A trench box is versatile, cost-effective and provide an excellent way of protecting workers from excavation wall collapse while carrying out groundworks. They 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.

    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.

    Groundforce’s full range of shoring solutions is available with nationwide delivery and collection. With 18 strategically located depots across the UK, we ensure quick site delivery or convenient pickup nearby. Use our depot locator to find the closest location.

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 is a Trench Box?

A Trench Box is a structure usually consisting of two walls or panels; its purpose is to protect workers from injury in the event of an excavation collapse. Different sized Trench Boxes can be used depending on the depth and length of the excavation, and a range of strut types accommodate the width. 

Core components of a Trench Box typically include:

•    Steel or aluminium panels

•    Top Boxes, depending on the excavation depth

•    spindles or struts, either incrementally or fully adjustable

•    Strut and Top Box pins and connectors 


What size Trench Box do I need?

The required size of Trench Box will firstly be determined by the size of the excavation: Groundforce supply four trench box sizes, all with adjustable struts. Mini Trench Boxes start with a plate length of 3m, and the Mega Trench Box has 5m plates. All Trench Boxes sizes can be fitted with a top box to achieve greater depths. Other factors that influence the size of a Trench Box include:

•    Type of soil (sand, silt etc.)

•    Any utilities work within the trench

•    Excavator size (weight limitations)


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 should primarily be used to protect workers from excavation wall collapse while undertaking groundworks. Ease of installation means Trench Boxes are the industry’s first choice for the rapid shoring of excavations and extended trench runs. Trench boxes can be used in most ground conditions but are not recommended for use in unmanaged, waterlogged ground.


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.


What depth do you need a Trench Box?

What depth a Trench Box should be ultimately comes down to the engineer’s design and any site specific requirements. If pipes and utilities are being installed this will also be factored into the depth requirement. Trench Boxes can be installed leaving an upstand to provide a safety barrier which will also determine the overall depth.


How do I build a Trench Box?

Assembling a Groundforce Shorco Trench Box is a simple process due to its modular design and minimal components. Typically a plate is laid on the ground and 4 pre-adjusted struts are secured with pins to face upwards. The second plate is then raised and lowered onto the struts, completing the assembly: the Trench Box is then ready to be manoeuvred and placed into an excavation.


Why hire a trench box?

The modular design of Trench Boxes means the equipment can be assembled and installed very quickly to get your project moving without fuss or delay. In contrast, fabricated shoring solutions involve costly equipment, skilled welders and more time to implement. Modular Trench Boxes however benefit from cost-effective versatility together with built-in design features that comply with safety legislation. Trench Boxes can also be easily relocated onsite as a project progresses.


Related Files

(4.03 MB)
Trench Box User Guide
(2.22 MB)
Trench Box Technical Literature
(4.81 MB)
Quick Start User Guide for Trench Boxes

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.

Enquire Now

Our Trench Box Sizes

Groundforce offers a wide range of trench box sizes designed to deliver safe, fast, and compliant support for excavations. Whether you’re laying services, installing chambers, or working on a deep trench run, we have a solution to suit your project depth, trench width, and site conditions.

Our trench boxes are available with a variety of strut types and can be extended with up to two top boxes to reach deeper excavations, subject to the maximum panel pressure not being exceeded

  • Mini Trench Box: for trench depths up to 4.0 metres when used with up to two top extensions. Compact and easy to handle, ideal for utility works and tight-access sites.
  • Standard Trench Box: for trenches up to 5.3 metres deep, offering a practical solution for general groundworks and civil engineering applications.
  • Premier Trench Box: for heavy-duty conditions and trenches up to 6.6 metres deep. A reliable option for deeper excavations where additional support is needed.

Groundforce trench boxes can typically support trench widths ranging from 0.7 to 4.9 metres. Each unit is built with four-way handling points to aid safe assembly and is compatible with accessories such as handrails and LadderSafe panels for safer site access.

Our Trench Box Sizes

Other Trench Box Types

In addition to these core trench box types, Groundforce also supplies:

  • Manhole Boxes, which provide four-sided protection for square excavations such as chamber installations.
  • Backhoe Trench & Manhole Boxes, which are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for use with mini excavators on restricted-access sites.
  • Drag Boxes, which are designed for continuous pipeline or cable installation, where trench shielding needs to move with the progress of the job.

Each trench box is part of a fully engineered system that includes lifting points, edge protection options, and flexible sizing to meet the real demands of working on live sites.

Other Trench Box Types

Trench Box Applications

Groundforce trench boxes are used across a range of project applications, offering excavation support to protect against soil movement and collapse risks. Their modular design, quick installation, and compatibility with varying trench depths make them an essential part of the temporary works toolkit.

Applications of Groundforce’s trench boxes include:

  • Utility installation, where safe access is required for laying or maintaining water, gas, electricity, and fibre-optic services.
  • General construction and civil engineering, where trench boxes support foundations, drainage networks, and structural tie-ins.
  • Infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and major public works that involve deep or long-run excavations.
  • Environmental and drainage works, where trench boxes are used to stabilise ground during sewer, culvert, or flood alleviation projects.

Groundforce’s trench boxes support trench runs of varying length, width and depth, and can be used in both stable and progressive “dig & push” excavations, depending on ground conditions. Our technical team includes chartered engineers who can advise on box selection based on excavation width, soil types, and expected surcharges to help ensure safe, compliant installations.

Trench Box Safety & Compliance

Designed and tested to rigorous standards, our trench boxes provide essential protection for workers in excavations by helping prevent wall collapse in unstable ground.

All Groundforce box systems are manufactured and maintained under the quality frameworks of ISO 9001, ISO 16001, and OHSAS 18001, ensuring every unit meets industry expectations for safety, durability, and performance.

To support safe installation and use, every trench box hire is backed with:

  • Technical user guides and setup instructions
  • Clear safe loading data and pressure limitations
  • Optional training and support from our Groundforce Training team

Boxes can be safely lifted and installed via four-way handling points, and edge protection accessories are available to help meet site-specific safety protocols. We also supply LadderSafe panels where required to ensure safe entry and exit into the trench.

Why Hire From Groundforce?

With over 40 years of experience in trench support and construction, Groundforce is the UK’s most trusted provider of trench box hire. We offer a comprehensive range of systems and services tailored to the needs of construction, utility, and infrastructure contractors, backed by expert advice, nationwide delivery, and a fast design turnaround.

From Mini to Mega, our trench boxes are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, with rolling strut options for on-site width adjustments, and modular extensions for deeper excavations.

Flexible hire terms, reliable stock availability, and a proven track record across thousands of groundworks projects make Groundforce a dependable partner for any excavation job.

Why Hire From Groundforce?

Trench Box Delivery & Collection

Every Groundforce trench box delivery is handled by our in-house logistics team and a fleet of purpose-built HGVs, each specified for safe loading, transport, and off-loading of trench box panels, struts, and accessories.

  • Trusted transport credentials: the fleet is independently audited under the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and has held FORS Silver accreditation since 2016, confirming full compliance with CLOCS and Transport for London Work-Related Road-Risk standards.
  • Trained in-house drivers: Groundforce drivers are HGV Class 1 licensed, ALLMI-certified for lorry loader lifting, and health and safety trained.
  • Nationwide coverage: with 18 depots across the UK, Groundforce provide quick delivery and collection no matter where your project is based.

At the end of hire, our team will arrange fast pickup with minimal disruption, keeping your project moving.

Groundforce’s delivery and collection service is built on 40 years of excavation-support expertise, independently accredited transport standards, and a commitment to keeping every trench box hire safe, compliant, and on schedule.

Trench Box Delivery & Collection