MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler E-Start Preorder
A Kohler-powered TCR1500 with a key start, for buyers who want both. It is still a pre-order on Amazon and its listing states no warranty.
Amazon $3,099$3,099
The MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler E-Start is the better walk-behind trencher overall, rated 2.9 to 2.5. The MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler E-Start leads on start, value and power. The DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher wins on warranty. The DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher costs $300 less ($2,799 vs $3,099).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher
A small Kohler-powered trencher for cable, lighting and drip lines down to 18 in. At its current price you get less depth and power than a 24 in import model, so buy it for the engine name and warranty.
Amazon $2,799$2,799
Which should you buy?
- Choose the MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler E-Start for start (electric start vs recoil start only), value ($221.36 per hp ($3,099, 14 hp) vs $399.86 per hp ($2,799, 7 hp)) and power (14 hp vs 7 hp).
- Choose the DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher for warranty (3-year warranty (longest of machine or engine) vs 1-year warranty (longest of machine or engine)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every name-brand engine walk-behind trencher; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler E-Start | DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 37 $221.36 per hp ($3,099, 14 hp) | 0 $399.86 per hp ($2,799, 7 hp) |
| Power 20% | 50 14 hp | 0 7 hp |
| Start 20% | 100 electric start | 0 recoil start only |
| Warranty 30% | 0 1-year warranty (longest of machine or engine) | 100 3-year warranty (longest of machine or engine) |
Specifications
| MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler E-Start | DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher | |
|---|---|---|
| Trenching | ||
| Max depth | 24 in | 18 in |
| Width | 4 in | - |
| Depth settings | - | 5 positions |
| Chain length | 81.5 in | - |
| Carbide teeth | 27 | - |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Kohler CH440 429 cc | Kohler CH270 208 cc |
| Power | 14 hp | 7 hp |
| Start | Electric | Recoil |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 402 lb | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years |
| Released | Pre-order | - |