Ditch Witch launches new directional drill

Ditch Witch, the Oklahoma-based drill maker, launched a new directional drill called JT21, which offers 40% more downhole horsepower than the existing JT20 drill.

Ditch Witch’s newest horizontal directional drill JT21 (Photo: Ditch Witch)

The company said the JT21 features 21,000 pounds of pullback, 20,000 pounds of thrust and 2,250 ft-lbs of torque, allowing crews to complete installations at a faster pace in a variety of soil conditions.

The new drill can also achieve 35% faster carriage speed than any drill in its class. Its new design and lower centre of gravity increases stability.

It said horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contractors can enjoy a higher return on investment (ROI) as they can now complete fibre and other underground utility jobs more efficiently.

“Any operator who puts the JT21 drill to work will quickly see why it’s the most powerful drill in its class,” said Britton Yunker, HDD product manager for Ditch Witch.

“But it’s not sheer power alone that sets the JT21 drill apart from other drills in its class,” he said. “It also incorporates several productivity-boosting enhancements, making it an ideal choice for contractors whether they’re looking to replace an aging drill or make crews more effective.”

According to Ditch Witch, the JT21 features include:

• Improved hydraulic efficiencies and a direct-drive rotation motor delivering more downhole horsepower.
• Virtually Assisted Make-up (VAM) technology provides software-driven make-up and breakout of pipe to simplify operators’ jobs and help prevent pipe-thread damage to extend pipe longevity.
• A proven pipe-loading system provides the horizontal-style pipe loading customers asked for and helps optimize efficiency and uptime on jobsites.
• An enhanced operator station provides a common display with other HDD platforms and multi-mode joysticks that allow operators choose their preferred control style, minimizing training needs across multiple platforms.
• Advanced telematics give operators access to a wide range of drill health and operating parameters, helping them make quick, informed decisions while improving overall jobsite management and reducing maintenance.
• A larger displacement pump, generating 35 gallons per minute (GPMs) and running at a lower revolutions per minute (RPMs), increases the life of the pump and wearables.

Ditch Witch’s products include directional drills, drill pipe, HDD tooling, Underground Awareness electronics, vacuum excavators, trenchers, surface miners, fluid recycling systems, chain, teeth and sprockets, stand-on skid steers and vibratory plows. Ditch Witch has a dealer network in 175 locations worldwide.