Micro Trenching: Installing Fibre Optic Cable
What is Micro Trenching?
Micro trenching is an excavation technique used primarily for laying utility cables and fibre optics, creating minimal disruption to existing infrastructure. Unlike traditional trenching methods that require wide and deep trenches, micro trenching involves creating narrow, shallow trenches, typically ranging from 1 to 2 inches wide and up to 16 inches (400mm) deep with a microtrencher. This method is highly efficient for urban environments where space is limited and there is a need to avoid existing utilities and infrastructure. Micro trenching is now becoming a common practice with mini excavators for laying smaller pipes and ducting for water and similar utilities, accommodating trenches up to 6 inches wide and 27 inches (700mm) deep.
When is Micro Trenching Most Effective?
Micro trenching is particularly beneficial in urban and suburban areas where space is limited and there is significant existing infrastructure. It offers several key advantages over conventional installation methods. The narrow trench significantly reduces disruption to roads, pavements and other surfaces, allowing for faster project completion and less inconvenience to the public. Additionally, the reduced trench size means less material is removed and replaced, lowering labour and material costs, making it a cost-effective solution. The efficiency of micro trenching allows for quicker installation of utilities, reducing the overall project timeline. By avoiding deeper and wider cuts, micro trenching minimises the risk of damaging existing underground utilities.
The Excavator Attachment Changing the Game - The Micro Trenching Bucket
What is a Micro Trenching Bucket?
A micro trenching bucket, or deep dig bucket as they're also known, is a specialised excavator attachment designed specifically for micro trenching applications. It features a profile narrower than a standard digging buckets, typically between 75 to 150mm or 3" to 6”, precisely engineered to create uniform trenches with minimal excavation. Due to its narrow design, the headstock of the excavator attachment is wider than the bucket profile, allowing it to remain above ground while excavating. This design allows for a longer reach to achieve the desired depths.
Best Uses for a Micro Trenching Bucket
Deep dig buckets are versatile and can be used for a variety of applications and projects. They are most commonly used for fibre optic work, which requires only a narrow trench. Additionally, micro trenchers are suitable for running water mains across sites and are very useful on farms for both water and cable work, as well as for irrigation. Golf clubs, zoos, safari parks, and other animal centres also use these buckets to run pipework to feeding troughs in barns and across fields or wastelands.
Whether you are working on a utility contract, installing new fibre optic network cables, starting a new site development, extending water mains for irrigation or animal feeding troughs, or adding or extending outdoor lighting or power, the micro trenching bucket is the ideal attachment. They are beneficial in many sectors, including nursery plantations and greenhouses, open farms, new housing developments, industrial units and washdown facilities, agriculture and animal husbandry, public open spaces, recreation and sports facilities, holiday campsites, and mobile home developments.
Benefits of Micro Trenching Bucket
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using a micro trenching bucket over a standard digging bucket is the numerous ways to save costs. Similarly to the microtrencher mentioned earlier, the main cost saving of the deep dig is in the time. Deep dig buckets are very narrow which means the digging, backfilling and remediation work to return the area to how it was before is a lot less. This means you are saving on the time taken to complete the project and also materials used, such as tarmac, concrete or whatever the top surface is. It also means there is reduced disruption time, which is particularly important when the project is located in a public area, such as across driveways, pavements or main roads.
The Design of Rhinox Micro Trenching Buckets
Rhinox micro trenching buckets are equipped with several innovative features that significantly enhance their performance and utility. One standout feature is the rhino cut-outs along the bucket shell, designed to help release compact material efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. The buckets also feature a longer shell, ensuring that the headstock of the excavator remains out of the ground while excavating. This design is advantageous as it prevents the wider headstock of the machine from interfering with the trenching process, allowing for smoother operation.
Available in widths ranging from 3" to 6" and depths of either 400mm or 700mm, Rhinox micro trenching buckets provide versatility to suit various project requirements. The 700mm depth is particularly suitable for utility installations, meeting industry standards for trench depth. Additionally, the 3" buckets come equipped with a uni-tusk tip, which maximises strength and durability, ensuring the bucket can endure demanding tasks without compromising performance. These features collectively make Rhinox micro trenching buckets an ideal choice for efficient and reliable trenching in a wide range of applications.
Rhinox Micro Trenching Bucket Size Range
Widths Available for 15" (400mm) Depth |
Widths Available for 27" (700mm) Depth |
| 3" wide, 15" depth | 3" wide, 27" depth |
| 4" wide, 15" depth | 4" wide, 27" depth |
| 5" wide, 15" depth | 5" wide, 27" depth |
| 6" wide, 27" depth |
Micro trenching represents a significant advancement in utility installation, offering a cost-effective, efficient and minimally disruptive alternative to traditional trenching methods. The excavator micro trenching bucket, enhances this process by providing precision and durability, making it an invaluable tool for modern infrastructure projects. Whether in crowded urban environments or dense utility areas, micro trenching and the specialised digger buckets are changing the landscape of underground utility installation. Rhinox micro trenching buckets are available to purchase online, and if you need support ordering or more information, please get in touch with our team, who will be happy to assist you.
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