Manual Soldiers

Ideal for Confined Spaces
This lightweight manual soldier is specifically designed for small contractors, such as drain layers, who may not always have access to heavy machinery on-site. Weighing only 38kg per 2.4m set including struts, its manageable size allows for easy handling without the need for a digger, making it ideal for confined spaces and quick setups.
Compact Dimensions
With dimensions of 0.2m in width and ranging from 1.8m to 3.0m in height, these soldiers are well-suited for deployment in narrow trenches, maximising safety while minimising spatial footprint.
Safety Compliance
Rated for depths up to 3.0m and a pressure rating of 20 kPa, it meets stringent safety standards, helping crews work with confidence on site.
Adjustable Strut Sizes
The adjustable strut sizes from 0.4 to 2.4m, with over 4 different strut options. This flexibility allows customisation based on specific trench requirements, enhancing versatility on various projects.
Manual Soldier Range
Product Code Panel Width Panel Height Weight Per Set Panel Thickness
2451 0.2m 1.8m 35kg 45mm
2452 0.2m 2.4m 38kg 45mm
2453 0.2m 3m 49kg 45mm
The increase in weight for the 3.0m soldiers is due to the requirement for three struts, whereas the other two sizes only require two struts
Manual Soldier Accessories
G Hoop Pin for Acrow Struts
G Hoop Pin for Acrow Struts
Product Code: 2312
Weight: 0.5kg
Hardened Pin and R Clip
Hardened Pin & R Clip
Product Code: 2303
Dimensions: 85mm x 12mm
Zinc Plated R Clip
Zinc Plated 'R' Clip
Product Code: 3558
Dimensions: 4mm
Acrow Adjustable Strut
Acrow Adjustable Strut
Product Code Dimensions Weight
2305-XS 0.4m to 0.6m 4.8kg
2305-S 0.6m to 0.9m 7kg
2305-M 1.0m to 1.8m 10.8kg
2305-L 1.5m to 2.5m 13.6kg

Vertical Shores (Hydraulic Soldier)

Lightweight & Robust
Particularly advantageous in scenarios involving existing utilities. Its aluminium construction ensures ease of handling without compromising strength, allowing for quick installation and removal by a minimal crew.
Hydraulic Pump
Keeps your trench support system pressurised, ensuring maximum stability in high-risk excavations. No power? No problem. The manual operation means you can keep working even in remote locations.
Vertical Shores (Hydraulic Soldier) Range
Product Code Panel Width Panel Height Weight Per Set Panel Thickness
2457 0.2m 2.4m 40kg 5mm
Vertical Shores (Hydraulic Soldier) Accessories
Rail Pin With Split Ring
Rail Pin, With Split Ring
Product Code: 2465
Hydraulic Pump
Hydraulic Pump
Product Code: 2459
Capacity: 20L
Extension Oversleeve Pin With Split Ring
Extension Oversleeve Pin With Split Ring
Product Code: 2466
Dimensions: 82mm x 6.35mm
Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid Concentrate
Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid Concentrate
Product Code: 2458
Hydraulic Ram Only
Product Code Dimensions
2461 0.58m to 0.90m
2463 1.3m to 2.2m
Extension Sleeve
Hydraulic Extension Sleeve
Product Code Dimensions
2460-S 0.58m to 0.92m
2460-M 0.85m to 1.18m
2460-L 1.13m to 1.45m
2460-XL 1.40m to 1.73m
2462-S 1.33m to 2.20m
2462-M 1.93m to 2.80m
2462-L 2.38m to 3.25m
2462-XL 2.73m to 3.60m

The 2460 series goes with the 2461 rams while the 2462 series goes with the 2463 rams.

All Soldiers

Applications for all Soldiers
Small trenches, working around services, solo operator or small crew work, drainage installation, plumbing work, utility installations with multiple service crossings.
Protection in Action
Product Videos
  1. Video to answer the most commonly asked questions about soldier sets
  2. How why you should inspect trench shields
Become a Trench Shield Expert
Customer Success Stories
Certified to International Standards
Meeting Australian Standards; AS 5047:2005, Hydraulic shoring and trench lining equipment and AS/NZS 1664.1: 1997for Aluminium Structures.

Why choose Guardian trench shields?

Lightweight without compromise

Complete shield setup. Small excavators can lift and position shields using inbuilt lifting points. This cuts machinery costs and makes shields accessible for restricted sites.

Built for New Zealand conditions

Aluminium doesn’t rust. In wet, muddy trench work, that longevity matters. Our shields handle New Zealand’s diverse soil types — from sandy coastal ground to heavy clay — without the corrosion issues affecting steel alternatives.

Flexible for real work

Most shields have multiple strut points, meaning you’re not locked into one position when services are in the way. We have many different-sized struts, including adjustable struts to accommodate different trench widths.

Fast to deploy and move

Shields can be assembled or dismantled in minutes. Move quickly around busy sites or transport between jobs without specialised equipment.

Compliance and certification

Every Guardian shield meets or exceeds at least one of the following standards:

  • New Zealand: AS 4744.1-2000
  • Australia: AS 4744.1-2000
  • United States: OSHA Sub Part P
  • Britain & Europe: BS EN 13331.1 and 13331.2

Each shield carries an identification plate showing standards compliance. Certifications and Safe Use Manuals provided to support Health & Safety requirements and WorkSafe inspections. Reference guides on every shield show safe strut positioning.

Technical support

We understand site pressures. Projects run tight, ground conditions change, and you’re responsible for getting people home safe. We provide:

  • On-site product demonstrations
  • Crew training on proper installation and use
  • Technical compliance advice
  • Documentation for WorkSafe requirements
  • Custom sizing for non-standard requirements

What do you need?

Whether you’re looking for a specific solution or an ongoing safety partner, we’re ready to talk.