A bustling urban center with buildings, sidewalks, pedestrians, roads, and landscaping can make new installations seem impossible. Whether fiber needs to be installed, or utilities repaired, a major goal of these projects is minimal disruption to the existing environment.
Traditional trenchers are powerful, but require lots of space to operate, and tear up existing terrain. Although this isn’t a concern in new build areas, when working around homes, buildings, sidewalks and roads, it’s important to minimize your trenching footprint.
That’s where microtrenching comes in. Able to cut through concrete and asphalt, and fit in compact worksite areas, microtrenchers are the ideal solution for projects with an emphasis on protecting urban landscapes.
What Makes Microtrenchers Different?
While being highly compact when compared to traditional trenchers, microtrenchers still pack a major punch when it comes to digging deep and effectively. The result is a thinner, more-precise cut – microtrenchers are ideal for urban fiber installations, or utility repairs.
When cutting such a small trench, your uptime is also maximized. Crews can move through road-trenching or installation jobs faster with a microtrencher, due to minimal, targeted slices.
Why Microtrenching Fits Urban Environments
Urban projects often have an emphasis on two performance factors: minimal landscape disruption, and short project spans to decrease traffic disruptions. When your goal is quick, minimally invasive work, there are many reasons why a microtrencher can be your answer:
- A Smaller Construction Footprint: On busy roads with parked cars, active traffic, and pedestrians, a compact frame is extremely valuable. Microtrenchers are able to squeeze into a smaller space, allowing crews to finish projects faster, even on bustling urban roads and lots.
- Less Disruption for the Surrounding Community: When your trenching cuts range from only .5-2 inches, there’s less need to block off entire roads and sidewalks. This allows urban areas to remain functional, even while vital installations and repairs are made throughout.
- Faster Surface Restoration: Smaller cuts mean less time spent repairing trenches after the installation or repair work has been completed. Crews are able to restore concrete, asphalt, or turf damage faster after a microtrencher pass, when compared to traditional trenchers. A quicker wrap-up also means urban communities can get back to normal faster, without waiting for major restoration.
Build Your Microtrenching System
The Microtrencher
If compact, time-sensitive urban projects are a regular task for your crew, it might be time to invest in a microtrencher. The Ditch Witch MT16 is a great choice for installation and repair jobs in these dense, high-traffic areas.
Specifically designed and configured for the Ditch Witch RT80 ride-on trencher, the MT16 delivers powerful microtrenching performance in a compact 74-inch-wide configuration. Choose from a variety of blades, fit for asphalt, concrete, terrain, or other materials at your urban worksite.
Vacuum Excavation and Spoil Management
Even the smallest cuts can create major dust and debris, affecting your worksite and the community around it. Ditch Witch microtrenchers are designed to work seamlessly with other Ditch Witch machines, including excavators, so you can rely on every part of your system.
Microtrenchers like the MT16 can be paired with equipment like the HX75 vacuum excavator, to handle any spoils created during the digging process. Not only does this clear your worksite and increase visibility of your trench, this process also allows for easier cleanup and restoration once the trenching is done.
Small Cuts Still Need Major Safety
Despite a smaller footprint, microtrenching in busy urban areas still requires robust safety practices for your crew. When working on roads or traffic-heavy sites, make sure to take the right precautions:
- Obtain required permits and right-of-way approvals.
- Locate and mark existing utilities.
- Confirm the approved trench alignment and depth.
- Evaluate asphalt, concrete, and underlying base conditions.
- Establish vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic-control plans.
- Determine how dust, debris, noise, and spoils will be managed.
- Select the proper blade for the surface and required dimensions.
- Confirm the approved backfill, sealant, and pavement-restoration process.
Municipalities often have specific trenching specifications, especially when it comes to urban projects. For areas with buildings, roads, sidewalks, or residences, make sure you’ve covered all possible regulations before your microtrencher hits soil.
Equip Your Crew for Your Next Urban Project
With tight worksite restrictions, and even tighter deadlines, urban projects can be especially tricky for trenching crews. A microtrencher can be the solution for your next project, that requires minimal landscape disruption, and a small footprint. Maximize your uptime with a system that cuts smaller, requires less space, and makes for a faster restoration once the repairs are done.
If you’re ready to expand the minimally-invasive work your operation is capable of, it’s time to explore our microtrenchers. Models like the MT16 are ready to work with other Ditch Witch equipment, so you can get End-to-End Solutions for your next job.
Ready to invest in your future urban projects? Reach out to your local Ditch Witch West store, and get expert help choosing your microtrencher. Our team will also help you design a full system, complete with blades, excavation, and spoils management that will keep you moving.
Machine Maintenance & Repair
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to local businesses and organizations. We prioritize our partners’ success, evident in our long history of delivering top-notch equipment and providing custom-fit solutions. Trust Ditch Witch West to keep your machinery running at its best.
