Reducing over-digging, improving cycle times and leveraging technology are key to high-performance trenching operations
By Wade Turlington, Head of Utility Products and Competence Development, Volvo Construction Equipment
In utility work, crews must constantly balance daily deadlines, ever-changing site conditions and strict safety regulations. This means there is no room for inefficient or risky choices.
So, if you’re looking to save time without cutting corners, here are three proven ways to maximize excavator trenching performance.
1. Choose the best bucket and trench shielding for the job
Using a general-purpose bucket for precise subsurface work can slow you down and waste fuel. Instead, consider a trenching bucket that is narrower and longer for clean, deep cuts. This reduces over-digging and backfilling.
You may also need to decide between rugged and smooth-edge buckets. For tough, compacted material, a heavy-duty bucket with teeth will break through more efficiently. But for softer soils or more precise work, a smooth-lipped bucket provides a cleaner result. And don’t forget the value of a quick coupler. The ability to swap attachments swiftly could save as much as an hour per shift.
Shoring and trench shielding are essential for deep digging safety, and they support speed by giving workers confidence that the walls won’t collapse and the site won’t be shut down. Make sure your trench box is correctly sized for the project and the machine’s lifting capacity. A box that’s too wide forces you to excavate extra material, wasting time and fuel.
2. Optimize spoil placement and truck loading
Regulations state that spoil piles must be placed a safe distance from trench edges to prevent collapse. When utility paths are deep, try the double-cut technique: Create a smaller pile nearby, then use the excavator’s reach to swing further out and create a secondary main pile. This distributes the spoil to reduce the risk of surcharge loads (added pressure to trench walls) and maintains bench stability and access for other people, vehicles and supplies
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Inefficient material loading and hauling is another enemy of tight timelines. Always position machines for efficiency, keeping trucks positioned close enough to the trench to minimize your swing arc but far enough away to stay safe and clear of the spoil pile. When loading a truck, start from the corners closest to the cab and work your way back to ensure even distribution and minimize truck repositioning.
3. Take advantage of excavator work modes, machine control and grade technology
Knowing when to switch between different work modes is key to maximizing production and fuel efficiency. The secret lies in the hydraulic relationship between flow (speed) and pressure (force), which is why most modern excavators are equipped with load-sensing hydraulics to automatically manage these variables and prevent engine lugging.
If you have an initial high-production phase of excavation, you’ll want maximum hydraulic flow to achieve optimal cycle times. When you get to the more precise work — grading the trench bottom or setting a pipe — prioritize pressure and control for safety and quality. These preset modes are great for eliminating the guesswork and providing the force and control most appropriate for the task at hand.
Another hallmark of utility work is an unforeseen challenge or mistake that derails a timeline. Hitting grade the first time eliminates costly and time-consuming rework. Technologies like grade control software can be hugely helpful, allowing the operator to instantly create or import a 3D design, track your bucket position in real time and achieve your grade quickly and easily. Just think about how much time is saved when you don’t have to stop the machine, climb out, check the grade with a laser or rod and climb back in. This could even eliminate the need for an additional labourer, enhancing safety while saving money.
An integrated approach to safety and success
One last tip: Daily site walkarounds and equipment inspections can go a long way in protecting people and timelines. Spotting and addressing issues before they turn into bigger problems will reduce hazards and save lots of time and money.
Ultimately, productivity isn’t just about how fast an excavator moves. It’s about accuracy, efficiency and risk mitigation. By focusing on these operational best practices, your crew will deliver the performance that your clients expect while keeping everyone safe.
