08-12-2025, 07:09 PM
Introduction: A Farmer’s Quest for Efficient Drainage
Installing field tile for subsurface drainage is a transformative investment in agricultural land management. It improves soil structure, reduces compaction, and increases crop yields. For farmers without access to large tractors or commercial tiling crews, the search for a reliable trenching machine becomes a critical decision. One such farmer explored options between a Koehring 600 wheel trencher and a Vermeer T600 chain trencher—each with distinct advantages and trade-offs.
Terminology Explained
- Field Tile: Perforated pipe (typically 4–12 inches in diameter) buried underground to remove excess water from soil
- Wheel Trencher: A machine that uses a rotating wheel with cutting teeth to excavate a trench
- Chain Trencher: Uses a continuous chain with teeth to dig trenches, similar to a giant chainsaw
- Carbide Teeth: Hardened cutting teeth made from tungsten carbide, known for durability and resistance to wear
- Laser Grade Control: A system that uses lasers to maintain consistent trench depth and slope for proper drainage
Comparing Trencher Types
1. Koehring 600 Wheel Trencher
An operator who ran a Vermeer T600 for a summer along Illinois highways praised its reliability and ease of slope adjustment. The machine’s laser system allowed precise trench depth, critical for consistent water flow. Carbide teeth handled tough soil conditions, though large rocks remained a challenge for both wheel and chain trenchers.
Technical Parameters and Considerations
Before trenching, always contact local utility marking services. A tragic incident in Illinois involved a trencher striking a gas line in a field, resulting in fatalities. Even remote farmland can conceal buried infrastructure.
Recommendations for Buyers
Choosing a field tile trencher is a balancing act between budget, performance, and long-term support. While the Koehring 600 may offer affordability, the Vermeer T600 stands out for precision, dealer backing, and proven reliability. For farmers new to tiling, investing time in machine inspections and understanding trenching dynamics can prevent costly mistakes and ensure successful drainage installation.
As one farmer put it, “A good tile job starts with a good trench—and a good trench starts with the right machine.”
Installing field tile for subsurface drainage is a transformative investment in agricultural land management. It improves soil structure, reduces compaction, and increases crop yields. For farmers without access to large tractors or commercial tiling crews, the search for a reliable trenching machine becomes a critical decision. One such farmer explored options between a Koehring 600 wheel trencher and a Vermeer T600 chain trencher—each with distinct advantages and trade-offs.
Terminology Explained
- Field Tile: Perforated pipe (typically 4–12 inches in diameter) buried underground to remove excess water from soil
- Wheel Trencher: A machine that uses a rotating wheel with cutting teeth to excavate a trench
- Chain Trencher: Uses a continuous chain with teeth to dig trenches, similar to a giant chainsaw
- Carbide Teeth: Hardened cutting teeth made from tungsten carbide, known for durability and resistance to wear
- Laser Grade Control: A system that uses lasers to maintain consistent trench depth and slope for proper drainage
Comparing Trencher Types
1. Koehring 600 Wheel Trencher
- Older design, typically owned by private individuals
- Uses a rotating wheel to cut through soil
- May lack modern features like laser guidance
- Potentially lower upfront cost but uncertain parts availability
- Widely used in commercial drainage and highway projects
- Equipped with laser slope control for precision
- Uses replaceable carbide or steel teeth
- Supported by a broad dealer network for parts and service
An operator who ran a Vermeer T600 for a summer along Illinois highways praised its reliability and ease of slope adjustment. The machine’s laser system allowed precise trench depth, critical for consistent water flow. Carbide teeth handled tough soil conditions, though large rocks remained a challenge for both wheel and chain trenchers.
Technical Parameters and Considerations
- Tile size range: 4–12 inches
- Trench depth: Typically 3–5 feet depending on crop and soil type
- Chain wear: Inspect pins, links, and tooth shape regularly
- Tooth types:
- Bullet-shaped carbide (preferred for longevity)
- Hook-shaped steel (cheaper but wears faster)
- Bullet-shaped carbide (preferred for longevity)
- Tractor compatibility: Chain trenchers may require less pulling force than tile plows
Before trenching, always contact local utility marking services. A tragic incident in Illinois involved a trencher striking a gas line in a field, resulting in fatalities. Even remote farmland can conceal buried infrastructure.
Recommendations for Buyers
- Inspect chain wear closely—look for loose pins, worn links, and uneven tooth wear
- Confirm availability of replacement parts, especially for older machines like the Koehring
- Prioritize machines with laser grade control for consistent trenching
- Avoid machines with excessive rust, hydraulic leaks, or electrical issues
- Consider dealer proximity for service and support
- If using older equipment, retrofit with aftermarket laser systems
- Maintain a stock of spare teeth and chain links
- Keep trenching records to monitor depth and slope consistency
- Train operators on safe trenching practices and emergency protocols
- Budget for chain replacement every few seasons depending on soil type
Choosing a field tile trencher is a balancing act between budget, performance, and long-term support. While the Koehring 600 may offer affordability, the Vermeer T600 stands out for precision, dealer backing, and proven reliability. For farmers new to tiling, investing time in machine inspections and understanding trenching dynamics can prevent costly mistakes and ensure successful drainage installation.
As one farmer put it, “A good tile job starts with a good trench—and a good trench starts with the right machine.”
