Trenchers are available in single-row, triple-row models; and in terms of mobility, there are tire-driven, track-driven, and roller-driven types.

Clayey soil is relatively heavy and prone to hardening, making it suitable for using a three-row trenching machine to improve efficiency, or a tire-type trenching machine. Sandy loam and sandy soil are more loose, and should use tracked or roller-type trenching machines. This type of soil is not suitable for three-row trenchers and requires a single-row trenching machine. The tracks and rollers during the trenching process recompact the ridges. Some manufacturers now produce trenching and ridge-pressing machines, which are suitable for sandy and sandy loam soils.