MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler
The pick if you want a Kohler engine and electric start on the same 24 in trencher. You pay about $1,150 more than for the 15hp import-engine version.
Amazon $3,099$3,099
The MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler is the better walk-behind trencher overall, rated 2.9 to 2.5. The MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler 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 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 | 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 | 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 |