Bringing the Trenchless Industry into Focus
Ditch Witch and Toro Company Realignment Drives Innovation in HDD
On Aug. 7, underground construction equipment pioneer Ditch Witch, a division of The Toro Company, announced several strategic moves to enhance its position in the market. Notably, Toro sold its Trencor business and the auger boring product line of American Augers, while keeping the American Augers HDD line. The moves allows the group to strengthen its focus on HDD, a growing segment of the utility construction industry.
To learn more about the moves, and what it means going forward, Utility Contractor spoke with Ditch Witch’s Kevin Smith. Smith serves as the General Manager for the Ditch Witch Division of The Toro Company, which is focused on providing innovative solutions that build the world’s underground infrastructure.
He began working in the industry in 1993 and has had the opportunity to work with contractors around the world improving the installation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of underground utility infrastructure. Over the years, he has held a wide array of roles in manufacturing, product development, sales, market development, product management and senior leadership. In 2012, he became president of MTI Equipment where he expanded the brand’s presence in the used HDD equipment segment. In 2015, he began leading HammerHead and later Subsite, where his leadership was instrumental in driving growth for both brands, including developing strategies for the rehabilitation of underground utilities and utility inspection segments.
How does the sale of the Trencor and American Augers auger boring product lines better position The Toro Company for the future?
The sale of Trencor and the auger boring category allows The Toro Company to focus resources on core product lines, such as American Augers’ maxi-size directional drills, pumps, and fluid cleaning systems, which is where we see the greatest potential for growth and leadership. With market demand shifting toward advanced trenchless technologies like horizontal directional drilling, this move sharpens our focus on areas best suited to meet the evolving needs of oil and gas, power transmission, and water industries. By streamlining operations and focusing our efforts on trenchless technologies, we can deliver innovative solutions, enhance customer support, and remain at the forefront of underground construction innovation.
How does the realignment between Ditch Witch and the American Augers HDD line strengthen the company’s HDD line?
The realignment between Ditch Witch and the American Augers HDD line allows us to better coordinate our capabilities and ensure a consistent approach to serving customers in the underground construction market. By unifying our HDD expertise, we streamline operations, improve product continuity, and enhance support, delivering a reliable HDD lineup for diverse projects while maintaining our high standards.
Please give us a brief description of the range of HDD and HDD-related products that are available from Ditch Witch/American Augers. What separates the company from competitors in the market?
Our lineup includes American Augers’ DD240T, DD600, and DD100RS drills, along with high-performance pumps and fluid cleaning systems such as the P600, P750, M200D, M300DH, M500PDH, and M1200DH. These products are complemented by the Ditch Witch fleet of directional drills, which is recognized for its versatility, precision, and ease of operation.
What sets us apart is our ability to deliver complete HDD systems backed by decades of engineering expertise, industry-leading dealer support, and a commitment to customer success. From the smallest utility installation to the most demanding trenchless projects, we provide reliable, innovative solutions along with the training, service, and parts support needed to keep crews productive and projects on track.
How have the Ditch Witch HDD line and the American Augers HDD line impacted the overall HDD and utility construction market from a historical perspective? What are they known for? What are some of the innovations that come from the companies?
For decades, Ditch Witch and American Augers have played pivotal roles in shaping the underground construction industry. Ditch Witch is widely recognized as a pioneer in HDD technology, bringing user-friendly, jobsite efficient drills that helped contractors expand trenchless installation into urban and residential environments. American Augers has set industry standards in large-scale HDD equipment, delivering powerful rigs, pumps, and fluid systems designed for demanding pipeline, water, and energy transmission projects.
Both brands have introduced key innovations that have advanced the industry, from Ditch Witch’s All-Terrain drilling technology to American Augers’ maxi rigs engineered for exceptional torque, thrust, and reliability. Collectively, their contributions have improved project efficiency, minimized environmental impact, and expanded the possibilities of trenchless construction, cementing their reputations as leaders in performance, durability, and customer support.
What can existing customers expect from the new company structure going forward? How will it improve their experience?
Existing customers can expect a more coordinated and consistent approach due to the realignment of Ditch Witch and the American Augers HDD line. By unifying our expertise, we streamline operations, improve product continuity, and enhance support services. This means customers will benefit from more reliable and efficient solutions tailored to their needs.
The new structure allows us to focus more on technological advancements and innovations in HDD technologies, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving demands of the underground construction market. Our goal is to make it easier for customers to get the solutions they need, when they need them, so they can keep their projects moving efficiently. Tags: Ditch Witch
