December 2010 Vol. 65 No. 12
Equipment Spotlight
Equipment Spotlight: Rubber Tire Trenchers
Rubber tire trenchers from Ditch Witch, Astec Underground, Vermeer and Mid America Trenchers.
Ditch Witch
The RT24 is a fully hydrostatic, 22.3-hp trencher designed with more weight on the digging chain, so it can put more product in the ground faster; and its trenching capacities of 48 inches deep and eight inches wide enable a contractor to install a wide variety of utilities and irrigation systems. The chain speed can be adjusted by substituting a 10-tooth sprocket for the standard 12-tooth. Maneuvering in and around jobsites is made easier by the RT24’s hydraulic, skid-steer-style steering and high-flotation tires, which provide stability and traction when traveling through rough terrain, across trenches, and over curbs. For added stability and traction, the RT24 can be equipped with heavy-duty tracks that “walk” or oscillate 12 degrees. A special trail wheel that supports the oscillating tracks helps reduce breakover and increase stability over uneven and rough terrain. With the Roto Witch boring attachment, the RT24 helps contractors install utilities beneath driveways, sidewalks and other surface improvements with minimal turf disturbance. A backfill blade eliminates the need for shovels and manual labor. The RT24’s hand controls are designed simply—one hand for mobiling, two hands for trenching—and all controls, including the engine throttle, are grouped conveniently at the operator’s station. 800.654.6481, www.ditchwitch.com
Astec Underground
The Astec RT800 offers performance and flexibility in a sleek, modern design. It can be equipped to meet the needs of a variety of job sites by selecting from optional attachments like a trencher, vibratory plow, backfill blade, backhoe, and rock saw. The RT800 can trench as deep as 72-inches and from 6 to 16 inches wide. Ergonomic controls are at your fingertips from the easy-access operator’s station. A full complement of electronic gauges allow quick and easy monitoring of the machine’s performance. A four-post canopy is optional. The 75-hp 4-cylinder turbo-charged B3.3 diesel Tier 3 Stage IIIA Cummins engine is both fuel efficient and powerful. Four-wheel steering makes the RT1200 highly maneuverable. Crab steering is useful on slopes when countering tractive effort. Outboard planetaries and differential locks are standard features. Hydrostatic ground drive and hydrostatic attachment drive provide optimum footage for trenching or plowing. The Astec trencher design features a flywheel, torsion shaft and planetary gearbox for smooth operation and long life. A flywheel minimizes trencher stalls in tough digging conditions and reduces pressure spikes. The torsion shaft absorbs shock loads from the driveline. And planetary gears multiply the hydrostatic motor torque to provide excellent digging power. 865.458.8575, www.astecunderground.com
Vermeer
The RTX550 is the only 65-hp utility tractor available with an innovative rubber quad-track system, which provides increased tractive effort and maneuverability, greater stability and decreased surface and turf damage. The machine’s TrenchSense electronic control system monitors engine rpm and automatically reacts when a sudden drop is detected to prevent stall or engine stop. The RTX550 fills an important niche, especially for secondary, shorter-run utility service installations where confined space is often a concern. 888.837.6337, www.vermeer.com
Mid America Trenchers
The Buckeye 9200 Magnum is a versatile trencher. Its 55,000 pounds build weight is tough enough to handle trenching chores from Fort St John, British Columbia to Texas and Oklahoma. The 9200 distinguishing features make it one of the most environmentally friendly trenchers available. From the oil field to the wind farm and everything in between, the Buckeye 9200 Magnum is leading the way. 866.376.8453, www.wheeledtrenchers.com
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