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
The DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher is the better walk-behind trencher overall, rated 2.5 to 2.3. The DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher leads on warranty. The Samson WP1500E XR2100 wins on power and value. The DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher costs $1,496 less ($2,799 vs $4,295).
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.
Samson WP1500E XR2100
The priciest trencher here, with a heavier-duty drivetrain than the import clones. The listing is vague on width and start type, and at $4,295 it competes with used pro machines.
Amazon $4,295$4,295
Which should you buy?
- 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)).
- Choose the Samson WP1500E XR2100 for power (14 hp vs 7 hp) and value ($306.79 per hp ($4,295, 14 hp) vs $399.86 per hp ($2,799, 7 hp)).
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 | DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher | Samson WP1500E XR2100 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.5/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 0 $399.86 per hp ($2,799, 7 hp) | 11 $306.79 per hp ($4,295, 14 hp) |
| Power 20% | 0 7 hp | 50 14 hp |
| Start 20% | 0 recoil start only | 50 start type not clear from the listing (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 30% | 100 3-year warranty (longest of machine or engine) | 0 1-year warranty (longest of machine or engine) |
Specifications
| DK2 OPT118 18 in Trencher | Samson WP1500E XR2100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trenching | ||
| Max depth | 18 in | 24 in |
| Depth settings | 5 positions | 8, 16, 24 in |
| Chain length | - | 79 in |
| Carbide teeth | - | 27 |
| Side auger | - | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Kohler CH270 208 cc | Briggs & Stratton XR2100 |
| Power | 7 hp | 14 hp |
| Start | Recoil | - |
| Build | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |