If you're shopping for a skid steer trencher attachment, odds are you've landed on the Skid Steer Nation Bigfoot line. They make two: the Bigfoot 900 Standard Flow and the Bigfoot 1200 XD High Flow. The 1200 XD costs about $3,800 more. Worth it? Depends on your job.
The short answer
If your skid steer is standard-flow only (most older machines, smaller Bobcats, mini track loaders), the Bigfoot 900 is your only realistic option — the 1200 XD requires high-flow hydraulics that your machine doesn't deliver. Done.
If your skid steer is high-flow capable and you're trenching for real work — utility installs, drainage runs, irrigation lines longer than a single weekend project — the 1200 XD pays for itself fast in dig speed and depth consistency.
If you're high-flow capable but only trench occasionally (a few backyard runs a year), the 900 still gets it done.
The specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bigfoot 900 (Standard Flow) | Bigfoot 1200 XD (High Flow) |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic flow required | Standard (15–25 GPM) | High (26–40 GPM) |
| Digging depth | Up to 26" | Up to 31" |
| Trench width | 6", 8", 10", 12" | 6", 8", 10", 12" |
| Weight | 575 lbs | 855 lbs |
| Motor | Digga/Eaton | 2K BELL Eaton high-torque |
| Price | $7,140 | $10,980 |
Where the 1200 XD earns its premium
The 1200 XD's high-flow motor doesn't just dig deeper — it digs faster and more consistently. In dense or rocky ground, a standard-flow trencher will bog down and force you to reverse, lift, and re-engage repeatedly. The 1200 XD has the torque headroom to plow through it. On long utility runs, that translates to 30–50% less time per linear foot.
The deeper 31" max depth also matters for code compliance on a lot of utility installs — frost lines in most of the northern US sit between 30" and 48", and shallow trenches mean broken water lines come February.
Where the 900 makes sense
The 900 isn't a budget compromise — it's a different tool. If you're doing irrigation laterals (typically 12–18" deep), French drain lines, dog fence runs, or shallow electrical conduit, the 900's 26" depth covers everything you need. You'll also save fuel because standard flow draws less hydraulic horsepower. And the 280 lb weight savings means lighter trailer loads when you're hauling it to jobs.
What does NOT change between them
Both trenchers come with the same patent-pending Headstart Crumber System, which lets you start trenching with the crumber already engaged — no climbing out of the cab to reset it. Both use the same chain widths (6"–12"). Both have an adjustable depth-control foot visible from the operator's seat. Both ship with a universal quick-attach mount and a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
How to know which your machine can run
Check your skid steer's spec sheet for "auxiliary hydraulic flow" in GPM. If it lists a single number under 25 GPM, you're standard-flow and the 900 is your answer. If it lists "high-flow option" or shows 26+ GPM, you can run either. Most newer Bobcat S/T-series, Caterpillar 299D, John Deere 333G, and Kubota SVL series machines support high flow. Older machines, mini track loaders, and most Toro Dingo / Bobcat MT compact units are standard-flow only.
Shop the Bigfoot trenchers
- Bigfoot 900 Standard Flow Skid Steer Trencher — $7,140
- Bigfoot 1200 XD High Flow Trencher Attachment — $9,450
- Browse all skid steer trenchers
Need it to fit a non-standard machine? We build skid steer adapters in our Illinois shop that let you mount full-size attachments on Toro Dingo, Bobcat MT, ASV/Terex, Gehl, and Kubota machines. Email zach@smithcustomz.com or text 1-815-200-9363 if you want to make sure your setup is right before you order.
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