December 2011, Vol. 66 No. 12
Equipment Spotlight
Rubber Tire Trenchers: Equipment Spotlight
Rubber tire trenchers from Astec Underground, Vermeer, Ditch Witch and Mid America Trenchers.
Astec Underground
The Astec RT1200 can trench as deep as 84-inches and from 7 to 18 inches wide. Choose the attachments you need from a tough tool kit that includes optional attachments like a trencher, vibratory plow, backfill blade, backhoe and rock saw. A tilt frame and rubber tracks are also optional. Ergonomic controls are at your fingertips from the easy-access operator’s station. The 121-hp 4-cylinder turbo-charged B4.5 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, astecunderground.com
Vermeer
With a combined axle load rating of 16,000 pounds, the RT450 offers best-in-class strength for reliability in demanding projects. Backed by a Tier 4i 42.2 hp Deutz engine, the RT450 delivers the power necessary to tackle tough jobs. In addition, the standard operator presence system automatically shuts down the engine when the operator leaves the seat. A set of LED lights, located on the dash, monitor air filter, engine, hydraulic system and operator presence system allowing for reliable and efficient machine operation. Boasting the shortest turning radius in the industry with optional rear steer capabilities, this machine is well-equipped to get the job done. 888.837.6337, vermeer.com
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, ditchwitch.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. 866.555.5555, buckeyetrenchers.com
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