HighDesertHomeOwner

for irrigation hoses and 1/2 inch small electrical conduit?

Would an edger be powerful enough for this purpose?

I want to bury 5/8 diameter irrigation hoses and 1/2" PVC pipes and 1/2 inch electrical conduits into dirt.

What least expensive gas driven machine is best for this purpose? What name to look for on Craigslist?

Thanks

handyguys

It depends on how deep and how far. Any ole shovel will do the trick and for many jobs you will be done in the time it takes to get a machine on site and setup.

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HighDesertHomeOwner

My area does not freeze much so about 5 inches deep and narrow 2-3" wide trenches are what I have in mind.

I want a machine, gas or even electric if powerful enough.

What should I look for?

Thanks

havasu

Is this electrical conduit for 12 vdc or 120 vac? If this is 120 vac, most codes require this to be buried a mimimum of 18" below grade, and in a waterproof conduit. I'd recommend you contact your local building inspectors for proper advice. A Ditch Witch or a 24" walk behind trenchers are common at local rental facilities.

rander

Most big box home stores and tool rental agencies rent small walk-behind trenchers that dig a trench about 4" to 6" wide and up to 2 feet deep (depth is adjustable). They can be rented by the hour, day or week. This should do the job you want to do. Although a "small" trencher you will need a small trailer to haul it and a vehicle capable of pulling it. This is not the cheapest way to do the job it is fast once you get to digging and makes a neat precise trench.

Speedbump

If you don't mind spending the money, this is what I use and love the thing.
How Pitcher Pump Works - Pumps - PumpsAndTanks.com

I'm sure you can buy it cheaper on line from someone other than the manufacturer. That's just their suggested list price.

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Speedbump

If you don't mind spending the money, this is what I use and love the thing.
EZ-Trench - J1000 7" Trencher

I'm sure you can buy it cheaper on line from someone other than the manufacturer. That's just their suggested list price.

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HighDesertHomeOwner

How deep does the Rototiller dig?

I do not like renting because I like to meter out chores slowly to ease the body.

I plan to buy something at Craigslist and sell it later if I want to.

handyguys

the depth a rototiller digs is dependent on how rocky the soil is and the size of the machine. A small Mantis, Stih Yardboss or similar wont really dig a trench. No rototiller will dig a trench but it could loosen the ground that it could then be shoveled more easily. They will cut a pretty wide path.

Perhaps just hire out the trench work? It doesn't make sense to buy a trencher for one project and if you don't want to rent (and get it done in one day) then you have limited options. Maybe even find some of those guys that sometimes hang out in front of the home center and hire them for a few hours and buy some $10 shovels. That may be cheaper than renting a machine actually. Don't run for political office if you do that and they are illegal immigrants tho. I don't support hiring illegals but I do support hiring day laborers who need the work.

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havasu

Well said, Mr. President!