SSL trencher attachment vs ditch witch trencher

[davejo]

What is living with a SSL trencher attachment like compared to an actual ride on ditch witch trencher. I'm beginning to dislike SSL attachments in general due to the hassles of exiting the machine as I work projects solo.

Seems like used examples of both can be had for 2500-3000 bucks. Rentals of both are available, too. I work whenever I get a chance but not on a set schedule and we're talking 1800 feet of waterline buried 30 inches

 

[ianjoub]

All SSL attachments are a compromise. How many power heads do you want to keep running?

 

[Tags]

I would think a dedicated trencher will always work better than an attachment, but I think with a trencher, production really depends upon your soil conditions. I've never used a trencher attachment on a skid steer, looks like a great idea, but with the amount of rock and hard pan in my area I imagine it's just going to self destruct....

 

[davejo]

I guess I should have stated that I'm also under the assumption that a trencher would be less destructive to the pasture than my backhoe. I have very limited backhoe experience so far and I want to avoid future depression where the trench is backfilled. We do have some big rocks lurking below...

 

[Jonas302]

Lots of variables I've used both and they pull a real nice trench in the right conditions 1800 feet is a long ways to back a skidsteer in a strait line At home with clay, hardpan and some rocks worked great 20 miles away in sand cant keep the trench open