FAQs About Hydraulic Vertical Shores
Also known as Vertishores, hydraulic vertical shores are a vital component of any trench safety system. Our inventory of vertical aluminum hydraulic shoring includes cylinder ranges from 17 to 144 inches and rail lengths from 1.5 to 7 feet. Available in Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 stability ratings with one or two cylinders per shore, these lightweight systems weigh between 21 and 97 pounds and are easy for your crew to handle and reposition. We offer two-post and three-post configurations to meet specific site and OSHA requirements. From high-production trenching and emergency response to multistory reshoring and structural rehabilitation, hydraulic vertical shores adapt to a wide range of job site demands.
Learn more about hydraulic vertical shores in our FAQ section below.
OSHA requires trenches that are 5-feet deep or more to be protected against cave-ins, and vertical shoring is one of the accepted methods for meeting this requirement. Specific requirements (soil classification, stability class, spacing and installation depth) vary by site conditions and shoring system, so they should be confirmed using the manufacturer's tabulated data and a competent person on-site. For guidance specific to your job site, contact our trench safety experts.
Vertical hydraulic shores work best around existing utilities or tight, irregular trench sections where a rigid trench box won't fit. They're also quicker to set up and take down, making them well-suited for spot repairs and shorter excavations. Trench boxes are typically better suited for long, straight runs where crews need to move freely inside the shielded area.
Sloping requires open surface space to cut back trench walls at a safe angle — space that's often unavailable near roadways, property lines or existing structures. Vertical shoring supports trench walls with a much smaller footprint, making it the practical choice whenever site constraints rule out sloping or benching.