Frequently Asked Questions.

A trench cutter is a construction machine that cuts narrow, precisely defined trenches into the ground using a rotating, carbide-tipped cutting chain or cutter wheel. Unlike an excavator it produces clean, uniform trench walls at high daily output – ideal for cable, fibre-optic, pipe and drainage installation.

Cutting depth depends on the model. Compact excavator-mounted cutters reach up to 900 mm, tractor-mounted models such as the GM 180 AF up to 1,800 mm. Deep-cut machines such as the GM 450 H enable up to 4,500 mm for demanding special civil engineering.

Yes. LIBA offers trench cutters for hire – including the GM 4 Crawler, GM 4 All-Wheel and GM 6 ASR. Hire machines are delivered directly from the Lingen factory, including operator training. Up to 100% of the hire period can later be offset against a purchase.

Yes. In addition to new machines, LIBA offers inspected used trench cutters with a factory inspection, machine history and factory warranty on the reconditioning. The current stock is shown in the used machines section.

As excavator attachments LIBA offers the GM 140 H (from 6 t, up to 900 mm), GM 140 AFH-500 (from 8 t, up to 500 mm) and GM 140 AFH-600 (from 12 t, up to 600 mm). They are driven via the excavator hydraulics and are quick-coupler compatible.

Suitable tractor-mounted cutters include compact models such as the GM 1 AF and GM 1 AS (up to 400 mm), the mid-range GM 140 AF, GM 160 AF and GM 160 AS (up to 1,200 mm) and the high-performance GM 180 AF and GM 600 R (up to 1,800 mm).

Yes. The self-propelled GM 6 ASR is built for hard rock up to rock class IV and performs reliably in limestone, slate and mining. It is economical where excavators and cut-off saws reach their limits.

LIBA trench cutters are used in fibre-optic and telecom rollout (FTTH), power and solar cable installation, pipeline and pipe construction, drainage, sports-field and track construction as well as agriculture – wherever precise trenches must be cut economically.

The price depends on model, cutting depth, carrier machine and tooling. As every machine is individually configured, LIBA prepares a tailored quote. Tell us your application profile – you will receive a technical assessment directly from the factory within 24 hours.

Yes. LIBA has been operating since 1969 and has a worldwide dealer network. The machines are delivered to almost every part of the world and are deployed on four continents.

Yes. LIBA supplies original spare parts directly from the Lingen factory – including for machines that have been in service for decades. A 24/7 factory hotline supports with technical questions.

All LIBA trench cutters are developed, welded and assembled in Lingen (Ems), Germany – Made in Germany since 1969. Design and manufacturing take place under one roof.