Trench filler attachments for compact utility loaders are useful for operators who frequently dig trenches and want to replace slower, more traditional methods of filling by hand or shovel. Trench fillers allow operators to fill trenches in a single pass.

A trench filler attachment is equipped with two sets of opposing augers that direct dirt from the trench back into the hole. The augers are notched in the middle to create mounding that will settle over time, a feature that helps avoid the need for follow-up labor after the ground has settled. The filler then levels off the work area as it continues to push material forward, quickly and effectively filling the trench.

Many trench fillers also fluff the turf on each side of the trench, further minimizing the machine’s footprint. Some brands are equipped with a float mechanism that provides ground following and constant flotation, resulting in improved trench cleanup and minimized turf damage.

For professional contractors and rental customers alike, a trench filler allows fast and easy trench cover-up with minimal cleanup afterward. It also is less intrusive to landscaping than a bucket or blade. The hydraulic range for the trench filler attachment is 8 to 14 gpm. Typically, there are no additional options available.

When using a trench filler attachment, consider a few tips: 1) when possible, it is ideal to fill the trench in the same day as it was excavated so that the mound of dirt does not have time to settle -- if the dirt settles, this can cause additional turf damage and makes it harder for the operator to fluff the dirt back into the trench; and 2) for extra compaction, operators may want to drive back over the filled trench with the loader’s wheels/tracks to help pack the soil. Trench filler attachments range in price from $2,200 to $2,700, depending on the brand.

- By Greg Lawrence, Toro Product Marketing Manager