No-Dig Down Under attendees will get a first look at two of the most talked-about additions to the Ditch Witch CEA fleet – the JT21 directional drill and the purpose-built AX30-300 vacuum excavator.
Making their debut appearance at a major industry show, the JT21 and the AX30-300 are engineered to deliver next-level performance across trenchless and utility installation projects, offering a double dose of cutting-edge technology for Australian operators.
A leap forward
The JT21 is the latest evolution in Ditch Witch’s horizontal directional drilling (HDD) line-up, building on the success of the JT20 while packing in a host of performance upgrades.
In a market where productivity and reliability are non-negotiable, the JT21 lifts the bar with up to 40 percent more downhole horsepower than its predecessor and, according to Ditch Witch CEA, a 35 per cent faster carriage speed than other drills in its class. It’s built for crews that need to move faster, drill smarter, and deliver consistent results in tight or complex work environments.
At the heart of the JT21 is a robust 74-horsepower (55kW) Deutz TD2.9 diesel engine, which is designed to produce consistent power across a wide range of ground conditions.
The drill’s 21,000 pounds (lbs) of pullback and 20,000lbs of thrust give it the strength to tackle tough utility installations, while 2250 foot-pounds of rotational torque allow for precise control and efficiency.
Beyond the numbers, the JT21 is defined by its thoughtful design. A lower centre of gravity improves stability and operator confidence, especially on uneven ground.
This subtle shift in engineering , Ditch Witch CEA Brand Leader Scott O’Hare said, makes a substantial difference in safety and performance, especially during pullback operations or when operating on sloped terrain. By placing heavier components closer to the ground, the machine is less prone to tipping, allowing operators to push harder without compromising control.
Technology also plays a pivotal role in the JT21’s edge. The integration of Virtually Assisted Makeup and Breakout (VAM) streamlines one of the most critical parts of HDD operations. Rather than relying on traditional floats and sensors, the VAM system uses electronic controls to ensure drill pipe is connected and disconnected at precisely the right torque. The result is greater consistency, reduced wear on threads, and a lower risk of damage that can slow a job down.
It’s an addition that helps protect equipment investments while maintaining productivity in the field.
The JT21 is also equipped with a high-capacity, low-RPM fluid pump capable of generating 132L per minute. Running at lower speeds extends the life of the pump and its wearable components, reducing service intervals and long-term operating costs.
In the operator’s seat, control and visibility have taken another leap forward. The multimode joystick system allows for familiar control styles, including Ditch Witch, Competitive and American Augers control patterns, enabling seamless transitions between machines and making training more intuitive for mixed-experience crews.
Paired with integrated LCD screens that provide real-time diagnostics and performance data, the machine provides operators with more insight than ever into what’s happening below ground.
In a vacuum
If the JT21 represents a major leap forward in drilling performance, the Ditch Witch AX30-300 brings a similar level of innovation to vacuum excavation – a technique rapidly becoming the preferred method for exposing underground services.
Safer, cleaner and more precise than traditional excavation methods, vacuum excavation is gaining serious traction across infrastructure and utility projects.
The AX30-300 was developed specifically for the Australian market and brings together the power, capacity and ease of use that contractors need in a trailer-mounted vacuum excavator.
The machine is equipped with a 32.5-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, offering reliable suction performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. With a 1135L spoil tank – the largest in its class on a 4.49-tonne GVM trailer – the AX30-300 is designed to minimise downtime and maximise time spent on the job.
Every aspect of the AX30-300 is engineered for efficiency and durability, from its hydraulic rear door and tank tilt system to its silenced power pack, which keeps noise levels low without compromising power.
Controls are positioned for kerbside access, while the hose reel system is designed to keep tooling always connected, allowing for faster mobilisation and set-up.
The machine also prioritises easy maintenance, with a high-capacity cyclonic filtration system significantly reducing the need to clean filters, keeping the machine running longer between service intervals.
Together, the JT21 and AX30-300 represent the next generation of productivity for Australian contractors. With power, precision and user-first engineering at their core, these machines reflect Ditch Witch CEA’s ongoing commitment to helping customers work faster, safer, and more profitably.
As always, Ditch Witch CEA backs its equipment with national support, training and service capabilities, with branches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
For more information, visit ditchwitchcea.com.au
This article was featured in the August edition of Trenchless Australasia.
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