With a drill 35 per cent faster than any other in its class, Ditch Witch CEA’s JT21 directional drill has set a new standard for efficiency.
In the demanding industry of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), having the best equipment on the market is essential to a company’s success, hence the upgrade and adaptation on the previously popular JT20 directional drill.
Ditch Witch CEA’s new flagship drill, the JT21 delivers up to 40 per cent more downhole horsepower than its predecessor and 35 percent faster carriage speed than any drill in its class.
The drill has been described as a compact powerhouse engineered to boost productivity and conquer tight job sites.
Powered by a robust Deutz 74-horsepower (55-kilowatt) diesel engine designed for optimal performance in demanding underground utility projects, the Deutz TD2.9 engine ensures consistent power delivery, contributing to the JT21’s impressive capabilities.
Packing 21,000 pounds (lbs) of pullback, 20,000lbs of thrust and 2250 foot pounds of rotational torque, the JT21 can handle a range of tasks, so whether you’re installing fibre, gas lines, or tackling other underground utilities, it’s designed to help you drill faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever before.
Its new design and lower centre of gravity results in greater stability, and the Virtually Assisted Makeup and Breakout (VAM) alleviates the needs for floats and sensors.
Ditch Witch CEA Brand Leader Scott O’Hare said the Ditch Witch JT21’s updated design with its lower centre of gravity significantly enhances stability.
“In horizontal directional drilling, a lower center of gravity is crucial for preventing rollovers, especially when operating on uneven terrain or during critical operations like pipe pullback,” he said.
“By strategically repositioning heavier components closer to the ground, the JT21 effectively reduces its susceptibility to tipping, allowing operators to work with greater confidence and efficiency.
“This design improvement not only boosts safety on the jobsite but also enables the machine to maintain optimal performance in challenging conditions, contributing to its overall productivity and durability.”
The VAM technology is a software-driven solution designed to streamline the process of connecting and disconnecting drill pipe.
This innovative system eliminates the need for traditional floats and sensors, instead using electronic controls to ensure that the drill pipe and tooling are made up and broken out at optimal torque levels.
The key benefit of VAM is its ability to prevent pipe-thread damage, significantly extending the longevity of the drill pipe and tooling. By minimising human error and ensuring consistent, precise makeup and breakout, VAM technology contributes to increased jobsite productivity and reduces costly downtime associated with damaged pipe.
It has larger displacement pump, generating 132L per minute and running at a lower revolutions per minute (RPM), which increases the life of the pump and wearables.
The Ditch Witch JT21 elevates operator control and visibility through its multimode joystick controls and integrated LCD screens.
“The multimode joysticks are a significant feature, allowing operators to select their preferred control style, including Ditch Witch, American Augers, or alternative configurations,” O’Hare said. “This versatility minimises the learning curve for operators accustomed to different drills, promoting seamless transitions between machines and enhancing overall jobsite efficiency.”
Complementing these intuitive controls are integrated LCD screens within the operator station. These displays provide clear, real-time insights into various machine functions and diagnostics, giving operators comprehensive data at a glance. This improved visibility helps in making quick, informed decisions, optimising performance, and ensuring the smooth operation of the drill, ultimately boosting productivity and reducing potential downtime.
An advanced telematics system provides data on machine performance, providing necessary insights needed to make quick decisions, resulting in better jobsite management and return on investment.
For more information, visit ditchwitchcea.com.au
This article was featured in the June edition of Trenchless Australasia.
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