Modern Trenchers Offer Productivity, Versatility
Trenchers have long been a critical tool for utility contractors for laying energy pipelines, electric and communications networks, and water and wastewater systems. Trenchers come in a variety of configurations, from walk-behind units perfect for working around tights spaces, to larger ride-on tractors capable of placing many miles of pipe.
When it comes to trenchers, Ditch Witch certainly knows a thing or two. In fact, Ed Malzahn pioneered the first compact trencher from the Charles Machine Works’ shop in Perry, Oklahoma, heralding the iconic Ditch Witch brand. These novel machines began production in 1949, marking its 75th anniversary in 2024.
As existing infrastructure ages and demand for new services continues, trenchers will no doubt continue to play an important role well into the future. To get insight into the state of the capabilities of these versatile machines, Utility Contractor sat down with Ditch Witch product managers Brant Kukuk and Karly Rupp. Kukuk manages the company’s compact trenchers, while Rupp oversees the larger HD trenchers and Trencor.
The compact trencher lineup comprises three walk-behind units – the C16X, C24X and C30X, along with the ride-on RT45. The walk-behind units range in dig depth from 2 to 4 ft, with the RT45 capable of digging 5 ft deep.
Recent developments include the introduction of a more efficient Honda electronic fuel-injection engine on the C24X, and a larger, more powerful engine on the C30X. “The new fuel-injection engine outperforms its predecessor because it constantly monitors fuel and atmospheric pressure electronically, and it can react to the engine loads faster. Our focus is on reliability and performance across our trencher line,” Kukuk said.
The walk-behind units are ideally suited for a homeowner’s yard and are perfect for narrow, shallow and relatively short installations for electric, gas, communication and water/sewer services. These units are also very popular in the rental market. The compact RT45 trencher bridges the gap to the larger machines that are more suited for longer, wider and deeper installs.
When it comes to ground conditions, the compact trenchers are capable of handling just about any conceivable condition. “Having been in the trencher business for 75 years, we have seen every type of soil conditions you will encounter,” Kukuk said. “Whether you are in rock, clay or sand, there is a chain configuration designed to get the job done. We typically recommend using a combination or ‘combo’ chain, which has rock and dirt teeth to handle a wide range of conditions.”
Once you move beyond the confines of a homeowner’s yard, contractors typically begin looking at larger, ride-on tractor/trencher combinations. These machines offer the ability to dig deeper with increased operator comfort, making them the tool of choice for long-distance installations. The availability of a variety of attachments makes them a “Swiss army knife” for utility installations.
Ditch Witch’s larger range of trenchers begins with the RT70, the newest addition to the lineup, and ranges up to the RT125. These machines offer the ability to run on either tires or tracks, which offers increased versatility to the contractor.
“The RT70 is our latest, ground-up innovation, and incorporates many new features,” Rupp said. “The RT70 is available with interchangeable tires or tracks, has crab and coordinated steering, offers anti-stall technology for increased efficiency, and has an updated operator station. At the larger end, the RT125 and RT125 Quad not only incorporate the advanced features of the RT70, such as anti-stall technology and crab-coordinated steering, but also come equipped with a new anew Cummins 121-horsepower, Stage 5 engine, as well as a climate-controlled cab option”
These machines are well suited for mainline work typically done along the side of a road or highway, including long-haul fiber or pipeline work. They range up to 8 ft in dig depth. Available attachments increase the versatility of the ride-on trencher. Popular attachments include backfill blades across the entire trencher fleet, with vibratory plows, microtrenchers, backhoes and reel carriers available for larger units.
So with all of the available configurations and attachments, how does a contractor know which unit may be best for its needs? “The big factor is the depth you need to install,” Kukuk said. “You need to have a machine that is capable of doing the job at hand, but you also need to consider other factors. It is not unusual for regulations or specifications to change from jurisdiction to jurisdiction – one city may require gas lines to be installed at 48 in. deep while another may require 52 in., for example. So If you purchase a machine that may be a little bit bigger than what you need initially, you might be better equipped to cover a wider range of jobs in the future.”
Another purchasing consideration is horsepower. In general, more is better. “We always recommend getting as much horsepower as you can,” Kukuk said. “Additional horsepower is going to help you get through all the soil conditions that you encounter, and horsepower is directly related to your productivity and the dig depths you’re capable of. The Ditch Witch dealers understand their territories really well, so they are a great resource in recommending a machine and chain that is well suited for your area.”
One sometimes overlooked aspect of modern construction equipment is the role it can play in easing the impacts of worker shortages. Increased productivity (i.e., doing more with less), and ease of use, can go a long way in helping a contractor stay profitable and retain employees.
“Workforce development is a challenge that a lot of contractors are facing today, so if you are able to provide a more comfortable experience for the operator, that can be helpful in attracting and retaining people, especially when you’re talking about the bigger, long-haul projects,” Rupp said.
Additionally, Ditch Witch prides itself on the ease of operation of its machinery and has training options available to ensure that operators can get up to speed quickly. “Our machines are designed in a way that needs little instruction, and we offer online and in-person training,” Kukuk said. “The operator controls are consistent from one model to the next so that if you can run one machine, you can run another model with little difficulty. In fact, we are one of the few OEMs that uses color-coded controls.”
So when once the decision has been made regarding the model and attachments, and you’re out digging ditches, it is important to properly care for the machine in order to get a long, productive lifespan from your investment.
“In addition to following the best practices outlined in the owner’s manual, it is important to inspect all wear items, including the chain, on a daily basis,” Kukuk said. “These items are engaging the ground, which is really abrasive. In particular, pay attention to the chain tension in addition to teeth wear on the chain and sprocket.” Tags: Ditch Witch
