Best Skid Steer Trenchers in 2026: Buying Guide

Best overall: the Skid Pro Chain Trencher in 36″ or 48″ depth. Best for high-flow machines: the same trencher’s 36″ & 48″ High Flow models. Best for compact equipment: the Mini Trencher.

TL;DR

• Skid Pro does manufacture chain trenchers—full-size and mini—built manufacturer-direct in Alexandria, Minnesota.
• Full-size models dig 36″ or 48″ max depth with trench widths from 4–12″ depending on configuration.
• Standard full-size flow bands are 12–25 GPM (36″) and 12–27 GPM (48″); high-flow models list 28–40 GPM.
• The Mini Trencher offers 24″ or 36″ max depth, 4/6/8″ widths, and 10–20 GPM.
• Match published GPM and depth to your loader before you order—undersized flow stalls the chain mid-cut.

Trencher specs at a glance

36″ / 48″ — Full-size max trench depths

12–27 GPM — Standard full-size hydraulic flow bands (by model)

28–40 GPM — High-flow trencher models

10–20 GPM — Mini Trencher hydraulic flow

Why this matters

A trencher is one of the least forgiving attachments you can put on a skid steer. Undersized flow does not just slow the cut—it stalls the chain mid-trench. That mismatch is avoidable if you read the published flow row before you buy.

Skid Pro builds chain trenchers (not wheel or rockwheel units) alongside its other excavation attachments. The picks below are the real catalog models with published spec tables.

What to verify

• Max trench depth — 36″ vs 48″ full-size; 24″ vs 36″ mini
• Trench width — narrower cuts mean less spoil and backfill
• Hydraulic flow — use the model’s published GPM band, not a generic industry range
• Side shift — full-size units list manual side shift for trenching close to buildings
• Quick-attach fit — confirm the plate on common skid steer and track loader brands

Skid Pro trenchers at a glance

1. Skid Pro Trencher (36″ and 48″): best overall chain trencher

The Skid Pro Trencher is a planetary-drive chain trencher. The model spec table lists:

• 36″ model: max depth 36″; widths 4″ / 6″ / 8″; skid shoe depths 24″ / 30″ / 36″; flow 12–25 GPM; weight 790 lbs
• 48″ model: max depth 48″; widths 4″ / 6″ / 8″; skid shoe depths 32″ / 40″ / 48″; flow 12–27 GPM; weight 840 lbs

Shared published features include a standard 50/50 tungsten/rock combo chain, planetary drive (std/hi torque), adjustable chain tensioner, tempered steel drive sprocket, sealed front nose bearing, manual side shift, HD crumber, XL 26″ × 6″ skid shoe, removable spoil auger, and warranty of 2 years standard with 3 years on the planetary gearbox.

Why it stands out:

• Real utility depths at 36″ and 48″
• Combo chain and planetary drive for tough digging
• Manual side shift for work beside buildings

Best for: water, electrical, fiber, and other utility-depth runs in average to mixed soils on standard-flow machines.

What to watch: Use the model flow row (12–25 or 12–27 GPM). Rocky or frozen ground still demands realistic expectations—Skid Pro does not sell a separate rockwheel trencher.

2. High-flow Trencher models: best for high-flow machines

The same product page lists 36″ & 48″ High Flow models: max depth 36″ / 48″, widths 6″ / 8″ / 10″ / 12″, combined skid shoe depth options, flow 28–40 GPM, and weight 1,142 lbs.

Why it stands out:

• Wider trench options up to 12″
• Flow band sized for high-flow auxiliary circuits
• Same chain/planetary platform as the standard models

Best for: high-flow skid steers and track loaders that already sustain 28–40 GPM at working pressure.

What to watch: A standard-flow loader will not keep this model loaded correctly. Confirm your machine’s rated high-flow output before ordering.

3. Mini Trencher: best for tight access and compact machines

The Mini Trencher is the compact chain unit. The model table lists 24″ and 36″ max depths, widths 4″ / 6″ / 8″, skid shoe depths 12″ / 18″ / 24″ (24″ model) or 24″ / 30″ / 36″ (36″ model), flow 10–20 GPM, and a standard 50/50 combo chain. Feature copy calls out direct drive, adjustable skid shoe, quick chain tensioning, and a 24-month warranty.

Why it stands out:

• Sized for mini skid steers and gated/residential access
• 10–20 GPM flow band for compact hydraulics
• 24″ or 36″ depth options

Best for: shallow-to-medium utility and irrigation work where a full-size boom will not fit.

What to watch: Not a substitute for the 48″ full-size trencher on deep commercial utility runs.

How to choose

If your loader is standard-flow and you dig utility depth, buy the 36″ or 48″ full-size chain trencher and stay inside its published GPM band. If your machine is high-flow, use the High Flow models (28–40 GPM) when you need the wider chain options. If you run a mini or work tight lots, buy the Mini Trencher.

Skid Pro’s catalog trenchers are chain units only—there is no wheel, rockwheel, or combination trencher/backfill SKU to shop here.

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FAQ

Does Skid Pro make skid steer trenchers?

Yes. Skid Pro manufactures full-size and mini chain trenchers. The full-size page lists 36″, 48″, and high-flow models; the mini page lists 24″ and 36″ depths.

How deep can the full-size trencher dig?

The model table lists 36″ or 48″ maximum trench depth, with adjustable skid shoe stops at shallower settings.

How much GPM do I need?

36″ standard: 12–25 GPM. 48″ standard: 12–27 GPM. High-flow models: 28–40 GPM. Mini: 10–20 GPM.

What trench widths are available?

Standard 36″/48″ models: 4″, 6″, or 8″. High-flow models: 6″, 8″, 10″, or 12″. Mini: 4″, 6″, or 8″.

Is there a Skid Pro wheel or rockwheel trencher?

No. The published trencher products are chain trenchers with combo chain and planetary (full-size) or direct-drive (mini) systems.

Bottom line

Buy the Skid Pro Chain Trencher in 36″ or 48″ for utility work, step to the high-flow models when your loader sustains 28–40 GPM, and use the Mini Trencher for compact access. Match depth, width, and the published GPM row to your machine before it ships.