Lincolnshire firm Shelton has launched a tractor-mounted chain trencher which it says has the laser-grading accuracy of a self-propelled trencher but without the hefty price tag.

The CT150 needs a 150-200hp tractor with CVT transmission or a creep-speed gearbox rated down to 0.3kph and the machine has a maximum digging depth of 1.5m.

See also: Shelton trencher aimed at farmers who want to drain wet areas

It can use laser grading to evenly install land drainage pipes on agricultural land to give longevity and efficiency to a drainage system.

The machine is said to be easy to operate, so farmers can carry out drainage work in-house and at a time that suits them and during the best trenching conditions.

The trench depth is controlled hydraulically from the tractor cab and the pipe-layer lifts out of the ground for easy setting in at the start of the trench.

The pipe is fed on to the trench bottom automatically through the pipe layer which is fed from the pipe reel.

The digging chain is driven from the tractor’s pto and twin augers on either side of the digging chain move the soil to the edge of the trench so that it can be pushed back in after the addition of aggregate.

The augers can be winched out of the way when setting in at ditches to minimise any damage to banks.

A laser control system can be added for greater accuracy of grading and extra pipe layers for larger diameter pipes can also be fitted. Cost is £29,950.