Technical Guide
Trenching Width Guide
Trench width should match what's going into the ground plus working clearance — not more. Here's how to think about it, and how the AFT range compares.
What Sets Trench Width?
Width is set by the pipe, cable, conduit or drainage coil going into the trench, plus any working clearance needed to lay and bed it properly. Multi-duct fibre or utility runs need more width than a single small-diameter cable. A wider trench than necessary isn't more capable — it just means more spoil to handle, more backfill material, and more surface to reinstate.
Narrow-Cut Advantages
For long fibre, utility and cable runs, a narrower cut is usually the priority — it reduces spoil volume and reinstatement cost across distance. Several AFT machines offer narrow chain or wheel options specifically for this reason, cutting as narrow as the cable or duct genuinely requires.
When Width Needs to Flex
Some jobs need more than one width along the same project — a wider trench for a primary line and a narrower one for laterals, for example. Several AFT machines offer standard, narrow and wide configuration options on the same base unit, so one machine can cover more than one width requirement rather than needing a second trencher.
Width Ranges Across the AFT Range
Sorted by minimum trench width — figures are each machine's own specification.
- Sandbander — 25–35mm
- AFT45 — 40–200mm
- Wizz Wheel 75 — 50–150mm
- HW60 — 50–200mm
- Wizz Wheel 55 — 50–150mm
- MH45 — 64–200mm
- AFTraction — 110–160mm
- AFT100 — 125–400mm
- MH100 — 125–400mm
Common Questions
Trenching Width Guide: FAQ
What decides how wide a trench needs to be?
The pipe, cable, conduit or drainage coil going into the trench, plus any working clearance needed to lay and bed it properly. Multi-duct fibre or utility runs need more width than a single small-diameter cable.
Why cut a narrower trench if the machine can go wider?
A wider trench than necessary isn't more capable — it just means more spoil to handle, more backfill material, and more surface to reinstate. For long fibre, utility and cable runs, a narrower cut reduces both spoil volume and reinstatement cost across distance.
Can one machine cut more than one trench width?
Several AFT machines offer standard, narrow and wide configuration options on the same base unit, so one machine can cover more than one width requirement on the same project rather than needing a second trencher.
Ready to Put a Trencher to Work?
Talk to the TrenchWorks team about your project, or request a quote for the right machine for the job.