Ditch Witch CEA’s AT32 is helping Western Australian horizontal directional drilling experts complete projects for some of the state’s industry leaders.
A relationship that originated before the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) explosion began in Australia, Ditch Witch CEA and Diversified are a duo primed for success.
Diversified’s Managing Director, David Proctor, says the key to the longevity of the three-decade-long relationship between the two companies is not only the quality of the equipment but also Ditch Witch CEA’s tireless commitment to Diversified as a customer.
“We have been very fortunate to have had Graham Rutter as our Ditch Witch CEA representative for the past 32 years,” says Proctor.
“His product knowledge and commitment to customer service has been invaluable.”
Recently Diversified has undertaken works with one of its long-time clients to replace the existing cast iron distribution network in Fremantle. The limestone rock ground conditions of this project presented several logistical challenges, but not insurmountable for Diversified with its newest Ditch Witch CEA machine – the AT32.
“The AT32 was purchased specifically with this project in mind and its performance on this project has been impressive,” says Proctor.
Released in 2022, the AT32 boasts increased drill pipe capacity, allowing 137.2 m of all-terrain pipe or 182.9 m of dirt pipe with reversible pipe box onboard, boosting the productivity of any project.
It also features a patented ‘slide cartridge’ which provides back-up for the carriage rollers, allowing operators to complete a job without stopping to replace failed rollers. The drill’s 1200 ft lbs of inner rotational torque allow for greater efficiency and better production in hard formations.
“The increased HP and torque along with the new open vice wrenches and wireless control has helped us increase job productivity on-site,” says Proctor.
“The upgraded operators station also provides more comfort than previous models, along with improved operator visibility for safer performance.”
An integrated wireless remote control gives operators the ability to set up the rig outside of the cab, allowing more precise positioning of the unit on the job. The controller includes multi-mode ground drive, dual independent stabilizers, stake down, cab traverse, and dual pivot. Its unique ‘add-a-pipe’ design allows operators to manually insert additional pipe, improving productivity.
Diversified’s team has been involved in HDD since the very inception of the technology. Benefitting from the opportunity to grow alongside the technology, the company has developed strong alliances with both equipment suppliers and manufacturers.
Founded in 1991, the company has cemented its enviable reputation over the years as a solutions provider with a can-do approach. As a testament to this, the company is frequently called in to provide specialist HDD services on a range of projects amid various on-site conditions.
Proctor says that the company got its start working with the State Energy Commission of Western Australia (SECWA) Gas in Perth to install gas services and mains on the local distribution network.
With experience working for Vocus, Optus, Telstra, ATCO Gas, the Department of Defence and several of Western Australia’s leading builders and contractors, Diversified continues to bolster its reputation as a leading service provider.The company recently completed civil construction for the land component of the Hyper One sub-sea cable link.
“The works our team completed started from the cable landing station located in City Beach, Western Australia, through to a new data centre in Shenton Park, located in Nedlands,” says Proctor.
“The project involved 9000 m of HDD installation and required a full turnkey solution. We undertook the installation of multiple HDPE conduits and manholes to house both fibre optic as well as earth grid network cables.
“Our fleet of eight Ditch Witch CEA drill rigs ensures we can meet all of our client’s needs, no matter the job; from simple under-road crossings through to multiple conduit packages and large diameter pipe installations under highways, railways and even rivers.”
Ditch Witch CEA is committed to continuing to provide Diversified with expert advice on what equipment best suits the company’s needs and ensuring each piece of machinery is of the highest quality.
For more information visit Ditch Witch CEA.
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This article appeared in the February edition of Trenchless Australasia. Access the digital copy of the magazine here.