MiniTrencher is headquartered in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in the United States of America. The U.S. distribution warehouse is located in Vancouver, Washington just north of Portland, Oregon across the mighty Columbia River. Looking for a dealer? Click Here

Like all power equipment, if it is not used correctly and respectfully, it can be dangerous. Once the machine is digging in the ground, the risk of injury is reduced. As always, we recommend proper Personal Protection Equipment be worn when operating GeoRipper®. This includes: face shield, ear protection, work gloves, and safety-toe boots. If operating GeoRipper® in particularly rocky soil or gravel, shin guards are recommended.

When digging in rocky soil, the occasional rock may cause GeoRipper® to "bounce." This bouncing is the most that typical operators report back to us. GeoRipper® is not a chainsaw. The digging chain moves at about a third of a chainsaw chain. This slower speed, the vibration isolation springs in the arm, and proper operation will not allow the machine to kickback. In rocky soil bouncing may occur that will bring the nose of the digging bar up 2-4" from contact. As most operators are digging 6-8" deep, the nose of the bar will not have the opportunity to leave the trench.

Absolutely! The GeoRipper® digging chain is designed specifically to trench through tree roots up to 3" in diameter and below grade. Our digging chains are self-sharpening. It may take 10-20 minutes of digging in soil before the teeth are ready to chip through roots. GeoRipper® is not a chainsaw and shall not perform like one. Chipping through large tree roots takes patience. It will not move through large tree roots as fast as a chainsaw.

GeoRipper® will not dig through solid rock or concrete. It will dig up loose rock about the size of an adult fist. A up and down "sawing" action will help to bring up the larger, fist-sized, rocks, otherwise GeoRipper® will dig up and expel smaller rocks with ease. Larger rocks can easily be avoided and the operator can return with a rock bar to pry the larger rocks from the ground.

That depends on your model. GeoRipper® 16" models can trench up to 16" deep. This is easily done in combination with EZ Kart. If trenching by hand, 12-14" is comfortable. GeoRipper® 20" models can trench up to 20" deep. This is easily done in combination with EZ Kart. If trenching by hand, 18" is comfortable. GeoRipper® 27" models can trench up to 27" deep. This is easily done in combination with EZ Kart. If trenching by hand, 24" is possible. EZ Kart comes standard with all GeoRipper® 27" models. It is recommended to use EZ Kart when operating GeoRipper® 27 models.

GeoRipper® does not fit any chainsaw on the market. There are trenching attachments for specific Makita®, Stihl®, Husqvarna®, Echo®, and Milwaukee® demo saws. For more information, please look for a local dealer here.

The NATIONAL AVERAGE for GeoRipper® digging chains is 1,000 lineal feet. What does this mean? Many operators get less than 1,000 lineal feet, and many get more. The majority of operators fall around 1,000 lineal feet. Digging life is determined by three factors: Digging depth, Soil type, and Operator. There is a learning curve. Once the operator is familiar and confortable with the machine, chain life might increase. Unfortunately we have not figured out how to change digging depth or soil type. Your results may vary. But never fear! We include 2 chains with each machine to allow for the learning curve. Just make sure to buy before you run out!

There is a learning curve to operating a GeoRipper®. This doesn't mean it is hard to operate right out of the box, but it does mean that you have to get used to it. The hardest thing to get used to is not over-throttling the machine. Our machines work best at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Once you are used to handling GeoRipper®, running at less throttle is easier. If you are not comfortable operating GeoRipper® by hand for any reason, consider purchasing our accessory EZ Kart. EZ Kart will enable you to operate the machine without holding the weight of the machine.