Cut Costs, Save Time: Contractor's Guide to Smarter Trenching With KEMROC EK Chain Cutter

Tue October 21, 2025
KEMROC

In Beaver, W.Va., a trenching project showcased the power and efficiency of the KEMROC EK 160 chain cutter, mounted on a Komatsu 450 excavator.

Tasked with cutting through sandstone with a compressive strength of approximately 10,153 psi, this specialized excavator chain cutter trenching attachment is delivering outstanding performance, setting new benchmarks for rock trenching in the United States, according to KEMROC.

Project Overview

The contractor rented the EK 160 for several months to support utility trenching works across varying depths and widths, averaging 40 in. wide. Traditional trenching equipment such as hoe rams or blasting would have slowed progress, created oversized rubble and raised environmental concerns. Instead, the KEMROC EK chain cutter offered a precise, continuous and cost-effective solution for the job site with low vibration and low sound ensuring high safety and supporting quiet environment for the neighborhood.

Performance, Productivity

The KEMROC EK 160 trench cutter proved to be the right choice for sandstone conditions. Daily productivity was impressive, with operators cutting through rock efficiently while maintaining consistent trench profiles, according to KEMROC.

On average, the KEMROC EK 160 consumed up to 20 round attack picks per day per 3,500 cu. ft., a figure considered economical given the abrasive sandstone. The ability to produce reusable backfill material rather than oversized rubble also reduced hauling requirements and cut project costs significantly.

Advantages of KEMROC EK 160 in Excavator Trenching

• Precision in rock trenching: The excavator chain cutter trenching attachment created uniform trench walls, minimizing overbreak and ensuring cleaner cuts.

• Higher productivity: The EK 160 outperformed other trenching methods by maintaining consistent output and completing work faster, according to KEMROC.

• Cost savings: Reduced pick consumption, reusable excavated material and minimized need for backfill lowered operating costs.

• Sustainability: By eliminating blasting and reducing noise and vibrations, the EK 160 aligned with environmentally friendly trenching methods.

Why the Contractor Chose KEMROC

The contractor chose the KEMROC EK 160 chain cutter over competing brands because of its record of higher productivity in hard rock conditions. The machine's robust design, German engineering and ability to integrate seamlessly with the Komatsu 450 excavator made it the choice for this trenching project.

The KEMROC EK 160 stand outs by delivering energy efficiency, using up to 40 percent less energy than conventional drum cutters while reducing wear on the excavator's swing gear, according to KEMROC. They excel in precision trenching, producing narrow, straight profiles in a single pass with minimal vibration, avoiding over-excavation, material waste and costly transport.

Also, the fine-grained material generated is reusable for immediate backfilling, eliminating the need for imported fill and driving substantial cost savings, according to KEMROC.

In urban and sensitive environments, operators benefit from the low noise and low vibration performance, ensuring both safety and community satisfaction. Engineered for versatility, KEMROC EK chain cutters operate underwater up to 100 ft. without modifications and adapt seamlessly to diverse trenching widths, according ot KEMROC.

Most importantly, they deliver two to four times the linear productivity of hoe rams, enabling contractors to achieve more per day with reduced downtime. For projects demanding efficiency, sustainability and profitability, from pipeline trenching to utility crossings, the KEMROC chain cutter is more than an excavator attachment; it's the smart trenching solution redefining productivity in rock excavation, according to KEMROC.

Testimonial by Pipe Foreman in Job Site

According to the Pipe Foreman — Frank Neubert, the introduction of the KEMROC chain cutter changed everything. "You no longer need to trench 30 feet wide to bench down," he said. "We're removing rock efficiently, cutting twice as much material compared to a hydraulic hammer."

KEMROC attachment's ability to deliver clean, vertical trench walls eliminated the need for trench boxes and reduced rework, resulting in a faster, more precise workflow.

Beyond productivity, the KEMROC chain cutter proved its value in cost savings and environmental efficiency. On a recent section, a team that once spent 11 days hammering through 35 ft. of casing completed a similar stretch in just 1 day using KEMROC. The milled material was reused directly for backfilling, cutting transport costs and minimizing disruption to nearby communities.

"We keep the road open, reduce noise and lower dust levels," Neubert said. "The difference is night and day, the community around the job site are happier, and our work is cleaner, quieter and safer."

Neubert also praised KEMROC's customer support and machine reliability.

"When we needed a new chain, KEMROC team was on site by 7:00 a.m. to replace it. They even provided a KRC bullhead cutter while we waited," he said. "It's easy to operate, anyone could learn it quickly. We've still got a lot of rock to cut, and I can definitely see more KEMROC cutters in our future." From precision trenching to reduced downtime, Neubert elaborated how KEMROC is positioned as the go-to smart solution for contractors demanding speed, efficiency and performance in tough ground conditions and in urban areas.

Conclusion

The KEMROC EK 160 chain cutter demonstrated efficiency in excavator trenching and rock cutting trenching applications. Its role in Beaver, W.Va., highlighted how chain cutter trenching attachments can transform trench excavation projects by combining speed, accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

As infrastructure demands in the United States grow, contractors are increasingly turning to advanced solutions like KEMROC's excavator chain cutter trench technology to achieve more with less time, less waste and less cost.

For more information, visit kemroc.com