Underground Construction - September 2017 - DW7

Rock Backreamers

Backreamers enlarge a pilot hole for
product pullback. Three models are
recommended for rock. The new Rock
Monster™ HD backreamer designed
for solid rock is equipped with patentpending EdgeGuard® protection on the
shirttail, premium bearing technology,
and HET inserts which improve the cutting structure life by providing fracture
toughness and wear resistance. These
high-performance components help extend bit life in hard rock conditions. The
Kodiak™ Backreamer is for light rock
formations, chunk rock and cobble, while
the RockMaster hole opener is designed
for heavy or solid rock.
Davis said effectively
drilling in rock is not just
a matter of switching to a
rock tool and proceeding routinely. It requires
experience, planning,
the right equipment and
tooling, patience and
persistence.
"Drillers today have
multiple choices to allow
them to be successful in
what used to be impossible," Davis concluded.
"The Ditch Witch organization
strives to provide our customers
with the most cutting-edge rock
tooling to tackle rigorous and
challenging ground conditions.
Our dealer network stands ready
to help with choosing the right
tools, and drilling fluids, and providing the best support and service."

Advanced Tools Improve Productivity
The Ditch Witch® organization offers the
most-advanced, highest-quality underground construction equipment available,
supported by the best sales and service in
the industry from a worldwide dealer network and factory specialists.
However, there's even more.
"We offer a suite of online productivity
tools to help equipment owners and operators manage and maintain their equipment
for maximum efficiency," said Chapman
Hancock, product manager of parts and
productivity tools.
"Many customers tell us these tools are an
essential part of their daily job-site routine."

Orange Intel™

Employing telematics and GPS technology, Orange Intel monitors equipment
and provides essential information about
operational parameters that is accessible
online using a computer, tablet or mobile
device. Parameters vary by model, but can
include hours of operation, engine RPM,
fluid levels, coolant level temperatures, diesel
exhaust fluid levels, HDD outer pipe rotation and mud flow. GPS pinpoints machine
location and allows building a geofence
around a machine. Orange Intel helps owners and operators track productivity, manage
equipment and implement maintenance
programs.

HDD Advisor®

Using the web-based HDD Advisor program, drillers can "build" a unit's drill string
before leaving for a job. By entering the
drill model and type of pipe, this easy-touse tool displays downhole tool options
based on thread compatibility, from the
saver sub to the drill bit. When complete,
the drill string can be saved and filed for
future reference. HDD Advisor is compatible with both Ditch Witch and Vermeer®
equipment.
"While there are various online tools for
operators of directional drills, the HDD
Advisor program is the only tool of its kind
in the industry," said Hancock.

Fluid Formulator

This helpful tool recommends the correct
drilling fluids for a project. Simply enter the
Ditch Witch drill model, soil, type, length
of bore, rod length and backreamer diameter, and the Fluid Formulator evaluates
information and recommends the type of
fluid and rate of pullback for backreaming.

Parts Lookup

The newly designed Parts Lookup platform
makes locating parts fast and easy. Quickly
search for genuine Ditch Witch parts for all
Ditch Witch equipment models ever manufactured. In addition, customers can access
the operator manual; schematics showing
part numbers and placement; and instructions for disassembly to remove a part,
installing the replacement and reassembly.
Parts Lookup allows customers to identify
parts needed with confidence, then send an
order directly to a local Ditch Witch dealer.

Wave Of The Future

"These productivity tools have been wellaccepted in the industry," Hancock said.
"Since our dealer organization is integrated
within each tool, customers have a clear
communication path with dealers to accurately communicate their needs.
"We believe our productivity tools are the
most intuitive and practical, and we constantly incorporate the most-advanced technology. Online productivity tools are one
more way that the Ditch Witch organization illustrates 'We're in This Together' with
our customers to provide job-site solutions."

Underground Construction - September 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Underground Construction - September 2017