What equipment is recommended for a wide trench with no crosslines?

In this context, a sheeps foot roller is highly recommended for compacting materials in a wide trench, especially when there are no crosslines present to provide guidance or additional support. The sheeps foot roller features extended feet or pads that effectively press and knead the soil or aggregate materials, resulting in a denser and more compacted surface. This is particularly crucial in trench work to ensure stability and prevent future settlement or collapse.

Other equipment, while useful in construction, does not serve the same purpose in this situation. An excavator is primarily intended for digging and moving earth, not for compacting soil. A skid steer is versatile and can perform various tasks, including grading and digging, but lacks the specific design needed to compact soil effectively over a wide area. A dump truck is used for transporting materials but has no role in compacting them. Therefore, the sheeps foot roller stands out as the most appropriate choice for the conditions described.