One such offering was a reinvited American Augers Mid-Size Directional Drill designed to bring high-performing technology to boost operator efficiency. Featuring a new fluid pump and engine upgrades, DD240T operators can perform at a new level, according to the company.
The reimagined DD240T mid-size directional drill features an upgraded CAT engine and industry premier Gardner Denver fluid pump, maximising power and uptime on any HDD jobsite.
The DD240T features a Tier 4 Final Stage 5 CAT engine that meets the emission standards for engines in Europe. By reducing jobsite emissions, the new engine allows HDD contractors to take on even more jobs. The 536 hp engine also brings powerful drilling capabilities to a mid-size drill to maximise jobsite productivity.
The DD240T also features a new onboard fluid pump from Gardner Denver, the industry’s premier supplier of fluid pumps. The new Gardner Denver fluid pump has a rating of 450 gpm (1,700 l/min). However, to improve the machine’s longevity and increase performance and uptime capabilities the DD240T is set to run at just 300 gpm (1,136 l/min). This allows crews to work efficiently without pushing their drill to its limits every time it is turned on.
Additionally, the DD240T has a redesigned cab to boost operator comfort. With an improved air conditioning system and a taller cabbed unit, contractors can stay cool and comfortable, increasing productivity.
Further to this, horizontal directional drill (HDD) operators can get jobs done more efficiently and with greater ease using the revamped M300DH fluid cleaning system from American Augers. Designed with customer-focused improvements, the M300DH boosts operator comfort, improves ease of use and increases access to work spaces.
The M300DH, which assists HDD operators with clean drilling fluid, has been updated with a new pit pump variable frequency drive (VFD). The drive enables operators to adjust the pit pump flow to more accurately match the HDD rig flow and shaker feed. This provides more precise fluid management and reduces the operator’s need to constantly manage the pit pump.
The M300DH also features a new genset connection that allows operators to quickly and easily disconnect from the onboard generator set and plug into an offboard generator set, boosting uptime. This new feature can help operators who have experienced hours or even days of downtime when their generator goes down, now return to work in minutes. The genset connection is colour-coded for correct wiring, making it easy to get the offboard generator set up and running efficiently.
“The enhanced M300DH incorporates the features and design improvements that were asked for by customers.” said Richard Levings, American Augers product manager. “The updates address various customer needs such as improved mixing performance, better tank agitation, and increased accessibility to the shaker and other working spaces on the cleaner deck. These improvements can help streamline operations and provide a new level of efficiency.”
To maximise accessibility, the M300DH offers a flexible catwalk that can fold up for easier transport. Additionally, the catwalk is strategically placed on the screen change side of the shaker to improve operator access to the shaker.
The M300DH’s redesigned 30 ft (9 m) trailer is extended for better service access from the ground. The extended trailer also allows for lower placement of the generator set to enhance operator working space and reduce noise on the deck. Furthermore, it supports the addition of a new deck access stairway that replaces the side ladder for easy entrance and exit and increased operator comfortability.
The M300DH fluid cleaning system can pair with multiple class drill sizes including drills in the 100,000 lb (45 t) class and below, giving operators more variability and jobsite flexibility.
In the area of vacuum excavation, to enhance utility contractors’ productivity while potholing or cleaning up spills and debris, Ditch Witch has introduced the W12 truck vac to its line-up. The first offering in Ditch Witch’s new line of Warlock vacuum excavators, the W12 gives contractors a PTO-driven vacuum excavator that is backed by the service and support of the global Ditch Witch dealership network.
The W12 brings increased capacity, versatility and performance to jobsites with 1,200 gallons (4,500 l) of fresh water and a 12 cubic yard (9 m3) debris tank. With 5,000 cfm (140 m3/min) and a 27 in Hg (914 mbar) of vacuum power, coupled with the extensive storage capacity, crews can take on bigger jobs and maximise time of the jobsite, which will reduce time spent dumping debris.
The design and layout of the debris tank positioned between dual 600 gallon (2,270 l) saddle tanks of fresh water creates a more stable truck, improving operator experience. For easier operator usability, a remote-control system controls the water system and boom, and can lift and lower the tank.
“We are building on 20 years of truck vac knowledge to bring excavation crews the innovative line of Warlock vacuum excavators.” said Chris Thompson, vacuum excavation product manager at Ditch Witch. “The increased versatility and capacity of the W12 allows crews to improve productivity and decrease downtime on even the toughest jobsites. Operators get improved technology and optimised design with the same service and support that comes with purchasing any equipment in the Ditch Witch dealer network.”
The W12’s dual hose reels coupled with the ability to use both a hydro and air method enable crews to use one machine for a variety of excavation tasks, even in harsh environments. Together, the size and versatility of the W12 allows it to be used for slot trenching, HDD projects, potholing and more. The W12 is the first truck vac released in the new Warlock series from Ditch Witch.
