Rockwheel Trenching Contractor in Texas
Ridge Rock Excavation is a rockwheel trenching contractor. We cut narrow, clean trenches through hard rock for fiber, telecom, and underground cable installs using rockwheel trenchers, including Tesmec equipment. We work across San Antonio, Austin, and the I-35 corridor from offices in Selma and Pflugerville.
What Is a Rockwheel?
A rockwheel (also called a wheel trencher or rock saw) is a trencher that uses a large, carbide-toothed cutting wheel instead of a digging chain. The wheel grinds through limestone, caliche, and other hard rock that would stall a backhoe, leaving a narrow trench with straight walls and finely broken spoil that is easy to backfill.
Rockwheel vs. Chain Trencher
| Rockwheel | Best in hard rock; cuts a narrow, clean trench; ideal for fiber and conduit runs |
|---|---|
| Chain trencher | Best for deeper or wider trenches in mixed ground and soil |
| Our approach | We match the machine to the ground and trench spec; many routes use both |
Rockwheel Fiber Trenching
A rockwheel’s narrow cut makes it a natural fit for fiber trenching and telecom trenching: less rock to remove, less backfill, and faster production on long fiber routes through rocky ground. See fiber optic trenching & cable installation.
Tesmec Trenching
Tesmec is one of the best-known manufacturers of rockwheel and chain trenchers for hard-rock work. Our crews run Tesmec trenching equipment on rock jobs where production and a clean cut matter.
Rockwheel Trenching Questions
When is a rockwheel the right choice?
When the route runs through hard rock or caliche and the trench is relatively narrow, such as fiber, conduit, and underground cable. For deeper or wider trenches in softer ground, a chain trencher is often more efficient.
Do rock trenches need shoring?
OSHA’s excavation standard (29 CFR 1926.652) requires a protective system (sloping, shoring, or a trench box) for trenches 5 feet deep or more, unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. A competent person must still inspect the trench and conditions.
Who handles utility locates?
Texas law (Utilities Code Chapter 251) requires the excavator to notify Texas811 at least 48 hours before digging, excluding weekends and holidays, so underground lines can be marked.
Who You’re Working With
Ridge Rock Excavation is run by Kyleigh Clark (owner and managing member), whose background is in construction job costing and financial controls, and Wes Clark (operations advisor), who brings more than 25 years of trenching and heavy-equipment experience on projects across the United States in a wide range of soil and rock conditions. Read more about our team.
Get a Trenching Quote
Send us the location, trench length, depth, ground type, and start date. Or call 210-236-0008.