Pictured: Caterpillar fields three trencher models in its work tool line-up: optional cutting widths for all three models are 152, 203, 254 and 305 mm to suit site specific applications

For North West contractor, Aquanic Environmental Services (Aquanic), based in Beestekraal, the requirement for on-site mechanical versatility is mirrored in the diverse range of contracts that fall within the company’s project scope.

Founded in 1990 as a landscaping and irrigation business, the company’s services have grown extensively to include an ‘A to Z’ solution for fluid management delivery.

“We specialise in the design of water reticulation systems including slurry, potable supply, waste water and sewage, with implementation backed by our civil engineering capability for allied areas such as pump stations, storm water pipelines and concrete run-off channels,” expands Aquanic general manager, Nico Jacobs.

Executing Aquanic’s various projects depends on the right equipment selection, the most recent being the acquisition of a Cat 226B skid steer loader together with a Cat T9B trencher work tool attachment to complete various underground service contracts. (Barloworld Equipment is the Cat dealer for southern Africa.)

The Cat T9B forms part of a three model trencher range within Caterpillar’s comprehensive work tool line-up, designed for fitment on Cat compact loaders and skid steers. The other Cat trencher units comprise the Cat T6B and the range-topping T15B.

Standard boom lengths for the T6B, T9B and T15B are 914, 1 219 and 1 524 mm, respectively, with a unit weight, in turn, of 397, 551 and 601 kg. Optional cutting widths across the board are 152, 203, 254 and 305 mm.

“These units are designed for cutting narrow straight trenches in the soil prior to laying electrical, telephone and cable lines, or water and gas pipes, making them ideal for tasks that include agricultural, construction, and landscaping applications,” says Barloworld Equipment Cat sales professional, Bianca Herbst.

For each tool interchange, Cat skid steers are equipped with a manual quick coupler featuring a rugged, opposing edge design that holds the work tool securely in place.

On the go, a distinctive feature on Cat trenchers is their auger flight system, which has been specially designed so that spoil piles are high and at a safe distance from the trench. This ensures a clean trench and easier backfilling.

For Aquanic the results speak for themselves. “The T9B, coupled with our Cat 226B, has certainly exceeded expectations, performing well at daily work rates of between 200 and 300 m, depending on ground conditions and final cutting depth, accelerating the construction programme on a number of private and public sector projects completed going into 2013. These include various soccer fields, as well as services for mine housing,” adds Jacobs.