Work smarter, not harder

This would all depend on what your application requires, i.e. depth of trench, width of trench, expected ground conditions, and what are the hydraulic capabilities of your host machine.

Once our experienced staff have these details, we will be able to offer the various options to you.

The first noticeable difference is in the chain size. The Big Foot Trencher (BFT) uses a 1.654” Pitch Chain, whereas the Big Foot XD (BFT2) uses a 2” Pitch Chain. The 2” chain and teeth being larger and are more extreme heavy duty.

The BFT has a maximum chain/trench width of 200mm. The BFT2 has a maximum chain/trench width of 300mm. Given that the BFT2 has larger chain and width capabilities, the power/torque of the BFT2 is increased by 20% over the BFT.

Please refer to our product brochures to determine which model is best suited to your application and host machine.

Our BFT & BFT2 Trenchers have been designed to give you controlled depth options:

• Mini BFT - 450/600/750/900mm.
• BFT (900) - 600/750/900mm.
• BFT XD (900) – 450/600/750/900mm.
• BFT XD (1200) – 600/800/1000/1200mm.
• BFT XD (1500) – 750/1000/1250/1500mm.

The Hydrive and Hydrive XD depth ranges from 0 – 1200mm, all governed/guided by the operator’s experience.

Yes, quite simply by loosening off the chain then locating and removing the joiner pin/link. Roll off the chain complete and replace with your smaller or larger width chain as required. Bring the ends of the chain together and replace the joiner pin/link. Retention the chain to the recommended tension as per operator manual guidelines.

Yes, you could manually remove every earth tooth, nut, bolt and spacer of your earth chain and replace these with a complete set of Diggatac teeth, nuts, bolts and spacers to reconfigure to a Diggatac Chain. BUT, given the time and effort required to do this it is far more economically viable to have a second complete chain which can be removed and replaced in a fraction of the time.

Yes, all Digga Trenchers are manufactured in our company owned facilities, guaranteeing spare parts are readily accessible.

Bear in mind the trencher is not a chain saw, but it will cut through the odd tree root. It will also cut through water, power, phone and data cables, so always consult your local services locator before commencing any trenching work.

When mounted to a SSL or CTL the operator must always operate the trencher in a reverse direction. That is with the top of the chain moving away from the operator and the bottom of the chain coming back towards the operator as it cuts through the soil always while moving the host machine in a slow, controlled reverse direction.

Crumber Bars or Scraper Bars are designed to scrape the bottom of the trench behind the chain as the trencher moves/cuts through the soil leaving a smooth flat spoil free trench.       

In some cases, such as the laying of irrigation pipes, the installer may require a soft bed of loose soil for the pipe to lay on. This can be achieved by simply folding back the Crumber/Scraper Bar for this application.

NOTE: The danger bar that the Scraper/Crumber Bar is fixed to must NEVER be removed.

If you wish to mount a trencher on your tractor, telehandler or loader, etc., they MUST always have HYDROSTATIC transmission. There are no tractors, telehandlers or loaders with conventional mechanical gearboxes that can travel slow enough for the effective operation of a trencher attachment. In hard ground conditions you may find the need to be travelling at a rate as slow as 0.075 Klm/h.

What is a hydrostatic drive?
A hydrostatic drive is a type of transmission system that typically uses fluid power, specifically hydraulic fluid, to transfer energy from a pump to a motor, enabling movement in machinery. It is commonly used in equipment like excavators, tractors, skid steers, and Mini loaders, due to its smooth and precise control over speed and torque. a hydrostatic drive is a fluid-based transmission system that excels in providing precise control, durability, and high torque.

Mostly all Digga trenchers have a Digga Planetary Gearbox fitted and do require the periodic oil change as most mechanical devises do. Consult your operator manual for direction.

Besides gearbox maintenance it is best practise to periodically check the tension of your chain and of the chain tooth wear. The teeth of the trencher are a wearpart and as such may require replacement. Your operator manual has a guide on the loss of efficiency of the chain’s performance relevant to the tooth wear.

No, the trencher chain will require the operator to physically tension the chain as required. All tooling for this is supplied on the trencher and only takes a few minutes to complete. Your operator manual has a guide on best practise for correct chain tension.