NOTE: All specifications are stated in accordance with SAEStandards or Recommended Practices, where applicable.

IMPORTANT: Astec Underground reserves the right to changethese specifications without notice and without incurring anyobligation relating to such change. Units shown may beequipped with non-standard equipment.

© 2005 ASTEC UNDERGROUNDAll Rights Reserved. Astec and Astec Underground are registered trade-marks of Astec Industries, Inc.

This literature has been published for worldwide circulation.Availability of some models and equipment builds vary accord-ing to the country in which the equipment is used. The illustra-tions and text may include optional equipment and accessoriesand may not include all standard equipment. Your Astec deal-er/distributor will be able to give you details of the products andtheir specifications available in your area.

Attachments from other manufacturers are shown for illustra-tion only. Astec Underground does not warrant the safety orreliability of these attachments.

Visit Astec Underground on the Web at:http://www.astecunderground.com

ASTEC UNDERGROUND CONTACT INFORMATION

9600 CORPORATE PARK DRIVE

LOUDON, TN 37774

800.527.6020

865.408.2100

FAX 865.458.8575

Form No. AT-101-0105

RT660 & RT960TRENCHERS

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SAFETY NEVER HURTS!™

Always read the Operator’s Manualbefore operating any equipment.Inspect equipment before using it,and be sure it is operating properly.Follow the product safety signs anduse any safety features provided.

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Built to Go the DistanceGround Drive

Hydrostatic ground drives andhydraulic 4-wheel steering makefor easy maneuvering on roughterrain and slopes. Limited slipdifferentials on the RT660 andlocking differentials on the RT960provide all the ground grippingtraction required for plowing ortrenching in tough, unyieldingground. A gear selector switchmounted on the RT960 creepcontrol lever makes speed anddirection changes quick andconvenient.

Whether you have miles of cable or water lines toplace, or a heap of tight deadlines to meet, takecommand with a Astec RT660 or the RT960. Bothunits are built to go the distance with class-leadingpower, performance and productivity, and therugged dependability contractors have come toexpect from Astec trenchers.

Comfortable, productive operation is easier thanever, with controls in easy reach, and excellent visibility to instruments, attachments and workareas. And the best service and support team in the business provides you peace of mind, too.

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ChassisThe RT660 and RT960 feature a rugged,

4-wheel drive, heavy-duty, multi-functiontool carrier chassis with unitizedconstruction for outstanding strength andresistance to heavy shocks, jolts andtwisting loads. A 10° oscillating front axleprovides sure-footed mobility on unevenground.

All driveline components are tuckedinside the frame rails for maximumprotection. And the renowned Astecpowertrain design simplifies service andminimizes downtime with individuallyremovable components. Large, removable/replaceable side panels provide convenientaccess to all service points, reducingmaintenance and service costs.

HydraulicsAstec’s open-center hydraulic system

delivers smooth, reliable power on demandwhether you’re traveling, backfilling,plowing or trenching. The optionalauxiliary hydraulic PTO kit provides up to17.2 gpm (64 l/min) on the RT660 and 18.5gpm (70 l/min) on the RT960 to powerattachments such as the Hydra-Borerhorizontal boring system.

Trencher & AttachmentsBoth the RT660 and RT960 feature our

exclusive, patented planetary trencherdrive system for superior diggingperformance, reliability and durability.Available with a standard sprocket orheavy-duty rock boom, Astec trenchershave earned a solid reputation for reliableperformance in the most difficult groundconditions.

Astec attachment versatility lets you easilyexpand productivity and performance.Among the many options available are asix-way backfill blade, vibratory plow,rockwheel, Hydra-Borer, backhoe, reelcarrier and a quadconfiguration.

The Astec dealer network is ready tohelp you get the most out of your trencherwith expert advice, a full range of flexiblecredit and protection plans, prompt,reliable parts supply and service supporttailored to your needs.

Table of ContentsRT660 Trencher ............................ 4RT960 Trencher ............................ 6Trencher Attachments ................... 8

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✔ Gross Horsepower67 hp (50 kW)

✔ Trenching Depthto 72” (1.83 m)

✔ Trenching Widths6 – 16” (152 – 406 mm)

✔ Overall Width71" (1.8 m)

✔ Operating Weight10,304 lb (4674 kg)

QUICKFACTS

RT6

60 Powered by the reliable Cummins diesel

engine— the same power plant found in awide range of heavy-duty constructionequipment — the RT660 is built for perform-ance you can take to the limit.

The RT660 utilizes a heavy-duty radiatordesigned for high capacity cooling to keepthe engine running cool under the mostsevere conditions and work demands.

Its compact width of just 71” (1800 mm)lets the RT660 slip into tight work areas toput its best-in-class performance to workwherever it’s needed. It gets around thework site with sure-footed mobility andtransport speeds up to 7.5 mph (11.9 km/h).

A limited slip differential boosts tractionon soft or wet ground, and its outboardplanetaries on both axles transfer moreusable power to the ground than compara-bly equipped competitive machines. Choosestandard or heavy-duty tires to match theRT660 to a range of job site conditions.

Of course when it comes to work, yearsof demanding, on-the-job experience haveproven that the RT660 is ready for anythingyou throw at it. From trenching and back-filling to horizontal boring, from heavyplowing to precise backhoe work, the RT660 manages them all with power and confidence.

As hard as it works, you won’t find aunit that’s easier to maintain and servicethan the RT660, or any Astec trencher.Engineered for ease of maintenance andparts interchangeability with other Astecequipment, and backed with the comprehen-sive Astec warranty, the RT660 is ready foryou to put it through its paces.

Take It to the Limit

Simple, two-lever backhoe operation and high breakoutforce let you handle bigger trenching jobs with ease.

The optional Astec cable plow (left) provides fast cable and line drops while providingminimal ground disturbance. Our backhoe offers excellent digging and craningstrength. The quad configuration mounts the trencher, plow, backhoe and backfillblade to the machine at one time for maximum productivity and versatility.

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Easy maintenance is a hallmark of Astec trencher design.And your Astec dealer is a strong partner you can depend on.

✔ Gross Horsepower99.5 hp (74 kW)

✔ Trenching Depthto 84” (2.13 m)

✔ Trenching Widths7 – 18” (178 – 457- mm)

✔ Overall Width83.5" (2.12 m)

✔ Operating Weight13,121 lb (5952 kg)

QUICKFACTS

RT9

60 Astec trenchers have always held the

leadership position in turning enginehorsepower into usable ground drive andattachment power, and the RT960 continuesthat tradition. With its 99.5 hp (74 kW)Cummins, the RT960 consistentlyoutperforms competitive models withhigher horsepower ratings.

A four-speed Hydrashift transmissionwith true on-the-go shifting and infinitelyvariable speeds in each range, makes it easyto match ground and attachment speeds tosoil conditions and job requirements. TheHydrashift provides exceptional control ofcreep speeds for precision work. Convenienthand and foot control of ground speed addsto operating ease.

The Hydrashift transmission is mounteddirectly to the rear axle — reducingmaintenance and decreasing the possibilityof job site debris wrapping around adriveshaft. A high-efficiency bent-axisground drive motor transferstractive power to the ground

and provides superior control. Outboardplanetaries reduce driveline loads andallow higher ground clearance at the centerof the axle for working on uneven terrain.

Astec RT960 – The Outperformer

Whether you perform your own service and maintenance orrely on your Astec dealer’s certified technicians, convenientaccess to all checkpoints speeds the process for lowermachine life cycle costs. Standard serviceability featuresinclude spin-on filters, extended service intervals, sightgauges, and an air cleaner accessed externally with no tools required.

The high-productivity operator station features convenient,ergonomically-designed controls, easy to read instrumentsand a comfortable, pivoting seat.

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Heavy-duty axles and final drive componentsincrease the RT960’s reliability and durability.The spring-applied, hydraulically-releasedparking brake system surpasses the SAEstandard.

Travel speeds up to 10.5 mph (16.9 km/h),get the RT960 from task to task quickly.Trenching one minute, plowing the next,backfilling, and making precise cabledrops, the RT960 raises the bar forperformance, productivity, long-termdurability and reliability. Visit your Astec dealer soon and ask for a demonstration of maximumproductivity at work.

All routine service,including fluid checks and

filter replacements are simplified to help keep

your trencher operating atpeak performance levels.

Plus, you can count on the Astec dealer network

for reliable service and parts support.

Backhoe Dimensions —✔ Dig Depths Up To

9 ft. 4 in. (2.83 m)✔ Bucket Reach Up To

13 ft. 7 in. (4.15 m)✔ Transport Heights —

9 ft. 1 in. (2.76 m) – RT660

9 ft. 9 in. (2.97 m) – RT960

QUICKFACTS

BackhoeAs the pioneer of backhoe technology,

Astec provides unsurpassed productivity for trenching applications. Dig in with your choice of bucket widths and capacities.Two mounting locations provide a powerdigging position with maximum breakoutforce and a maximum rotation position forstraight-wall digging.

Astec backhoes mount quickly to meetchanging job requirements as needed formaximum productivity in a minimumamount of time. Ample breakout andlifting forces with simple two-levercontrol put you in easy command ofdeep and wide trenching applications.And when your job is finished,

the legendary Astec over-center backhoeboom design provides greater machinestability in transport mode.

Simple, two-lever operation provides quick,responsive control of all backhoe functions.

Att

achm

ents

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The patented Astec two-speed planetarychain drive trencher design features a fly-wheel, torsion shaft and planetary gears forsmooth, reliable performance and long life.

The flywheel is mounted to the motorand stores energy to power through toughspots, prevent stalling in hard or frozen soil,and protect the hydrostat from shock loads.The torsion drive shaft between the flywheeland final drives absorbs chainline shockloads, reducing stress on drive components.

Trencher speed is infinitely variable ineach range and reversible to dislodgedebris from the chainline. The RT960has two speed ranges for increasedproductivity in extreme condi-tions. Dual open-endaugers with doublepitch flightingmove spoil to bothsides of the trench.

Choose fromstandard or anti-backflex chains rated at110K/165K/225K lbs. Tooth selectionsinclude cup, rock and frost, mixed cuttersand H-plate with rock and frost styles.Mechanical and hydraulic crumber attach-ment options are also available.

Planetary Trencher Drive

The drive system’s flywheel stores energy to power

through tough spots and also minimizes pressure spikes

in the hydrostatic system. The torsion shaft running

between the flywheel and planetaries serves as a spring

to absorb shock loads from the trencher driveline. The

planetaries multiply motor torque 22 times for the

RT960, 14 times for the RT660 for excellent

digging power.

A heavy-duty rockwheel makes fast work of cuttingthrough asphalt, concrete, rock and frozen ground.It mounts to the rear of the trencher and is fully supported by pillow block bearings, not the hydraulicmotor as with some competitive units.

Rockwheel

No matter how you equip yourtrencher, you can count on Astec forthe high performance attachments youneed to keep you productive andprofitable. You can also count on theperformance of your Astec dealer to

provide full service and support foryour trencher and attachments.

Ask your Astec dealer to tell you moreabout these attachments and other avail-able options, like an auxiliary hydraulicPTO, ground drive auto crowd, front

counterweights, cab enclosure and more.Your dealer is ready to help you with theright combination of equipment to meetyour needs for today and tomorrow.

The heavy-duty P95 cable plow handles the toughestplowing jobs with aggressive shaker speed and largeamplitude, fracturing unyielding soil and heavy claywhile minimizing the need for surface restoration.Available for the RT660 and the RT960, the P95 bladevibration speed is adjustable from 0-2000 vpm.

When surface structures limit trenching access, putthe Hydra-Borer to work. The Hydra-Borer is positionedto tunnel beneath obstacles forward or rearward of themachine. Choose from bits, reamers and backreamersfrom 2.0” to 12.0” (51 mm to 305 mm). Guidepostsand a level guide are available, as is a water pump todeliver fluid through the drill stem.

Get Attached to Performance

Leave the cable trailer at the office and improve jobsite mobility by adding a reel carrier for convenienthandling of CATV, flexible gas line, electrical and telephone line installations. Heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders provide the lift needed for quick,convenient installation and removal of reels up to 2500 lbs (1134 kg).

Quad Configuration

Reel CarrierHydra-Borer

Cable Plow

For maximum versatility and productivity, the quadattachment mounts the trencher and vibratory cableplow on the rear of the machine so one machine cando complete installations. The RT960 quad configura-tion also provides the flexibility to switch the trencherand plow from one side to the other as needed. TheRT660 integrated quad configuration positions the plowon the left and the trencher on the right. Both unitsoffer a variety of plow blades with fixed or floatingchutes to match cable or pipe requirements.

Astec backfill blades offer convenient single-lever,six-way control of power angle/tilt/lift for virtually anybackfilling application, from pushing large loads toshedding sticky material and precision finish work.The blade will cut three inches below grade while the lift float position allows the blade to follow groundcontours. And with ample ground clearance in theraised position, you’ll ride easily over curbs and most obstructions.

Backfill Blade