Trencher manufacturers are leveraging smart technology to help underground utility contractors tackle two of their biggest productivity challenges: workforce development and equipment downtime.
“The typical operator is running this type of equipment eight hours a day,” said Karly Rupp, Heavy-Duty Tractors Product Manager at Ditch Witch. “They must be able to do it comfortably and efficiently.”
From automation and precision steering to telematics and intelligent attachments, here’s a look at the tech-enabled trencher features making a major impact on underground jobsites.
Accuracy and Ease of Operation
Ditch Witch has introduced several technologies designed to boost operator productivity and confidence. Originally launched on its RT70 Ride-On Trencher, many of these features are now available on the company’s flagship heavy-duty models: the RT125 Ride-on Trencher and RT125 Quad Ride-On Trencher.
Crab steering mode is one standout. Electrically controlled via software, this mode allows the operator to move the tractor diagonally—turning all four wheels in the same direction at the push of a button. This was previously a more manual, complex task.
“Crab steering mode is a great feature when you have to start trenching in a tighter space,” Rupp said.
Once out of a confined area, the operator can seamlessly switch back to standard steering.
Another steering-enhancing feature, coordinated steering mode, enables the front and rear wheels to turn in opposite directions, dramatically tightening the turning radius and improving maneuverability.
Vermeer has made similar strides in its RTX1250 Ride-On Tractor. One key advancement is Productivity Zone.
“This feature identifies the ideal engine RPM operating range and automatically adjusts ground speed to maintain peak performance in that range,” said Nick Olsen, Product Manager at Vermeer.
Another Vermeer innovation, Auto Plunge, assists operators in starting a trench. Instead of manually coordinating boom lowering and forward creep, the system automates the process for smoother starts.
“The system automatically controls the rate at which the boom is lowered into the ground while smoothly starting the forward movement,” Olsen explained.
Vermeer also offers TrenchSense, available on the RTX1250 as well as the RTX450 Ride-On Tractor, RTX550 Ride-On Tractor, and RTX750 Ride-On Tractor. This electronic control system helps prevent engine or digger chain stalls in tough digging conditions.
“TrenchSense automatically pauses the tractor’s forward creep speed, and then automatically reverses the ground drive to back the machine up slightly,” Olsen said. “Following this, it resumes the digger chain motion and automatically restarts the forward movement to continue trenching.”
Ditch Witch provides a similar anti-stall solution. When engine load increases due to rock or debris, its system stops ground drive. The operator can then simply press a button to clear the chain and continue working.
Another Ditch Witch feature, the Trench Depth Meter, uses position sensors to track the distance trenched and depth in real-time. This information is displayed in-cab, removing the need for manual measurement.
“If an operator doesn’t have a lot of experience trenching, maintaining trencher depth can be a challenge,” Rupp said. “Trench Depth Meter improves accuracy and increases productivity.”
Vermeer’s Auto Stabilizer for rockwheel attachments also improves trenching consistency by automatically adjusting pressure to maintain steady cutting performance.
“It helps the rockwheel cut efficiently and contributes to creating a consistent trench depth and width, enhancing overall productivity and potentially extending the life of the cutting teeth,” Olsen said.
Telematics is Transforming Fleet Management
Telematics continues to reshape how contractors manage trenching equipment.
“Until just a few years ago, you were mainly talking about engine data,” Rupp said. “Now equipment owners are looking to really take advantage of additional service and diagnostic information, and also track things like utilization, fuel consumption, and productivity.”
Ditch Witch’s Orange Intel telematics platform is standard on the RT125 models and optional on the RT70.
Vermeer’s telematics solution, Vermeer Fleet, is available on current RTX models and integrates with the VermeerOne digital platform.
“This immediate access to machine performance and status information helps improve fleet oversight, optimize service scheduling, monitor utilization, and enhance security,” Olsen said.
These systems often rely on modern CAN bus electronic architecture for efficient machine communication and diagnostics.
“This standard electronic architecture is crucial,” Olsen noted. “It simplifies wiring and enables efficient communication between the engine, hydraulics, controls, and display.”
Tech-Enhanced Trenching Attachments
For contractors using skid steers or compact track loaders (CTLs), trencher attachments offer a cost-effective way to dig efficiently—especially with tech enhancements improving compatibility and control.
“Trenchers themselves are pretty straightforward by design,” said Lee Padgett, National Product Manager at Takeuchi-US. “But current technology on our CTLs makes using a trencher safer and more efficient.”
Takeuchi offers three trencher attachments for CTLs with operating capacities of 1,500 pounds or greater. Key features on these CTLs include creep mode/speed control, which allows precise, steady trenching in tight or congested areas.
“The operator can set the CTL to a steady, slow travel speed with full hydraulic power going to the trencher,” Padgett said. “The trench stays smooth and uniform, and the operator can focus more on steering and watching for obstacles.”
Bobcat offers nine trencher attachments compatible with excavators, track loaders, skid steers, and other compact equipment. One key feature, Side-Shift, allows operators to trench close to structures or fences.
“Bobcat has not made significant changes to trencher attachments in recent years,” said Rob Reister, Senior Product Specialist for Attachments at Bobcat. “But when coupled with Bobcat compact loaders, there is much to talk about.”
Among those features:
- Speed Management: Adjusts machine drive output in 1% increments to match optimal trencher performance.
- Drift Compensation: Allows operators to tweak left/right motor output to keep trenching straight.
- Jobsite Awareness System: A concept system that detects obstacles and either alerts the operator or stops the machine automatically.
“Since trenchers are operated with the machine traveling in the reverse direction, this is a feature that can assist in alerting the operator to obstacles on the jobsite,” Reister said.
Backup cameras also enhance visibility when trenching in reverse and navigating crowded sites.
Like dedicated trenchers, compact loaders also benefit from telematics platforms.
“With systems like our Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM), fleet managers can monitor how much time each machine has spent trenching, how hard the hydraulic system has been working, and even the performance of the trencher attachment itself,” Padgett said.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re using ride-on trenchers or compact loader attachments, today’s tech-driven features are changing how underground utility contractors work—making trenching more precise, intuitive, and efficient.
By improving ease of operation, reducing downtime, and helping address workforce shortages, smart trenching equipment is clearing the way for more productive and profitable jobsites.
See Advancements Like These In Action
You can see these trenching innovations in action — and explore the latest equipment and technology from Ditch Witch, Vermeer, Bobcat, Takeuchi, and other leading brands — live and up close at The Utility Expo 2025, taking place October 7-9, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A.
It’s the industry’s largest event for utility professionals, where hands-on equipment demos and expert insights come together in one place. Don’t miss the opportunity to test, learn, and connect with the top names shaping the future of underground utility construction.
See the full list of companies that will be exhibiting at The Utility Expo 2025, check out our full Exhibitor Directory.
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