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ditchwitch.com

MBy Dennis Wierzbicki, President Ditch Witch®

The Ditch Witch Mission Remains The Same:

We’re In This Together

The goals of the entire Ditch Witch® organization are to develop and build the best, most productive and durable equipment possible that serves the needs of those who build and maintain the world’s underground infrastructure. And after equipment is in the field and on the job, we are committed to providing unmatched service and support.

The starting point to achieving these goals is understanding what equipment and what capabilities are needed to meet and anticipate the future needs in a rapidly changing industry.

We believe the best way to understand what our customers and prospective customers need and expect is to ask them. We seek input directly through focus groups, research studies, our online customer panel and one-on-one communications. Input also comes from information shared by our dealers and gathered by factory specialists who visit job sites around the world.

The equipment we design and build reflects this collective input. We call it customer-inspired innovation.

A case in point is our next-generation JT40 horizontal directional drill with a variety of innovative features directly driven by customer feedback. These include improved digital displays for operational transparency, increased horsepower in a compact size and optimized drilling performance.

In addition to the JT40, this special supplement is packed full of information about other product innovations: the latest Ditch Witch tooling for directional drilling in rock, microtrenching as a cost-effective solution for fiber installation, and online productivity tools that help customers efficiently operate, maintain and manage their equipment.

From initial equipment design through every step of the manufacturing process, through sales and training, through support from the worldwide Ditch Witch dealer organization and factory specialists, and through parts and service for maintaining equipment – Ditch Witch has you covered.

We sum it all up in just four words: We’re In This Together.

Microtrenching is playing an increasingly important role in deploying fiber optic telecommunications cable, providing a method of construc-tion suited for specific applications.

The process involves a microtrencher digging a narrow, relatively shallow trench through paving, typically in street rights-of-way. Either cable or small-diameter duct is placed in the trench, which is then restored.

The microtrenching component is a saw wheel equipped with bits that cut through asphalt or concrete. The cutting assembly is mounted on a trencher or compact skid-steer loader.

Ditch Witch® microtrenching systems dig trenches in widths rang-ing from 3/8 inch to 2 inches at depths to 16 inches, depending on the equipment used. Maximum depths of a microtrench typically remain above the location of existing utilities.

How does microtrenching compare to other options for installing fiber optic cable?

“Whether horizontal directional drilling (HDD), vibratory plowing or conventional trenching, the method of construction is a function of job conditions and customer preference,” said Steve Seabolt, Ditch Witch product manager for heavy duty tractors.

Microtrenching offers several benefits, including speed, limited damage to surface improvements, and reduction in time and cost of restoration, which results in faster job completion and reduced cost-per-foot of trench.

“If a project has a significant amount of small-diameter product to install at shallow depths in hard, paved surfaces,” Seabolt continued, “microtrenching should be strongly considered. In such situations, it certainly is more cost effective than excavating a wider, deeper trench to put in small-diameter product.”

Three Ditch Witch microtrenching models can be equipped with a variety of saw blades ranging from standard carbide-tipped blades, to the exclusive Ditch Witch PDC Fiberblade™ with diamond-embedded carbide. These exclusive saw blades can last up to 10 times longer than standard blades in certain conditions. Each microtrencher model can be used with the Ditch Witch FX65 vacuum excavator to make a complete microtrenching system that digs and removes spoil during the trenching operation.

MICROTRENCHING Offers Efficient Method Of Fiber Installation

MT16 MicrotrencherThe MT16 is powered by a Ditch Witch RT55 or RT80 ride-on trencher. It can cut trenches from 3/8 to 2 inches wide at depths to 16 inches, depending on the saw and teeth. An integrated hydrau-lic accumulator maintains constant pressure on the saw frame for sharper-edged cuts and improved spoil removal. In addition, an infi-nitely variable hydraulic plunge feature eliminates manual adjust-ment by providing variable depth control. The microtrencher swings 6 degrees in each direction to cut around street corners or cul-de-sacs.

MT12 MicrotrencherThe MT12 can dig trenches from 3/8 to 1½ inches wide and depths up to 12 inches, depending on the saw and bits used. The mi-crotrenching component fits on the RT45, RT55 and RT80 ride-on trenchers. The MT12 is designed to hydraulically traverse 24 inches from the center of the machine to the right, for trenching next to curbs and gutters.

MT9 MicrotrencherThe MT9 microtrenching component is powered by a Ditch Witch SK1050 or SK1550 mini skid steer. The MT9 digs trenches of 3/8 to 1½ inches wide and depths from 3 to 9 inches. It is an efficient, cost-effective solution for smaller installations. This model’s exclusive design allows the microtrenching attachment to be pushed or pulled without removing the saw from the ground, eliminating the need to realign in the middle of a cut. Its compact size makes it perfect for cuts across streets or in confined areas. As with larger models, the MT9 has variable depth control that eliminates the need to make manual adjustments.

“While most microtrenchers are being used to install fiber, the equipment can be used for any situation requiring cable, or small-diameter pipe or conduit to be installed in the ground,” Seabolt concluded.

More Than 2 Million Feet Of MicrotrenchCorbel Communications Industries LLC has installed more than 2 million feet of fiber optic cable in Austin, TX, with Ditch Witch microtrenchers, said Daniel Urban, Corbel’s vice president of outside plant.

“In many situations, microtrenching is more cost-effec-tive than traditional methods of installation, faster and less disruptive to residential properties,” said Urban. “In tough geological areas like Austin, traditional methods of install-ing utilities are not viable.”

Corbel has a fleet of MT12 and MT16 microtrenchers mounted on Ditch Witch RT80 trenchers and used with FX65 vacuum excavators to complete the microtrenching system packages.

“We have worked with and tested many different microtrenching options,” Urban said, “but we found a significant competitive advantage in the full Ditch Witch microtrenching solution. Ditch Witch microtrenchers utilize an innovative blade design that is different than other units on the market. The Ditch Witch-exclusive PDC Fiberblade improves machine performance and ROI.

“The blade lasts much longer than other blades and cuts faster, as well. The durable, maintenance-free design is proven to last up to 20 times longer than standard blades, in certain job-site conditions.”

MICROTRENCHING Offers Efficient Method Of Fiber Installation

WWhen the new Ditch Witch® JT40 directional drill was introduced recently, it was billed as the first of a new generation of drills with a platform that will be used for the company’s future drill models.

“The JT40 is the ‘evolution’ of horizontal directional drill-ing (HDD),” said Seth Matthesen, Ditch Witch senior product manager for HDD and fluid management. “We consider the JT40 a game changer with new features that set it apart from anything else in the industry. Many of these features are the direct result of customer input.

“In other words, the JT40 is a perfect example of customer-inspired innovation.”

Powerfully productive Equipped with a 160-horsepower, Tier 4 diesel engine, the JT40 develops 40,000 pounds of pullback. Its innovative two-speed, rotational drive system produces 5,500 foot-pounds of torque. Rack-and-pinion carriage drive and an updated hydraulic platform utilize the Ditch Witch-proven technology to deliver maximum downhole power. Carriage thrust and pullback travel speed of 180 feet per minute provide the fastest cycle time in the industry. The JT40 also is available with a Tier 3 engine for operation in areas where environmental regulations permit.

The JT40 includes a modular stake-down system with standard and heavy-duty options. The unit can be set up and staked down from outside the cab using the machine’s advanced remote control, which operates all machine functions.

A new, patent-pending, reversible pipe box can hold up to 600 feet of drill pipe – more than its primary competitors – and has a mesh side panel that allows the operator to view the pipe supply from the cab’s seat.

Operator’s stationThe most visible new feature of the JT40 is the operator station (available in an open station or enclosed cab). Positioned at an angle, the operator station traverses on a rail to slide back into a narrow machine configuration for transport, and forward to provide industry leading visibility during drilling and pullback.

From a comfortable heated seat, the operator has excellent view of critical vision points and the surrounding work area. Controls

Setting The Stage For HDD PerformanceJT40are easy to reach and understand. Two 7-inch LED screens clearly display all machine functions and diagnostics. Tracker information also is integrated into a screen.

ServiceabilityMaintenance is simplified by having service points in one location. Swing-out, lift-off service doors provide easy access for maintenance and service. The integrated pipe lubricator makes it easier for opera-tors to change out lubrication buckets.

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‘There’s A Lot To Like’Utility contractor HCD Inc. purchased one of the first Ditch Witch JT40 units.

“We really like the cab, with its all-round visibility and digital update of the controls,” said J.J. Olson, HCD owner. “Of course, that’s not all – there’s a lot to like about this machine.”

In addition to the cab, Olson cites the power, smooth op-eration, narrow width of its footprint and safety features.

“It seems to have more power than its rating,” Olson said. “We just completed a 600-foot river crossing in the moun-tains, and the pilot bore and pullback went extremely well. The JT40’s design actually makes it narrower than our JT25. On a recent job for the city of Colorado Springs, city person-nel were very impressed with the safety features.”

Based in Colorado Springs, HCD serves customers in the markets of telecommunications, power, gas, water and sewer. Most work is done by horizontal directional drilling. The company operates six Ditch Witch drill rigs ranging in pullback from 9,000 to 80,000 pounds.

“Everything we have is orange,” he added.

Setting The Stage For HDD PerformanceIndustry acceptance“The JT40 has been out in the field for six months and is being very well accepted by customers,” Matthesen said. “During six road show events in Europe, all the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Customers were pleased with several features of the drill, especially the cab, power, quietness, uptime components and smooth operation of the machine.

“We continue to hear our customers say, ‘You listened.’ They are happy we took drill operator feedback and implemented it.”

Pictured, left to right, are: Mark Sherrod, Ditch Witch of the Rockies; AJ Bukowski, HCD; JJ Olson, owner, HCD; Martin McNamer, HCD Inc.; and Shawn Younger, Ditch Witch of the Rockies

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One of the most significant milestones in the evolution of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is the development of technology giving mid-size drilling equipment the capability of effectively drilling and steering in rock.

Throughout the ’90s, the presence of rock formations prevented the use of HDD for most underground utility construction. Drilling in rock required large drill rigs with mud motors and the support equipment necessary to run them – too costly and impractical for use in urban areas.

That changed with the introduction of the Ditch Witch® dual-pipe All Terrain (AT) drilling system.

The dual pipe system is composed of an inner rod that drives a mechanical motor with a rock bit attached, and an outer pipe that provides steering. The mechanical system delivers maximum power to the drill bit, and enables simultaneous drilling and steering through rock and rocky soils, while using no more drilling fluid than conventional equipment.

“The advent of AT system equipment meant that the presence of

Mid-Size HDD Rigs Tackle Rock With All Terrain Rigs, Tools

rock no longer prevented the use of directional drilling on many projects once considered impossible to drill,” said Jeff Davis, Ditch Witch product manager for HDD tooling and drill pipe. “This greatly expanded opportunities to utilize HDD and opened multiple new markets for directional drilling.

“Now contractors could drill in rock with smaller equipment, without the need for handling large volumes of fluids. An important bonus is that AT equipment also can drill in dirt and other types of soil.”

Today there are four Ditch Witch AT models ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 pounds of pullback, including the new JT40 AT. All Terrain drills utilize special drill pipe, bits and backreamers designed for rock applications.

“Coinciding with the development of Ditch Witch drills,” said Davis, “HDD tooling also evolved for better performance and functionality. We offer a full line of proven and innovative bits, backreamers, housings and drill pipe to tackle the most challenging ground conditions.”

Successfully completing an installation in rock depends on matching bits and reamers to job-site conditions.

The Ditch Witch rock tooling lineup includes:

RockMaster® HousingThe RockMaster Housing is a mechanical motor with a 2-degree bend for steering and drilling in rock formations. Bits are positioned in front of the RockMaster housing.

Rock BitsRock bits are used on the front of a RockMaster hous-ing to drill the pilot hole for product installation. They include the RockMaster Bit, a rotary bit with patented edge-guard protection on the shirttail, premium bearing technology and patent-pending High Energy Tumbling™ (HET) inserts that improve cutting structure life by provid-ing fracture toughness and wear resistance.

Utilizing high-performance components helps extend bit life in hard rock conditions. The Tri-Cone Bit is made with high-performance components, including tungsten carbide

inserts (TCI) and steel tooth design options for variable ground conditions. The Piranha Bit

with aggressive cutting structure and replaceable carbide teeth is designed for hard soil and light rock formations. For extreme ground conditions, the All Terrain Air Hammer can be placed on the

front of the RockMaster housing to replace a rock bit.

Advanced Tools Improve ProductivityThe Ditch Witch® organization offers the most-advanced, highest-quality under-ground construction equipment available, supported by the best sales and service in the industry from a worldwide dealer net-work and factory specialists.

However, there’s even more.“We offer a suite of online productivity

tools to help equipment owners and opera-tors manage and maintain their equipment for maximum efficiency,” said Chapman Hancock, product manager of parts and productivity tools.

“Many customers tell us these tools are an essential part of their daily job-site routine.”

Orange Intel™ Employing telematics and GPS technol-ogy, Orange Intel monitors equipment and provides essential information about operational parameters that is accessible online using a computer, tablet or mobile device. Parameters vary by model, but can include hours of operation, engine RPM, fluid levels, coolant level temperatures, diesel exhaust fluid levels, HDD outer pipe rota-tion and mud flow. GPS pinpoints machine location and allows building a geofence around a machine. Orange Intel helps own-ers and operators track productivity, manage equipment and implement maintenance programs.

HDD Advisor®Using the web-based HDD Advisor pro-gram, drillers can “build” a unit’s drill string before leaving for a job. By entering the drill model and type of pipe, this easy-to-use tool displays downhole tool options based on thread compatibility, from the saver sub to the drill bit. When complete, the drill string can be saved and filed for future reference. HDD Advisor is compat-ible with both Ditch Witch and Vermeer® equipment.

“While there are various online tools for operators of directional drills, the HDD Advisor program is the only tool of its kind in the industry,” said Hancock.

Fluid FormulatorThis helpful tool recommends the correct drilling fluids for a project. Simply enter the Ditch Witch drill model, soil, type, length of bore, rod length and backreamer diam-eter, and the Fluid Formulator evaluates information and recommends the type of fluid and rate of pullback for backreaming.

Parts Lookup The newly designed Parts Lookup platform makes locating parts fast and easy. Quickly search for genuine Ditch Witch parts for all Ditch Witch equipment models ever manu-factured. In addition, customers can access the operator manual; schematics showing part numbers and placement; and instruc-tions for disassembly to remove a part, installing the replacement and reassembly. Parts Lookup allows customers to identify parts needed with confidence, then send an order directly to a local Ditch Witch dealer.

Wave Of The Future“These productivity tools have been well-accepted in the industry,” Hancock said. “Since our dealer organization is integrated within each tool, customers have a clear communication path with dealers to ac-curately communicate their needs.

“We believe our productivity tools are the most intuitive and practical, and we constantly incorporate the most-advanced technology. Online productivity tools are one more way that the Ditch Witch orga-nization illustrates ‘We’re in This Together’ with our customers to provide job-site

Rock BackreamersBackreamers enlarge a pilot hole for product pullback. Three models are recommended for rock. The new Rock Monster™ HD backreamer designed for solid rock is equipped with patent-pending EdgeGuard® protection on the shirttail, premium bearing technology, and HET inserts which improve the cut-ting structure life by providing fracture toughness and wear resistance. These high-performance components help ex-tend bit life in hard rock conditions. The Kodiak™ Backreamer is for light rock formations, chunk rock and cobble, while the RockMaster hole opener is designed

for heavy or solid rock.Davis said effectively

drilling in rock is not just a matter of switching to a

rock tool and proceed-ing routinely. It requires experience, planning, the right equipment and tooling, patience and

persistence.“Drillers today have

multiple choices to allow them to be successful in what used to be impos-

sible,” Davis concluded. “The Ditch Witch organization strives to provide our customers with the most cutting-edge rock tooling to tackle rigorous and challenging ground conditions. Our dealer network stands ready to help with choosing the right

tools, and drilling fluids, and pro-viding the best support and service.”

SPEC SNAPSHOT• 24.8-hp (18.5-kW) Kubota® diesel

• 2,418-lb (1097-kg) base unit

• 600-lb (272-kg) operating capacity

• 76-in (1930-mm) hinge pin height

SPEC SNAPSHOT• 24.8-hp (18.5-kW) Kubota diesel

• 2,926-lb (1327-kg) base unit

• 860-lb (390-kg) operating capacity

• 83-in (2108-mm) hinge pin height

SPEC SNAPSHOT• 37-hp (27.6-kW) Yanmar® diesel

• 3,100-lb (1406-kg) base unit

• 1,062-lb (482-kg) operating capacity

• 83-in (2108-mm) hinge pin height

SPEC SNAPSHOT• 43.5-hp (32.4-kW) Yanmar diesel

• 3,990-lb (1810-kg) base unit

• 1,558-lb (706-kg) operating capacity

• 94.5-in (2400-mm) hinge pin height

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