Horizontal directional drilling was once limited to installing small utility lines with minimal disruptions. The practice has now become the dominant method due to the global demand for increased underground utilities. HDD contractors can now more efficiently complete those underground utility jobs with the new JT21 directional drill from Ditch Witch.
An upgraded replacement for the JT20, the JT21 delivers up to 40% more downhole horsepower than its predecessor and 35% faster carriage speed than any drill in its class, empowering crews to work more effectively and increasing return-on-investment, according to Britton Yunker, HDD product manager for Ditch Witch.
“It’s not sheer power alone that sets the JT21 drill apart from other drills in its class,” says Yunker. “It also incorporates several productivity-boosting enhancements, making it an ideal choice for contractors whether they’re looking to replace an aging drill or make crews more effective.”
The JT21 features 21,000 pounds of pullback, 20,000 pounds of thrust and 2,250 ft-lbs of torque, allowing crews to complete installations at a faster pace in a variety of soil conditions. Also, a new design and lower center of gravity increases stability.
Among the JT21 features that help boost productivity and ease operations are improved hydraulic efficiencies and a direct-drive rotation motor delivering more downhole horsepower, Virtually Assisted Make-up technology that provides software-driven make-up and breakout of pipe to simplify operators’ jobs and help prevent pipe-thread damage to extend pipe longevity, a proven pipe-loading system that provides the horizontal-style pipe loading customers asked for and helps optimize efficiency and uptime on job sites, an enhanced operator station that provides a common display with other HDD platforms and multimode joysticks that allow operators choose their preferred control style, minimizing training needs across multiple platforms, and advanced telematics to give operators access to a wide range of drill health and operating parameters, helping them make quick, informed decisions while improving overall jobsite management and reducing maintenance. A larger-displacement pump, generating 35 gpm and running at a lower rpm, increases the life of the pump and wearables.
“Any operator who puts the JT21 drill to work will quickly see why it’s the most powerful drill in its class,” says Yunker.
800-654-6481; www.ditchwitch.com
