Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 06-26-2009, 06:32 PM   #1
Member
 
farmboy555's Avatar
 
Trade: Excavating Contractor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 47

Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


I have about 2500 ft 1" of water line to install. Across a pasture field, red clay dirt. Going to rent a trencher for my Bobcat with Hi Flow Hyd. How many feet should I average per Hr? What would it cost per ft to hire it done?
Just looking to something to compare my time with, when I get started on it. thanks dennis

farmboy555 is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 06-26-2009, 09:39 PM   #2
Vagitarian
 
rino1494's Avatar
 
Trade: site and utility contractor
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas, PA
Posts: 3,092
Send a message via AIM to rino1494

Re: Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


I have no experience with a trencher, but there are too many variables to answer your question.

How deep, what size skid steer, backfill and compaction ??
__________________
Life is hard. It is harder when you are stupid

Uncle Sam wants YOU....to speak ENGLISH
rino1494 is offline  
Old 06-26-2009, 10:29 PM   #3
Contractor
 
tgeb's Avatar
 
Trade: Excavation, Foundation, Concrete
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,271

Re: Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


What are you supplying with 2,500 feet of 1" water line?

By the time the water gets to the other end, I would imagine that friction will have turned a gushing flow of water to a trickle.

I am no plumbing expert but, I think you need to examine this further. Not just how long it will take to trench the line but will it work for what you have planned.
__________________
Tom

www.gebcon.com
tgeb is offline  
Old 06-27-2009, 12:44 PM   #4
Member
 
abm2958's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Posts: 37

Re: Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


With a 1" line carrying 10gpm you can figure on right around 1psi loss per hundred feet. If you are hooked to a standard 4 or 5 inch well running 40-60 psi you are looking at less than 15 psi on the outlet side when the pump kicks on.

As an example of what would be acceptable for running any type of irrigation system you always shoot for a maximum of 5 psi loss at any point for it to work effectively. If you were thinking in these terms you would need to run 2 inch water line and only suffer 2.5 psi of loss (figuring on the high end for loss through fittings etc.). If it were me I would look into running a bigger line to have useful pressure.
abm2958 is offline  
Old 06-27-2009, 01:02 PM   #5
Capra aegagrus
 
Tinstaafl's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeler
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Posts: 9,758

Re: Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


Quote:
Originally Posted by farmboy555 View Post
I have about 2500 ft 1" of water line to install.
I think you got it wrong, guys. It's 2500' plus 1".

It's that last inch that's the killer.
Tinstaafl is offline  
Old 06-27-2009, 01:47 PM   #6
Member
 
farmboy555's Avatar
 
Trade: Excavating Contractor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 47

Re: Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


I'm just doing the trenching, it for a cattle waterer. It may be a bigger line. Just pulled that size out of the sky. It will be to the ag. dept. specs they are paying part of it.
I have a S185 Bobcat/Hi Flow. Tencher is Bobcat with reg. teeth set for a 6" trench. When the rain stop's I'll find out what kind of production I can get out of it. thanks dennis
farmboy555 is offline  
Old 06-29-2009, 04:26 PM   #7
Member
 
Trencher's Avatar
 
Trade: Trenching, Grading, Drainage, Fencing, and more!
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Baton Rouge, La
Posts: 95

Re: Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


I do this for a living and the rates vary. I have a CT322 with a trencher (avatar). There are factors that decide how efficient the job can be done.
  1. Wet soil, especially wet clay, is not advisable to dig in. Gumming of the chain will slow trencher, thus heating the oil which may result in damage to seals of motor, etc. Cuttings will not shed properly either.
  2. Wet ground = less traction when trying to back up as the trencher is pulling you forward.
  3. Roots (self explanatory)
  4. Rock (self explanatory)
  5. Sand (cave back)
  6. Area of country
The above factors, as well as how deep the cut is needed, determine what I charge . My chain is 8 inches wide with a 8.5 inch cut. Figure your profit you want to make after your overhead.

As far as the size of pipe to run, at that distance, run a 2 in. line for 1000 ft. then reduce to 1 in. for the next 200 ft to minimize shock and popping if the water valve is closed abruptly.

From my experience
__________________
You don't know half, until you know all" - My quote

Fulcrum Services, LLC
www.fulcrumservicesllc.com
Trencher is offline  
Old 07-03-2009, 01:48 PM   #8
Member
 
farmboy555's Avatar
 
Trade: Excavating Contractor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 47

Re: Trenching Production & What Is Average Rate


Job All Done. I averaged 300' per hr. All went well.
Thanks dennis
farmboy555 is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?