installations.
The preset system holds your selected depth consistently as you move forward, ensuring uniform trench dimensions throughout your project. This precision saves time on jobs where depth consistency matters for proper pipe slope, code compliance, or avoiding damage to underground infrastructure. Whether you're a contractor running utility lines or a landowner installing irrigation, the visible depth control system keeps your trenching accurate and efficient from start to finish.
Which chain type should I choose for my soil conditions?
Stinger Attachments offers three chain options for the Bigfoot 900, each designed for specific ground conditions. The Earth chain works best in softer soils and standard ground conditions where you're not encountering significant rocks or roots. It's cost-effective for general trenching in agricultural fields, residential lawns, and prepared construction sites.
The Combo chain features a 30/70 split of earth teeth and carbide teeth, making it ideal for mixed terrain where you might hit rocks, roots, and harder packed soil. This chain offers versatility across varying conditions without the full cost of all-carbide teeth. The Diggatac chain is 100% carbide teeth, built specifically for the toughest conditions including rocky ground, hardpan, and heavily compacted soil. Choosing the right chain extends chain life, reduces replacement frequency, and keeps your trencher cutting efficiently. If you work in multiple soil types, the Combo chain provides excellent all-around performance and value.
What machines is the Bigfoot 900 Trencher compatible with?
The Bigfoot 900 is designed for skid steer loaders and compact excavators up to 4.5 tons. Your carrier machine needs to provide hydraulic flow between 13 and 25 GPM for optimal performance. The trencher comes with your choice of skid steer mount or Euro global mount, which you specify when ordering, ensuring compatibility across different machine brands and models. Hydraulic couplers are included with every unit.
Before ordering, verify that your machine's hydraulic system stays within the maximum pressure of 3,500 PSI at 16 GPM and maximum flow of 25 GPM at 2,900 PSI. Operating within these parameters protects the 2K Bell Eaton motor and maintains warranty coverage. The 575-pound weight and 76-inch length are manageable for most skid steers and compact excavators in this class, providing stable operation without limiting your machine's maneuverability or requiring an oversized carrier.
How does the Headstart Crumber System improve trenching productivity?
The patent-pending Headstart Crumber System is engineered to keep excavated material flowing smoothly out of the trench as you dig. This prevents the clogs and backfill issues that slow down conventional trenchers and force operators to stop repeatedly for manual clearing. When material flows consistently away from the cutting area, you maintain continuous forward progress without interruptions.
This translates directly into more linear feet cut per hour, which matters significantly when you're working on tight schedules or billing by the job. The system reduces operator fatigue by eliminating the need to constantly monitor and clear debris buildup. For contractors running long utility trenches or installing extensive irrigation systems, the productivity gains add up quickly. You complete jobs faster, move equipment to the next site sooner, and increase your daily output without adding labor hours or machine time.
What are the benefits of the side-shift frame design?
The side-shift frame capability allows you to position the Bigfoot 900 for digging right up against foundations, walls, fences, and other permanent structures without constantly repositioning your carrier machine. This is particularly valuable on residential job sites where you're running utilities close to buildings, municipal projects with existing infrastructure, or anywhere space is limited.
Instead of maneuvering your entire skid steer or excavator to get the right trench position, you simply shift the trencher frame to dig where needed. This saves significant time on jobs with multiple obstacles or tight access areas. You reduce fuel consumption from unnecessary machine movement, complete more work per setup, and finish projects with fewer complications. For contractors working in developed areas or around existing structures, the side-shift feature dramatically improves efficiency and reduces the risk of accidental contact with buildings or landscaping.
What cutting widths are available and which should I choose?
The Bigfoot 900 is available in three cutting widths: 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch. Your choice depends on what you're installing in the trench. The 4-inch width works well for small irrigation lines, communications cables, and narrow utility conduit where you want to minimize ground disturbance and backfill requirements.
The 6-inch width is the most versatile option, handling standard utility conduit, residential irrigation systems, and most drainage applications. It provides adequate working room for pipe installation without creating unnecessarily wide trenches. The 8-inch width is ideal for larger drainage pipe, commercial irrigation mains, and situations where you need extra clearance for fittings or multiple lines in one trench. Choosing the appropriate width for your specific applications saves time, reduces material waste on backfill, and keeps your trenching efficient. Many contractors find the 6-inch width handles the majority of their projects effectively.
Is it better to own a trencher or rent one when needed?
Ownership makes financial sense when you're doing regular trenching work throughout the year. Rental costs add up quickly, typically running several hundred dollars per day or more depending on your market. If you're a contractor specializing in irrigation, utilities, or drainage work, or a landscaper installing sprinkler systems regularly, the Bigfoot 900 pays for itself through eliminated rental expenses and increased scheduling flexibility.
You control your equipment availability, maintain it to your standards, and keep jobs on schedule without waiting for rental availability. The 2-year warranty provides protection during your highest-use period. For farm and ranch owners managing their own irrigation and drainage projects, ownership eliminates the hassle of coordinating rentals for seasonal work and allows you to address maintenance needs immediately when they arise. With Forge Claw's free nationwide shipping and flexible financing options, ownership is accessible and practical for operations doing consistent trenching work.
What maintenance does the Bigfoot 900 Trencher require?
Maintenance for the Bigfoot 900 is straightforward and critical for long-term performance. Grease all fittings according to the manufacturer's schedule, typically before each use or daily during heavy operation. Check hydraulic connections for leaks before and after each use to catch issues early before they cause damage or downtime.
Inspect the chain regularly for worn or damaged teeth, and replace worn teeth promptly to maintain cutting performance and prevent additional stress on the motor and drive system. Keep the chain properly tensioned per manufacturer specifications. Clean debris buildup from the chain and crumber system after each job to prevent material from hardening and affecting performance. Monitor your carrier machine's hydraulic system to ensure you're operating within the recommended flow and pressure ranges. Following these basic maintenance practices extends the life of your trencher significantly and ensures it's ready to perform reliably when you need it for your next project.