We offer a wide range of trench box sizes, including the Mini Trench Box, the Standard Trench Box, and the Multi Mega Trench Box. 

    Our trench box products are designed to be installed quickly and easily. The extension boxes can be added to achieve deeper trenches, up to a maximum of two top boxes. They can be installed in either pre-dug trench in stable ground or by progressive 'dig & push' method. Read more of the benefits of a Trench Box here

    We take pride in our commitment to safety and quality. Our shoring box products are built to the highest standards, ensuring that they are safe and reliable for all your construction needs. We understand that every project is unique, which is why we offer customised solutions to suit your requirements.

    For quick & easy standard designs 24/7, try out our standard design tool, YourSolution.

    Contact us today to learn more about our trench and shoring box products and how they can benefit your project. Find out more about all our trench boxes for hire.

Type Mini Multi Box Standard Multi Box Mega Multi Box
Base Top Ext Base Top Ext Base Top Ext
Plate Length (m) 3.0 3.5 5
Plate height (m) 2.0 1.0 2.6 1.3 2.6 1.3
Plate thickness (mm) 60 100 127
Overall trench width (m) 0.66 - 4.41 0.73 - 4.53 0.79 - 3.90
Internal width (m) 0.54 - 4.29 0.54 - 4.29 0.53 - 3.64
Weight (kg)* 1160 632 2084 1232 3090 1840
Distance between struts 2.50 3.0 4.53
Strut Clearance Height (m) 1.19 N/A 1.44 N/A 1.4 N/A

FAQs

What does a Trench Box do?

A trench box holds back the earth on two sides but is open at its ends. Using more than one trench box can facilitate the installation of long pipe runs or similar, as they can run parallel to one another. 


When should a trench box be used?

A trench box is generally the first choice for the shoring of trench runs due to the sheer speed and simplicity of assembly and installation. They are suitable for use in trenches up to 5m wide x 6m deep in reasonable ground conditions. A trench box can easily be stacked and used in multiple runs which also makes them the ideal shoring method for continuously supporting an extended length of trench.


How much does a box weigh?

The aggregate weight of a trench box will essentially be determined by the size of panels used together with the type of struts and associated accessories. In conditions where a lightweight solution is required, the Groundforce range of backhoe trench box products provide an excellent option. All our user guides provide information on the weights for different configurations of boxes and this is useful to know for transportation purposes, but also essential information for the hirer as it dictates the excavator class and capacity required in order to lift or position the box.


Can a trench box be stacked?

Depending on the soil pressures acting on the panels, a trench box allows for up to two additional top boxes to be stacked on the base box. A simple connection system using a cassette and pin system quickly and easily connects the boxes.


How do you install a trench box?

On site, the trench box panels and struts will be safely assembled at ground level prior to setting in the partially dug trench. The trench box can then be installed using the traditional dig and push method, connecting any additional top boxes as the excavation proceeds and finally fitting any edge protection barriers.


How deep can a trench be without shoring?

Regardless of depth, we recommend shoring equipment is installed in all excavations and that a site specific risk assessment is carried out.

What is the difference between a trench and an excavation?

An excavation is any hole in the ground, of any shape. A trench is similar but is linear in nature.

Does a trench box prevent cave-ins?

Yes, providing a temporary works design has demonstrated that the box is suitable for the specific application and ground conditions present.


Trench Box: Typical Installation Methodology

This quick and easy method ensures ground stability within a trench and helps minimise the excavation area to avoid damage to neighbouring structures and utilities in the ground. This methodology is best suited for a trench box with shorter struts, if you use a trench box with long struts then other methods may be more suited, if you have any questions on different methods you can use contact our technical department.

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