GeoTrencher Bar Length Comparison is one of the most important considerations when selecting the correct trenching setup for depth capability, efficiency and job performance.
Selecting the correct bar length is not just about digging deeper; it directly affects:
- Installation compliance
- Trench consistency
- Productivity
- Machine efficiency
- User comfort
- Ability to trench corners
The GeoTrencher system offers three primary depth configurations — 400mm, 500mm, and 700mm — allowing operators to match trench depth to specific applications, ground conditions, and industry requirements.
Bar Length Overview
| Bar Length | Trench Depth | Primary Use | Key Advantage |
| 400mm | Shallow | Landscaping & light installs | Speed + Precision |
| 500mm | Medium | General Trenching | Versality and reduced need to bend the back when used by hand |
| 700mm | Deep | Utilities & heavy-duty work | Maximum Depth Capability but adding more weight to the GeoTrencher |
400mm Bar – Precision & Surface-Level Work
- The 400mm bar length is optimized for shallow trenching where control and minimal disruption are essential and maximising torq from your trencher.
- Best used with a GeoCart so your not bending over so much
Best Used For:
- Garden lighting (12v systems)
- NBN and telco cable trenching
- Irrigation control lines
- Tight access trenching
- Landscaping projects
Performance:
- Faster trenching speed
- Reduced soil displacement
- Ideal for finished or sensitive surfaces
Preferred for residential and detail-focused work.
500mm Bar – The Industry Standard
- The 500mm bar length is the most widely used option due to its balance between depth and efficiency.
- Extra digging teeth compared to 400mm so chains are more cost effective
- Long bar allows a good height for more instals from 200-300mm without bending over too much – can be used with or without the GeoCart
Best Used For:
- Irrigation and reticulation systems
- Plumbing installation and pipe laying
- Fencing (including rabbit-proof and exclusion fencing)
- Drainage trenching
Performance:
- Suitable for most trenching applications
- Consistent trench depth across long runs
- Strong balance of speed and capability
This is the go-to configuration for contractors.
700mm Bar – Deep Trenching & Heavy-Duty Applications
- The 700mm bar length is designed for deeper trenching requirements and more demanding conditions.
- Best used with the GeoCart
Best Used For:
- Utility trenching (NBN, telco, electrical)
- Deep drainage systems
- Agricultural installations
- Root zone trenching and tree removal
Performance:
- Maximum trench depth capability
- Handles more demanding installations
- Suitable for compliance-driven projects
Ideal for jobs where depth is critical.
Choosing the Right Bar Length for the Job
Professional trenching requires matching depth to application:
- Shallow installs / landscaping / cables → 400mm
- General trenching / irrigation / fencing → 500mm
- Deep installs / utilities / drainage → 700mm
Using the correct bar length ensures:
- Proper installation depth
- Reduced rework
- Improved job efficiency
Ground Conditions & Depth Considerations
Bar length should also align with ground conditions:
- Soft soil → all bar lengths perform efficiently
- Compacted soil → 500mm or 700mm preferred
- Root-heavy environments → deeper bars improve access
- Tight access areas → 400mm provides better control
Productivity & Operational Efficiency
From a contractor’s perspective, bar length affects:
- Job completion time
- Machine load and performance
- Accuracy of installation
- Overall project cost
Bar length selection is not just about depth — it’s about matching the machine to the job.
The GeoTrencher’s range of 400mm, 500mm, and 700mm configurations allows operators to handle:
- Precision landscaping
- General contracting work
- Deep, compliance-driven installations
