Digging & Trenching

LandMach · Shop by Job

Plan the cut before you choose the excavator

A drainage trench, a row of fence posts and a small foundation cut each need a different working envelope. Define the trench profile, measure the access route and plan where the spoil will go before comparing machines.

Compare equipment Plan your job Project example

QS-12J mini excavator on a compact construction site at sunrise

01 · Typical jobs

Match equipment to the task

Drainage and irrigation trenches

Record required depth, finished width, total length and the route grade. Compare a trenching bucket with the actual width required, and plan how the spoil will be handled.

Fence and planting holes

Record the hole diameter and depth, soil type and likely obstructions. Check the auger drive and bit as a combination, including the machine’s hydraulic requirements.

Small excavations and finish grading

Check reach and clearance at the deepest part of the cut. A toothed bucket suits many digging tasks, while a wider grading bucket can help finish or clean up the surface.

02 · Site checklist

What to confirm before choosing

Mark the route, confirm underground utilities through the applicable local process and identify any permit or site requirements.
Measure gates, turns and overhead clearance. Record where the machine will stand and the reach needed from that position.
Compare bucket width, digging depth, reach and swing clearance in the model documentation. Check the attachment mount and hydraulic circuit.
Decide how to stage, haul and replace excavated material. Check space for a second machine if hauling is separate from digging.

LandMach · Project example

Example project: a narrow drainage run

Before choosing an excavator, record the trench length, bottom width and target depth, then measure from the intended machine position to the far edge. Plan where the spoil goes and how it returns for backfill.

Measure the cut

Check the required depth and bucket width together.

Check the approach

Include gate hardware, swing clearance and space for the spoil pile.

Models to compare

QS-06 Mini Excavator

A starting point for shallow cuts and narrow access. Compare its listed 700 mm transport width and 1,091 mm maximum digging depth with your route and trench.

QS-12J 730 kg Mini Excavator | Narrow Access

Compare this compact excavator when the route, working reach or attachment needs differ. Check its model dimensions against the job.

03 · LandMach equipment

Explore the machines for your job

Mini Excavators

Mini Dumpers

Mini Skid Steers

Excavator Attachments guide

04 · Buying questions

Frequently asked questions

Will the listed maximum digging depth be enough?

Check the digging envelope at the reach your site requires. The machine position, bucket and work geometry affect the usable depth.

Do I need a separate machine for spoil?

A dumper can help when the spoil pile or loading point is far from the trench. Compare the route width, carrier payload and space to turn or discharge.

Can I use the same bucket for digging and grading?

It depends on the finish and cut. A narrow toothed bucket can shape a trench, while a wider bucket with a straight edge can be more suitable for finishing.

05 · Project inquiries