Trenching & Rock Excavation

Optimized trenching and rock excavation solutions with KEMROC attachments.

Trenching by Excavator attachment
  • Up to 40% less energy usage.
  • Reduce noise levels to 75–80 dB.
  • Trench widths from approximately 3.15 in to custom widths.
  • Cutting depths up to approximately 46 ft.
  • Cutting depths up to 14 meters
  • Compatible with excavators 0.6 to 125 tons

KEMROC’s trenching attachments are designed to offer efficient, precise, and cost-effective trenching in sedimentary rock and concrete for a wide variety of projects, from utility trenching to pipeline installation. Our innovative attachments ensure maximum linear productivity, reduced operating costs, and versatility across different trenching environments. We offer a variety of trenching solutions tailored to different trench widths and depths. From chain cutters to cutter wheels, our attachments ensure precise trenching, maximum productivity, and elimination of over excavation.

Why Choose KEMROC Trenching Attachments?

Versatile Trenching Solutions

Depending on the required trench width and depth, KEMROC offers a range of products, including EK Chain Cutters, KR, KRD & EKT Double Drum Cutters, KRC Bullhead Cutters, and DMW Cutter Wheels. These attachments can excavate trenches with high accuracy across multiple applications, delivering flexibility and efficiency on demanding job sites.

Exact Width & Depth Control

KEMROC trenching attachments such as the KRC 140, EK 100, EK 140, and DMW 90 are engineered to excavate trenches with precise width and depth control, starting from approximately 3.15 in and reaching custom widths depending on the attachment, excavator movement, and cutting method. With installed extensions, trenching depths can reach up to approximately 46 ft.

  • EKT 110: Minimum trench width of approximately 35.4 in. By swinging the excavator between the trench sides, operators can reach wider trench requirements. It is one of the most compact drum cutters in its torque and cutting-force class, with the ability to achieve a narrow 35.4 in trench for carriers and excavators from approximately 28 to 35 U.S. tons.
  • EK 100: Minimum trench width of approximately 23.6 in. Wider trenches can be achieved by swinging the excavator or cutting multiple passes.
  • KRC 110: Minimum trench width of approximately 31.9 in. Wider trenches can be achieved by swinging the excavator or cutting multiple passes.
  • EK 160: Minimum trench width of approximately 31.5 in. Wider trenches can be achieved by swinging the excavator or cutting multiple passes.
  • KRC 160: Minimum trench width of approximately 34.6 in. Wider trenches can be achieved by swinging the excavator or cutting multiple passes.

Linear Productivity Advantage

KEMROC cutters deliver strong linear productivity, which is critical in trenching applications. Unlike hydraulic breakers, KEMROC attachments excavate trenches in vertical layers, helping speed up progress, reduce rework, and maintain accurate, clean trench profiles.

Minimal Rework and Efficient Material Handling

KEMROC trenching attachments help reduce over-excavation and produce more manageable output material, supporting cleaner trench profiles, easier material handling, and more efficient backfilling where project specifications allow.

Built to Last

With high-strength, wear-resistant components, KEMROC attachments are designed for long-lasting durability in demanding trenching, rock excavation, and utility installation environments.

Underwater Operation

KEMROC trenching attachments can operate up to approximately 98 ft underwater without modifications, making them suitable for marine projects and job sites with a high groundwater table.

Key Features and Benefits
KEMROC DMW - Trenching Excavation
01
Full-Section Excavation

With EK Chain Cutters and KRC Bullhead Cutters, KEMROC attachments can excavate trenches without the need for side-to-side movement. This helps reduce wear and tear while achieving consistent trench width with every pass.

02
Optimized Cutting Tools for Various Trench Dimensions

• EK Chain Cutters: Support cutting widths from approximately 15.4 in up to custom trench widths. • KR, KRD, and EKT Double Drum Cutters: Suitable for trenching in medium-hard to hard rock, with cutting widths from approximately 19.7 in up to custom trench widths. • DMW Cutter Wheels: Capable of cutting trenches to a fixed cross-section, customized based on wheel diameter. Ideal for narrow trenching and micro-trenching from approximately 3.15 in to 15.7 in, with cutting depths from approximately 15.7 in to 39.4 in. • KRC Bullhead Cutters: Suitable for trenching in medium-hard to hard rock, with cutting widths from approximately 23.6 in up to custom trench widths. • KTR Trenching Attachments: Designed for medium-hard rock, with cutting widths from approximately 6.7 in to 17.7 in and cutting depths from approximately 39.4 in to 70.9 in.

03
Higher Linear Footage & Productivity

KEMROC Drum Cutters and Chain Cutters can achieve 2x to 4x the productivity of hydraulic breakers on the same excavator, thanks to vertical excavation layers and efficient material displacement during cutting. They also help provide clean trench sidewalls and a more consistent trench bottom grade.

04
Versatile Depths and Widths

KEMROC attachments can handle trench widths from approximately 5.1 in up to custom widths, with trench depths of up to approximately 46 ft using long-reach excavators and/or installed extensions, depending on the KEMROC trenching attachment used.

05
Cost-Effective Operations

KEMROC trenching solutions help reduce the cost per cubic yard of excavation compared with traditional hydraulic breakers or trenchers, thanks to up to 40% lower fuel consumption, minimal over-excavation, lower pick consumption, and output material that may be reusable as backfill where project specifications allow.

06
Adaptability to Different Carriers and Excavators

KEMROC trenching attachments are compatible with a wide range of excavator operating weights, from approximately 1,100 lb to 275,000 lb, making them suitable for diverse trenching, utility, and heavy civil rock excavation needs.

07
Reduced Noise and Vibration

Operating noise levels of approximately 75–80 dB, including excavator noise, make KEMROC attachments well suited for urban areas. Compared with hydraulic breakers, they generate lower noise and vibration, helping reduce risk to nearby structures.

Watch Our Attachments in Action!

Main Applications for Trenching & Rock Excavation
Applications

KEMROC Chain Trenchers - Trenching Application

Utility and Pipeline Installation:

KEMROC trenching attachments are designed for efficient deep and narrow trenching, enabling precise trench profiles while helping reduce hauling and material handling costs. They are well suited for utility lines, pipelines, drainage systems, and other underground infrastructure projects.

Underwater Trenching:

KEMROC cutters can operate at depths of up to approximately 98 ft underwater, making them suitable for marine construction, underwater trenching, and wet job site conditions. For specialized subsea applications, KEMROC can engineer attachment configurations for depths beyond approximately 3,280 ft, depending on project requirements.

Trenching in Sand and Soft Soil:

Using Kemsolid attachments, including KRD mixing cutters for Mass Soil Mixing (MSM) and KSI mixing swords for Trench Soil Mixing (TSM), contractors can stabilize soft soils and support safer, more cost-effective trenching operations in challenging ground conditions.

Crossing Existing Utilities:

Because KEMROC attachments operate with low vibration, they can cut rock below existing utilities and create clean passages under crossing services. This makes them useful in utility corridors and confined infrastructure projects where conventional trenchers may not be suitable.

Manhole Excavation:

KEMROC attachments can excavate rock for manholes along the main trench with controlled sizing and accurate profiles. This helps improve excavation efficiency and supports faster, cleaner project execution.

Shaft Excavation for Microtunneling:

KEMROC cutters are designed to minimize the required working space, making them well suited for road and highway projects. Unlike traditional hydraulic breakers, which often require more clearance around the excavation area, KEMROC precision tools support more efficient work in confined spaces.

Traditional Jackhammer / Hydraulic Breaker vs. KEMROC Drum Cutters

  • EK Chain Cutters - EK Kettenfräsen
    EK Chain Cutters
    Chain Cutters
    Measure:
    Application

    Supports range of cutting widths from 390 mm up to unlimited trench width.

    9 models
    Details
  • KEMROC KRC Bullhead Cutter attachment for excavator narrow trenching - KRC Bullhead-Fräsen
    KRC Bullhead Cutters
    Bullhead Cutter
    Measure:
    Application

    Suitable for trenching in medium to hard rock with cutting width from 600 mm up to unlimited trench width.

    9 models
    Details
  • KR Drum Cutters - Querschneidkopffräsen
    Rotary Drum Cutters
    Rotary drum cutters
    Measure:
    Application

    Suitable for trenching in medium to hard rock with cutting width from 500 mm up to unlimited trench width.

     

    3 models
    Details
  • DMW Cutter Wheels - DMW Schneidräder
    DMW Cutter Wheels / Rock Saws
    Cutter Wheels
    Measure:
    Application

    Capable of cutting trenches to a fixed cross-section, customized based on the wheel diameter. Ideal for narrow trenching from 80 mm up to 400 mm with cutting depth 400 mm up to 1,000 mm.

    12 models
    Details
  • KTR Trenching Attachments - KTR Grabenfräsen
    KTR Trenching Attachments
    Trenching Attachment
    Measure:
    Application

    For medium hard rock with cutting width from 170 mm up to 450 mm with cutting depth from 1,000 mm up to 1,800 mm.

    3 models
    Details

FAQs About Demolition and Renovation

  • What KEMROC attachments are best for precise concrete slab cutting?

    The KDS Diamond Saw is specifically designed for clean, precise cuts in concrete slabs, making it ideal for controlled demolition.

  • How does the “Cut and Break” method work in demolition?

    The “Cut and Break” method uses DMW Cutter Wheels to create grooves in concrete, allowing large sections to be broken away and removed efficiently, maximizing productivity and reducing material handling costs.

  • Are KEMROC attachments suitable for demolition in urban areas?

    Yes. KEMROC attachments operate with low noise and vibration, making them suitable for demolition work in urban and sensitive environments.

  • How deep can KEMROC attachments cut in reinforced concrete?

    The KEMROC DMW Rock Saw can cut to depths of up to approximately 39 inches, or about 3.3 ft, in reinforced concrete, while KR and KRD Drum Cutters can cut deeper depending on the reach of the excavator used.

  • Do KEMROC demolition attachments come with dust control options?

    Yes. DMW Cutter Wheels and KDS Diamond Saws have optional water nozzles to suppress dust, which is essential for maintaining visibility and safety on the job site.

  • Can KEMROC attachments handle bunker demolition?

    Yes. KR and KRD Drum Cutters are designed for high-power demolition tasks, including bunker demolition and thick concrete structure removal.

  • What safety benefits do KEMROC attachments offer?

    With low vibration and noise, plus dust suppression options, KEMROC attachments help maintain a safer, cleaner work environment, particularly on urban job sites.

  • How do KRM Rotation Units enhance demolition work?

    KRM Rotation Units allow precise angle adjustments of attachments, making it easier to handle difficult cuts in tight spaces, such as bridge and structure edges.

KEMROC Trenching Attachments – Suitable for Many Applications:
  • Deep Sewer networks
  • Water networks
  • Storm water networks
  • Electric cables
  • Oil & gas pipelines
  • Fiber optic cables
EKT - Drum cutters Page

Comparison: Traditional Jackhammer / Hydraulic Breaker vs. KEMROC Drum Cutters

Feature Jackhammer / Hydraulic Breaker KEMROC Drum Cutter
Production Rate Moderate Higher production rate, up to 2x–4x productivity
Trench Profile Rough, non-vertical walls Smooth, straight, and precise trench walls
Excavation Volume Excess material excavated Up to 50% less over-excavation
Output Material Large, non-uniform pieces Fine output material, potentially reusable as backfill where project specifications allow
Operational Noise & Vibration High Low noise and vibration
Trench Width Accuracy Inconsistent Narrower, more precise trenches
Safety Higher risk Safer operation
Cost per linear meter High Low
Maintenance required High maintenance Low maintenance

FAQs About Trenching with KEMROC Attachments

  • How does KEMROC achieve higher productivity in trenching compared with hydraulic breakers?

    KEMROC cutters excavate in vertical layers, helping create consistent, clean trench profiles with less rework and achieving 2x to 4x the productivity compared with hydraulic breakers.

  • Which KEMROC products are best for underwater trenching?

    KEMROC attachment ranges are suitable for underwater applications, with the ability to work at depths of up to approximately 98 ft without modifications.

  • What trench widths and depths can KEMROC cutters handle?

    KEMROC trenching attachments can achieve trench widths from approximately 3.15 in up to custom trench widths, and trench depths of up to approximately 46 ft, depending on the excavator and the KEMROC attachment used.

  • How do KEMROC attachments reduce trenching costs?

    KEMROC attachments provide high linear productivity, reduce the need for additional rework, and produce output material that may be reusable as backfill where project specifications allow, helping reduce overall costs and hauling costs.

  • What are the benefits of using KEMROC cutters in urban areas?

    With low noise levels of 75–80 dB and minimal vibration, KEMROC cutters are well suited for urban areas, helping reduce impact on nearby structures and support a safer work environment.

Peter-Nashaat
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