What Is a Ditcher?
A ditcher is a large machine used for digging and creating trenches in the ground.
It is employed to remove surface excess water and create dry soil and fields. Ditchers are utilized for excavating trenches for drainage purposes or burying drainage pipes. There are two main types of ditchers for relatively shallow trenching: the plow type known as a “ditcher” and the rotary type.
For deeper trenching, a trencher is used. A trencher is a type of ditcher with a relatively narrow width that digs deep trenches. It can be classified into two types: conveyor-type and rotary-type, and it finds applications not only in agriculture but also in the construction sector.
Uses of Ditcher
Ditchers are used to remove surface excess water and create dry soil and fields. They are capable of digging in hard ground or soft rock.
By using a ditcher around autumn to create trenches, winter cold can penetrate deep into the ground, reducing overwintering pests and weeds, and resulting in effective pest control.
Having trenches facilitates faster melting of snowmelt water. Using the ditcher again before spring operations allows for more effective drainage.
Features of Ditcher
Ditchers are machines used for digging trenches in paddy fields, fields, and construction sites for laying pipes or cables. Here, we will primarily introduce the advantages and disadvantages when used in agriculture.
Advantages
By using a ditcher to dig trenches in the field borders and within plots, excess water on the surface and lateral percolation water in the soil can be collected and drained, drying the fields. This enables timely agricultural operations.
Moreover, avoiding waterlogging promotes healthy crop growth. Digging trenches directs water to lower positions, moving moisture away from crops.
Additionally, using a ditcher increases the surface area of soil exposed to air, allowing more oxygen to reach the soil’s interior. The upturned soil, rich in air, can also draw nitrogen from the air into the soil. As a result, the soil becomes more nutrient-rich, which is another advantage.
Disadvantages
Digging large stones is challenging and can be a cause of ditcher malfunctions, requiring careful attention. Even small stones have the potential to damage the ditcher.
In areas like mountainous regions or dried-up riverbeds, small stones are abundant in the soil. These stones, unlike small stones found in normal soil, are compacted and interlocked with each other, making it difficult for a ditcher to dislodge them. Attempting to pass through such areas forcefully can lead to strong impacts and be a cause of ditcher damage.
Types of Ditcher
Ditchers can be broadly classified into conveyor-type and rotary-type.
1. Conveyor-type
Equipped with a thick chain in the front, which rotates to dig the soil. Depths can range from 15 cm to as deep as 45 cm. Hand-push models are common for conveyor-type ditchers, with a trench width of about 10 cm. The excavated soil is pushed to one side.
2. Rotary-type
Attached to the rear of a tractor, the rotary-type ditcher operates while rotating. This allows the soil to be dug finely and thrown further. Adapted tractor horsepower ranges from 20 to 60 horsepower, accommodating both smaller and larger models.
How to Choose a Ditcher
The conveyor-type ditcher, being hand-push and maneuverable, is suitable for narrow spaces. It is often used in small fields and construction sites to cut trenches, making it particularly prevalent in construction.
The rotary-type ditcher, being tractor-mounted, is less maneuverable than the conveyor-type. However, it has higher horsepower and faster working speeds than the conveyor type, making it suitable for use in larger fields. Rotary-type ditchers are commonly used by farmers. Selecting an efficient ditcher based on specific usage conditions is crucial.