Trenching system

A trenching assembly configured for towing by a self-propelled work machine, comprising:

• a hood assembly, having a planar lower surface in which an opening is formed, the opening characterized by an enclosed shape entirely framed around its perimeter by the lower surface;
• a rotatable blade at least partially positioned within the hood assembly, in which the blade extends through the opening;
• and
• a linkage assembly, comprising:
• a support frame;
• and
• a linear actuator having a first end attached to the support frame and a second end attached to the hood assembly, in which the linear actuator is situated offboard the self-propelled work machine and configured to apply a downpressure against the planar lower surface of the hood assembly.

A trenching assembly configured for towing by a self-propelled work machine, comprising:

• a blade assembly comprising a blade having a width less than 1.5 inches;
• a hood assembly covering at least a portion of the blade;
• a surface engaging member provided on a lower surface of the hood assembly proximate the blade;
• a hydraulic cylinder situated offboard the self-propelled work machine and configured to apply downpressure against the surface engaging member;
• and
• a linkage assembly supported on an attachment frame, in which a first end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the hood assembly and an opposite second end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the linkage assembly.