MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler
The pick if you want a Kohler engine and the longest engine warranty in the group. You pay about $1,150 more than for the 15hp import-engine version of the same trencher.
Amazon $3,099$3,099
A walk-behind trencher cuts a narrow ditch for a cable, a drain line or an irrigation run in minutes. These rankings cover the gas chain trenchers a homeowner or small contractor can buy new online: a 4 in wide trench up to 24 in deep, cut by a chain of carbide teeth. They compare what the makers publish on the same terms: what each costs per horsepower, how much power the engine makes, whether it starts with a key, and how long it’s covered.
Most of what is sold this way is one machine under several names: a 420 cc, 15 hp single-cylinder engine, a 27-tooth chain and a 24 in by 4 in trench. The differences are the engine (a Kohler costs about $1,150 more than the import engine), electric start, the warranty and the seller. Pro machines from Ditch Witch, Vermeer and Barreto are sold through dealers and rental yards without public prices, so they aren’t ranked.
Soil matters more than the model. The makers of these trenchers say they suit loose, sandy soil, and warn that gravel and hard objects can overload and damage the machine. For rock or heavy clay, rent a pro machine.
Engine is the first choice. A Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engine can be serviced at any small-engine shop and carries the longest engine warranty here. The cheaper models use an import engine that the listing does not name.
Start is the second. Electric start needs a battery to keep charged; a recoil start on a 420 cc single takes a hard pull.
Prices were last checked November 4, 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.
Top Picks
TEQLAND TL120200
#1 in Budget engineFull review
The lowest-priced electric-start 24 in trencher listed, and effectively the same machine as the MechMaxx 15hp. Fine for loose soil if you can live with an unknown engine brand.
Amazon $1,899$1,899
Shop by Engine
Name-brand engine
3 rankedTrenchers with a Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engine: parts at any small-engine shop, and the longest engine warranties.
Top rated: MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler $3,099
Budget engine
5 rankedTrenchers with a 420 cc import engine: the lowest prices for a 24 in trencher.
Top rated: TEQLAND TL120200 $1,899
Narrow It Down
By budget
By feature
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Best Walk-Behind Trenchers With a Name-Brand Engine
- MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler#1 of 3Full review
The pick if you want a Kohler engine and the longest engine warranty in the group. You pay about $1,150 more than for the 15hp import-engine version of the same trencher.
Amazon $3,099$3,09914 hp24 x 4 in- - MechMaxx TCR1500 Kohler E-Start Preorder#2 of 3Full review
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$3,09914 hp24 x 4 inElectric - Samson WP1500E XR2100#3 of 3Full review
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$4,29514 hp--
Best Walk-Behind Trenchers With a Budget Engine
- TEQLAND TL120200#1 of 5Full review
The lowest-priced electric-start 24 in trencher listed, and effectively the same machine as the MechMaxx 15hp. Fine for loose soil if you can live with an unknown engine brand.
Amazon $1,899$1,89915 hp24 x 4 inElectric - MechMaxx TCR1500 15HP E-Start#2 of 5Full review
The cheapest 24 in trencher with electric start in this group, built for loose soil and irrigation or cable runs on a property. Not a pick for gravelly or rocky ground.
Amazon $1,949$1,94915 hp24 x 4 inElectric - DIGMIGHT 15HP Trencher#3 of 5Full review
A 15hp electric-start trencher that lists a side auger and four depth stops. Its listing states no warranty, so it scores zero on that factor.
Amazon $2,299$2,29915 hp24 x 4 inElectric - DigSwift 15HP Trencher#4 of 5Full review
The same machine as the DIGMIGHT, sold by DigSwift with less detail in its listing. Buy whichever seller states the warranty you can live with.
Amazon $2,299$2,29915 hp24 x 4 inElectric - DigMaster 15HP Trencher#5 of 5Full review
A recoil-start 15hp trencher that publishes its net weight and depth stops. Pick it if you don’t want a battery to maintain.
Amazon $2,299$2,29915 hp24 x 4 inRecoil
How We Rank
Each trencher is ranked against others with the same kind of engine, and scored on its price per horsepower, its engine power, whether it has electric start and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per horsepower | 30% |
| Power | engine horsepower | 20% |
| Start | electric start instead of recoil only | 20% |
| Warranty | longest warranty on the machine or engine | 30% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.