A cup chain consists of a chain with sharp, cup-shaped teeth that rotate to cut into the ground, scoop out soil, and carry it away from the trenching area. Standard Cup Chains have a cup tooth on every other link, while Double Cup Chains have a cup tooth on every link. This digging process allows for clean, precise trenching, making cup chains ideal for landscaping, irrigation, or light construction projects.
Where to use it:
The cup chain works best in loose to moderately compacted soils, such as loamy or sandy soils, where its scooping action can effectively break up and remove material without excessive resistance. While it can handle some clay or soft rocky soils, it is less effective in highly compacted or rocky conditions.
The shark tooth chain is equipped with sharp, pointed teeth resembling a shark’s teeth, fitted with carbide-tipped points, which rotate to cut, break, and remove hard soil and debris efficiently. Bolt-On Shark chains utilize a standard chain blank, and the shark teeth are independently bolted onto the chain, allowing for individual replacement as needed. In contrast, Welded Shark chains have teeth that are welded onto the chain blank and cannot be replaced individually. This aggressive cutting action allows the trencher to penetrate and excavate soils that standard cup chains might struggle with.
Application:
The shark tooth chain works best in moderately to highly compacted soils, clay, shale, and soft rocky terrains, where its enhanced cutting capabilities can effectively break through resistant materials.
A combination cup/shark tooth chain on a trencher combines the cutting capabilities of both cup-shaped and shark teeth, offering versatility across various soil types and conditions. This hybrid chain features alternating sections of cup teeth for scooping and removing loose soil, and shark teeth for cutting through tougher, compacted soils and soft rock formations. The cup teeth enhance the chain’s ability to handle loamy, sandy, or softer soils by efficiently scooping and clearing debris, while the shark teeth tackle harder materials with their sharp cutting edges or carbide tips.
Application:
The combination chain is suitable for a wide range of soil conditions, from soft loam to hard clay and even rocky terrain. By adapting to various soil types, this chain provides optimal performance and efficiency in a variety of digging applications.
