Trenching water lines on ranch?

[TradAg02]

I need to add 3,000’ - 4,000’ of new water lines to provide water to 5 troughs. Ranch is in Duval county, soft soil, little to no rock in area I’ll be laying the lines.

Has anyone priced out the difference in renting a trencher and laying the pipe vs hiring it out? Anyone have a contractor they recommend?

[Big_gun]

I would say if the dirst is soft and very few rocks / trees etc rent a vibratory plow and put 1-1/2" poly in the ground. I would bet you would be able to do it a lot cheaper yourself if your willing, Most contractors will figure up the cost of rentals ( or their equipment time) / materials etc and double it

[kyleseipp]

Just get you a shank or stinger from a dozer and pull it underground, dont trench it and then cover. If you have no rocks where you are pulling it, that poly will do just fine with this setup.

[Gerald G]

I’ve plowed in a lot of water line with a ripper similar to the one above. It’s always a good idea to pre-rip it before you hook on to the pipe.

[S-3 Ranch]

I rented a trencher when I set up my camp , we did over a mile of water and electric conduit line in north east Webb county, it was spring time so it was easy with taking turns running the trench and line

[andre3k]

If you rent a ride on trencher then plan on getting a weekly rental. I guess about 1200 - 1400 for the rental plus fuel and your time. I'm doing 1500ft this spring but I'm using my mini ex and a trenching bucket since it's what I have. Do you plan on using brass unions or fusing your sections together?

[TradAg02]

Do you plan on using brass unions or fusing your sections together?

Brass unions. I have no experience fusing.

[TradAg02]

I would say if the dirst is soft and very few rocks / trees etc rent a vibratory plow and put 1-1/2" poly in the ground. I would bet you would be able to do it a lot cheaper yourself if your willing, Most contractors will figure up the cost of rentals ( or their equipment time) / materials etc and double it

I'm willing, but am juggling too many projects so I need to determine where my time is most valuable vs what I should contract out. At this point I have been unable to find a contractor to provide a quote for this job.

[Txhunter3000]

Once you get a quote it might make up your mind.!!

[Big pig]

If it’s not rocky or too thick with trees, I would do it myself
I did 1500’ here at the house. Very simple. Used rollout 2” black pipe. Biggest problem was the hook up at the meter.
Joining (by melting) the 500’ joints in the field was easy with rented tool and generator.
My ground was mostly caliche and easy to trench.
Laid pipe out in the sun to stretch out and check for leaks.
covering with blade on trencher was easy.

the conservative side of me says watch for any buried lines.

BP

[Big pig]

Brass unions. I have no experience fusing.

Not sure of the terminology, but we fused the end of bare line to bare line very easily. Practiced once and it proved simple. On the ends I used fittings that were already attached to short pieces of pipe and fused the pipe end to that attached pipe.

[TexasTK]

I laid about 3.5 miles of 1 1/2 sdr 11 poly pipe a few years ago.
I used a motor grader. Just tilted the blade & cut a ditch. Buried it about 18” deep. Buried all of it & had water flowing in 2 days.

[Bowtechshooter]

Collin bennet
+1 (361) 271-6700

he runs a ranch down here In Encinal but also has a business installing poly pipe. Give him a shout

[BrokenJ]

Quick line services has done miles for me at different ranches. From 2 inch to 6 inch. Cattle and wildlife troughs, irrigation both pivot and reel guns, and water to the ranch HQ. They definitely have the poly pipe down. Give Damin Hubbs a call and he can get you some numbers. +1 (210) 219-2264

[Hogmauler]

Does anyone know someone in Robertson county that can run lines as well?