Harbor Freight trencher, why do they break?

While putting in a drain line I thought it would be a good time to talk about this.

[garyhull]

I am 68 years old. It is funny how as you age you get less worried what others think, lol. I agree with you completely. These machines cost what they cost because they aren't made for the work that a machine that costs 10 times their cost can do. They are very powerful machines and need to be run by someone that is not in a hurry. I bought a Betsco in February, because they were available, no wait time and I wanted one badly. I started burning wood this winter and needed to build roads in my woodlot, dig the trench for the underground pipe for the outdoor boiler, build a woodshed foundation, and I use it with the thumb to pick up logs so I can block them up without bending over. I am going to use it this fall to clear the pasture pines out of a field that I bush hog to make it easier to mow. I was told by a guy that owns a compact tractor with a backhoe on it that I wouldn't be able to dig my trench with my little backhoe and I could borrow his tractor to do it with. He was wrong. I dug up rocks that were at least 3 times the size of the bucket and they were buried in hard clay. I could go on and on about what they can do. You are definitely right, they are stronger than the materials they are built with, so you have to be careful. They certainly beat paying rent and having to schedule times to use. I just do the jobs I want to when I want. The rent for a machine to do the amount of work I have done so far would be more than what I spent to buy the digger and I still have a lot more to do with it.

[chuckwagon]

I'm glad you pointed out that with common sense and a little finesse that the machine will perform well and last a long time. Many people just don't understand how to use a machine without beating it up, and many never will. Nice video!

[flhusa]

Amazing what 5 years of experience and common sense can do to educate a future owner. Thanks for another person willing to make a honest video opinion.

[troyeager]

My wife wants me to redo our French drains. But I'm tired of renting equipment. She told me to go by this and she'll right the check. Thank you for showing it in use.

[rafterh]

Mines 12 yrs old and works great, I've adapted 4 different bucket attachments. I bought it used 5 years ago for 1500 it paid for itself on one job.

[camperjack]

I am a one percenter. Thanks for the tip about a culvert drain. Learned long ago try not to break the machine! Smooth and easy. Something goes wrong, got to fix it right away before it gets serious.

[davidstansbury]

I am one of the 1% that did not know about running your drain off the side. Makes sense. Thanks. I’ve wanted one of those but really don’t have a use for it. Maybe some day I’ll buy some land and need one. Thanks for your knowledge.

[thefurious]

Your the man. You told it like it is. Don't have crazy expectations out of a 3500.00 machine. I am trying to look for one of these now. I wish someone or some manufacturer did a comparison video of all the companies that make a towable trencher or excavator. This would help all of us trying to decide which company to choose if they compared them all side by side.

[shawnebaines]

I couldn’t agree with you more. The only issues I’ve experienced with the HFT were user-inflicted. In my case, damage was done pulling a 2800 lb boulder out of the ground, and I knew better. This is a marvelous little machine.

[redcossack]

Thanks for your effective and honest appraisal of this trencher. Very helpful to me.

[jt]

To me, I view this machine as an alternative to me, a shovel and a wheelbarrow, so that makes it a life saver.

[jimeditorial]

4 years in with mine. I take it easy and it works just fine. Pulled logs, big rocks, etc. just take little bites and work the load and steady.

[goincasual]

Yes sirree, they are tough little machines. New owners should take it easy until they get the feel of it and discover its limitations. Great info.

[crxess]

You can tell people, but you can't make them pay attention or learn.
Thanks for sharing your learned experience!

[minibike]

I agree with you I have one I built a little more heavy duty but similar and it does ten times more stuff than I expected people told me all the stuff it wouldn't be able to do but it could do it and way more very useful machine great vid thanks for sharing

[daninny]

Just bought 1 yesterday can't wait to start. Appreciate the knowledge

[mikey]

thanks for the video. I am a new land owner and looking to dig on an up hill slope to make a lane for shooting. The plan is to us the trench as a shooting range below the tree base to keep stray round to the dirt. Im was going to hire someone but this looks cheaper in the long run as i can use it multiple time for whatever project i think of. This vid helped me make a big decision on my property

[TheMonkdad]

I had an old neighbor who was a retired heavy equipment mechanic who owned a Case 580K who used to help me. He was always aware of how much to push his machine. Low rpm’s and gentle movement. I was the only person he’d ever lend his equipment to because I respected him and his equipment.

[williamsteinhour]

Great advice!! If you see the "outrigger start to flex and pull I STOPPED!" Bwuahahahaa... My grandpa's words from my teens fills my head. "Willy, if you're about to do something stupid.... stop and rethink what or how you're doing it.!" He taught me on Allis Chalmers 7020, 7040 and bigger tractors. They can all break if you try to use them beyond their mechanical capabilities!

I don't have one yet, but am seriously considering buying one.

[TheMattManTN]

Totally agree with you. Gotta use it for what it's meant for. Still tickled with mine. No issue's