Best Poly Pipe Layer Attachments for Trenching: Recommendations and Experiences

Question:

Hey there, I recently received a project that requires laying down approximately 3000 meters of 19mm (3/4") polyethylene pipe at a depth of around 100mm (4") through both lawn and sand. I currently have a Vermeer trencher, but I feel like it might be too much for such a small trench. Has anyone had any experience using a poly pipe layer attachment, which appears to be a single tyne ripper with a mechanism for feeding the poly pipe at the bottom of the trench? Dingo is one company that sells these attachments, but I'm not sure about others. I have a Thomas 35gt or a BC 763 that I could potentially attach to the attachment. Thanks! - Bruce

Top Replies

Ag poly was frequently installed using a unique method that involved laying it for miles on end. A specialized boot ripper, typically attached to a 3 point linkage at the rear, was custom-made with an OD clearance layout tube that ran down and curved out behind the ripper. Additionally, a jenny was specifically designed to hold the poly roll, usually mounted at the front of the machine with the pipe extending over the top. Unfortunately, I no longer have any pictures available.

Bobcat offers a vibratory plow attachment for their compact tracked machines. It is likely that Dingo also has a comparable attachment available. Alternatively, you could use a ripper behind a tractor, but this may not be effective in hard or rocky terrain. In such conditions, it is recommended to first rip the ground without the pipe, then go back and lay the pipe in the same rip. These attachments can typically be purchased from a pipe retailer in a rural area. If you are in a city, it may be more difficult to find one.

Thank you, Squizzy, for your input. I suspected it might be along those lines. I won't be needing the roller since it only comes in 40m lengths for subsurface irrigation of lawns. My main concern is the traction of the machine required to pull it through.

As the old saying goes, sometimes you need to give it a few extra pulls before it starts smoothly. Our DIY equipment may have been simple, but it did the job perfectly for 200-meter rolls... until we got a little too excited and ran into a stump! A sudden stop on the tractor combined with the spinning Jenny resulted in a major mishap.

I would not recommend using a PolyPipe ripper for this job due to the limited margin for error with a 4" installation. If the tractor slightly dips, there's a risk of the ripper and pipe coming out of the ground, leading to time-consuming repairs. Additionally, having only 4" of dirt covering the pipe may not provide enough weight, causing the pipe to shift during installation. I suggest opting for a smaller walk-behind trencher, which typically costs around $70 per day, for a more efficient and precise excavation process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What are the benefits of using a poly pipe layer attachment for trenching?

Answer: - Using a poly pipe layer attachment can make the process more efficient by simultaneously trenching and laying the pipe. 2. Are there specific considerations when using poly pipe layer attachments with different trenching equipment models? - Yes, compatibility between the attachment and the trenching equipment is important for optimal performance.

FAQ: 3. Which companies besides Dingo offer poly pipe layer attachments, and are there any notable differences between them?

Answer: - While Dingo is a known provider, it's worth exploring other companies to compare features, pricing, and user experiences.

FAQ: 4. What factors should I consider when choosing the right poly pipe layer attachment for my project?

Answer: - Factors such as pipe diameter, trench depth, soil type, and equipment compatibility should be considered when selecting the appropriate attachment.

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