I need to dig a trench about 180ft long, 3ft deep, and about 2-3ft wide. I want to get it done in one day, but if I really need to, I could add an extra day. What sized excavator should I rent do get this job done? I would prefer if you point me to a certain excavator and then I could rent the one that most closely matches it. Thank you!
You're only talking about 60cubic yards of material; you don't need an extremely large excavator for that amount. Even a small, tire-mounted backhoe should be able to easily handle that amount unless it is hard-packed clay, stone or oyster shell. I'm not talking about a terra-mite (a lawn mower with a backhoe attachment) but a decent sized John Deere, Case, Ford or Kubota with a backhoe. Of course, you can go all out and rent a smaller tracked excavator but there really isn't any reason to spend the extra money unless you just want to. They will make the work go quicker but the added expense is, in my opinion, not justified by the time saved. Good luck and enjoy!
