Capitol Trencher Corp. was founded in 1980 by Lynford Ellingson of San Dimas, California.
Capitol designed 17 different models of wheel trenchers, chain trenchers, and trapizoidal trenchers for canals.
They were the most advanced machines of their day, addressing most underground applications.
Capitol utilized heavy duty components and a mechanical drivetrain for the digging action, while all other functions were hydraulic.
The company eliminated most of the high maintenance parts previously associated with older trenchers, resulting in machines that were easy to operate and maintain. Almost all of the machines produced are still in operation today. Many of their orignal designs were copied and are now used by other trencher manufacturers.
Capitol Trencher Corp. was sold in 1986 and relocated to Texas. The new owners were only interested in a couple of the models and eliminated the rest; they eventually sold Capitol to Astec Corp., where the Capitol name was retired.
