Trencher chains are typically either link or plate style systems. Link chains consist of metal links, like a large bicycle chain, with teeth bolted to the sides of the links. Plate style chains have links with flat metal plates welded or bolted to the links, and the trencher teeth are bolted to the plates. This style chain is most often used with large trenches for pipeline work, where the depth and width of the trench exceeds the capacity of a smaller link chain and tooth setup.

Trencher teeth come in various styles depending on ground conditions.

Cup teeth: Cup teeth are curved and are used for soft ground conditions where the soil is loose and requires a "scoop" type tool for effective removal from the trench.

Shark teeth: Shark teeth resemble teeth from a shark, with carbide points on the tip for cutting through consolidated soils that require more penetration strength that soils that are easily dug with cup teeth. Shark teeth can be either single or double tooth designs.

Rotary teeth: Rotary teeth are carbide tipped points with metal shanks that fit into tooth holders on a trencher chain. Another name for this style tooth is a bullet tooth. These teeth are used for hard ground conditions up to and including rock formations. They are called rotary teeth because the tooth itself can rotate in the tooth holder, which aids in longer wear life.

The type of trencher chain and teeth you need depends on the specific requirements of your project, including the depth/width of the trench and soil conditions. Consult with a trenching expert to ensure you select the right chain and teeth combination for your operation.

Trencher chains and teeth are wear items. The only maintenance for chains and teeth are replacement when they exceed their useful life.