Dewind Dewatering Trencher and the Evolution of Groundwater Control

[MikePhua]

The Origins of Dewind and Its Engineering Breakthroughs
Dewind One-Pass Trenching was founded in Michigan with a singular focus: to revolutionize subsurface groundwater control through precision trenching. By the early 2000s, Dewind had developed a proprietary method of installing dewatering systems in a single pass—combining excavation, pipe laying, and backfilling into one continuous operation. This innovation dramatically reduced labor costs, minimized environmental disruption, and improved installation accuracy.
The company’s flagship machines are custom-built trenchers based on modified Caterpillar platforms, often starting with a CAT 245 excavator chassis. These machines are retrofitted with a vertical trencher arm in place of the traditional stick and bucket, allowing them to cut deep, narrow trenches while simultaneously installing drainage infrastructure.
What Makes Dewind’s Trencher Unique
Unlike conventional trenchers that require multiple steps—excavation, pipe placement, gravel bedding, and backfill—Dewind’s system performs all these tasks in one synchronized motion. The trencher arm is equipped with:

• A cutting head capable of reaching depths up to 30 feet
  
• A hopper system for dispensing drain rock or filter media
  
• A pipe feed mechanism that lays perforated or solid pipe as the trench is cut
  
• A conveyor system that returns native soil or engineered backfill
  

This “one-pass” approach is particularly effective in saturated soils, where traditional excavation methods risk collapse or require extensive shoring. Dewind’s machines can trench through clay, sand, silt, and even cobble, maintaining trench integrity through hydraulic stabilization and precise control.
Applications in Dewatering and Environmental Remediation
Dewatering is the process of lowering the groundwater table to create dry working conditions for construction or remediation. Dewind’s trenchers are commonly used in:

• Landfill leachate control
  
• Brownfield remediation
  
• Agricultural drainage
  
• Foundation dewatering for large infrastructure projects
  
• Groundwater diversion near contaminated sites
  

In one notable project near the Great Lakes, Dewind installed a 2,000-foot groundwater interceptor trench to prevent PFAS migration from an industrial site. The entire system was installed in less than a week, with minimal surface disruption and no need for open excavation.
Technical Considerations and System Design
Designing a dewatering trench requires careful consideration of hydraulic conductivity, trench depth, pipe diameter, and filter media. Dewind typically works with engineers to tailor each system to site-specific conditions.
Key parameters include:

• Trench depth: 10–30 feet depending on water table and soil profile
  
• Pipe diameter: 4" to 12", perforated or solid
  
• Flow rate: up to 1,500 gallons per minute depending on gradient and pipe layout
  
• Backfill media: washed gravel, sand, or engineered blends for filtration
  

The trencher’s onboard control system allows operators to adjust depth, slope, and feed rate in real time, ensuring consistent installation even in variable soil conditions.
Modifying the CAT 245 for Trenching Operations
The CAT 245 excavator, originally designed for heavy-duty digging and demolition, serves as the base for Dewind’s trenching units. The modification process involves:

• Removing the boom and stick assembly
  
• Installing a vertical trencher arm with hydraulic articulation
  
• Reinforcing the undercarriage for lateral stability
  
• Adding custom hydraulic circuits for hopper and conveyor control
  
• Integrating GPS and laser guidance systems for trench alignment
  

This transformation turns a conventional excavator into a specialized trenching platform capable of precision groundwater control. The modified CAT 245 retains its robust diesel powertrain and track mobility, making it suitable for remote or rugged terrain.
Field Anecdotes and Operator Insights
Operators who’ve worked with Dewind trenchers often describe them as “surgical tools” in the earthmoving world. One crew in Indiana used a Dewind trencher to install a drainage system beneath a future warehouse site. Despite heavy spring rains and saturated clay, the machine completed the trench in two days—something that would have taken a week with traditional methods.
Another operator in Texas recalled using the trencher to install a leachate collection system at a landfill. The machine laid 8-inch perforated pipe, surrounded it with gravel, and backfilled the trench—all while moving forward at a steady pace. “It was like watching a zipper close behind the machine,” he said.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Dewind’s trenching method offers several advantages over conventional dewatering systems:

• Reduced carbon footprint due to fewer machine passes
  
• Lower labor costs—typically 30–50% savings
  
• Minimal spoil generation, reducing disposal costs
  
• Faster installation, which shortens project timelines
  
• Improved system longevity due to consistent bedding and pipe placement
  

In a 2021 study by a Midwest engineering firm, Dewind’s one-pass system was shown to reduce total project cost by 42% compared to traditional trench-and-shore methods.
Conclusion
Dewind’s dewatering trenchers represent a fusion of mechanical ingenuity and environmental foresight. By transforming a CAT 245 into a precision groundwater control machine, Dewind has carved out a niche in the earthmoving industry that blends speed, accuracy, and sustainability. Whether used for landfill management, contaminated site remediation, or agricultural drainage, these machines continue to redefine what’s possible in subsurface infrastructure. Their legacy is not just in the trenches they cut—but in the problems they solve, one pass at a time.