SubCom Takes Delivery of New SMD Trencher

Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) has completed the first QTrencher 500 compact trenching system developed for submarine cable installation and maintenance specialists, SubCom.

The new QTrencher 500 provides additional 100HP versus its QT400 predecessor. The system has a trenching capability to a depth of up to 3 meters with multiple passes dependent on the ground conditions.

Paul Davison, managing director of SMD’s Equipment business, said: “This system is a new product developed specifically for the submarine telecoms market, and marks a welcome sign of innovation and new product development in the sector. It’s 500HP in a compact footprint and 12TE weight limit make it the best in its class. The system also benefits from jet tooling and a new suite of sensors making it digital ready for future asset management. It’s developments like this that have made SMD equipment responsible for the burial and protection of over 80% of the world’s subsea telecoms cables.”

John Dahlgren, director of submersible systems at SubCom, said “SubCom’s goal was to procure a vehicle system which would exceed client expectations for reliability, performance and cable protection. The result was a trencher, which incorporates SubCom’s vast telecom cable installation experience and drive for innovation with SMD’s proven engineering and manufacturing expertise. SubCom is confident this new vehicle will lead the telecom industry in burial power and capability inside a manageable and cost effective footprint, while also incorporating the latest advancements in subsea technology. We are thrilled to be adding the system to our fleet.”