Our Trench Boxes

A trench box is a protective structure used in excavation projects to prevent cave-ins and provide a safe working environment  for personnel by supporting the walls of a trench.

Groundforce Shorco is proud to offer a comprehensive range of trench boxes, designed to provide the highest levels of safety and protection. Our products are constructed from strong and durable materials, ensuring maximum strength and reliability.

The Groundforce Shorco range includes backhoe, manhole, drag boxes, and more. If you would like to know more about the types of trench box available for hire, enquire with our team.

Have more questions or want some further reading on trench boxes? Check our Trench Box FAQ page. We have a team of technical writers who explain everything you need to know in great detail.

FAQs

What is a trench box?

A trench box is a structural system, usually made of steel or aluminium that is designed to hold back the earth within an excavation, creating a safe working space for personnel within. Unsupported ground can often seem stable in the short term, which can trick people into thinking that it's safe, but it's never safe to get into an unsupported excavation. 


Do I need to use a Trench Box?

If you have to ask this question, the answer is probably yes. In almost all cases you will require a trench support system when digging excavations. There are very rare exceptions to this, but it requires that the excavation itself has been carefully designed. The important thing to be aware of is that no matter the depth of your excavation, it is always safest to use trench support systems.


What different Trench Boxes do you offer?

We offer a range of Trench Boxes including manhole braces, trench sheets and walers. We also offer products to accompany the structure itself, including ancillary products and safety solutions such as Edge Safe and Ladder Safe.


Which type of trench box do I need?

Picking the right tool for the job is really important as there is no one solution to fit all projects. For example, a trench box gives a really quick and easy means of supporting an excavation, but there may be certain ground conditions that don’t allow you to use a trench box, meaning you will need a properly sheeted excavation. The best way to find out which type of trench support system you need is to get in touch with one of our sales representatives, fill out a design request form or let our complimentary design service, YourSolution answer that question for you.


How do I install a trench support system?

All of our equipment is supplied with installation guides which should be read in conjunction with your own site specific risk assessments.

Do I need a Temporary Works Design?

We recommend that a temporary works design is in place for every piece of temporary works equipment you install. You can request a temporary works design from Groundforce through our design request form.