SK650COMPACT TOOL CARRIER

stopimg style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" title="norton_1" alt="norton_1" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/photo1stopimg4A-Norton Septic Contracting, Old Bridge, New Jersey, is a full-service septic company specializing in the installation of new septic systems for private residences and commercial buildings, and repair and replacement of existing septic systems.

With 21 years’ experience serving customers in central New Jersey, A-Norton owner Jason Luty says most of the company’s new business comes from referrals of satisfied customers.

A-Norton’s reputation is based on its history of providing quality work and meticulous restoration of the site when a new system is placed in the ground and an old system is repaired or replaced.

For grounds restoration, Luty credits a special track-mounted machine used by his crews.

“We have a Ditch Witch^® SK650 tool carrier for this work,” says Luty. “It is a compact track-mounted machine equipped with a Harley rake attachment to regrade areas that were disturbed during septic work and rake and stockpile fill dirt off the existing lawn or sod.”

stopimg style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" title="norton_2" alt="norton_2" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/photo2stopimg4The SK650 is powered by a 30-horsepower diesel engine. Its small footprint allows it to work in backyards, narrow easements, and other areas where larger equipment can’t go. Interchangeable attachments enable the machine to perform many different jobs. The operator rides on a platform at the rear of the machine.

“The compact size of the SK650 allows us access to tighter areas,” Luty explains. “Compared to a skid steer or track loader machine, the visibility is unlimited while backing up. We often maneuver around PVC clean-out pipes and tank lids that would be damaged if we ran over them.”

In addition to its clean-up capabilities, Luty said the machine provides significant cost savings.

“The Harley raking results in a near-perfect finished product without purchasing screened topsoil,” says Luty. “We also save nearly eight man hours per job (four hours for two workers) by eliminating hand raking the existing lawn and sod. The SK650 performs this same task in a half hour or less. This gives us more time per job to pay attention to details, and results in a more professionally finished job, which often leads to more referrals. Transporting the SK650 to job sites is very easy and economical due to its compact size and light weight.”

stopimg style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" title="norton_3" alt="norton_3" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/photo3stopimg4Luty says the SK650 typically is used two days a week on septic jobs. Other days it is put to work around A-Norton’s yard for miscellaneous tasks and unloading and loading materials and supplies. In addition to the rake, the company also owns a general-purpose bucket and forklift attachments.

“In the winter,” he says, “the machine is an excellent snow plow, and we use it to make paths through the snow on our property and to clean out paddocks and barns. We seem to be finding more uses for it as time goes on.”

In addition to standard septic tank work, A-Norton offers the advanced Eco-Pure Peat Moss Biofilter, an on-site wastewater treatment system that uses the natural properties of sphagnum peat moss to treat wastewater through physical filtration, absorption, and activity of naturally occurring microbes and larger organisms to remove 99.9 percent of harmful bacteria.

A-Norton is a member of the New Jersey Septage Management Association, Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, National Association of Wastewater Transporters, and is a certified installer of Infiltrator Systems, Inc., and Eco-Pure systems.

stopimg style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" title="norton_4" alt="norton_4" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/photo4stopimg4Ditch Witch underground construction equipment is manufactured by The Charles Machine Works, Inc., Perry, Okla. In addition to compact tool carriers, the

Ditch Witch product line includes trenchers, vibratory plows, horizontal directional drilling equipment and electronic trackers, compact utility equipment, pipe and cable locators, vacuum excavators, and related products.

Ditch Witch products are sold and serviced by the worldwide Ditch Witch dealer organization. A-Norton Septic Contracting is served by the Perrineville, N.J., location of Ditch Witch Northeast.

stopimg title="keepCool_img1" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 0px solid; WIDTH: 260px; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; HEIGHT: 195px; BORDER-TOP: 0px solid; align: left" alt="keepCool_img1" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/1_KeepCool_260x195(1).jpg" border="0" />Catastrophic tornadoes and floods have grabbed recent headlines, but each year one weather phenomenon kills more people than tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and lightning combined: heat.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average of more than 1,500 people in the U.S. die each year from excessive heat—yet it is the most preventable of weather-related deaths.

If you work in construction, summer is one of your busiest times of the year because it’s typically the driest season and offers the most hours of daylight. But the sun providing all that productive daylight can be the biggest jobsite hazard you face all year. No matter how tough you are or how used to the heat you think you are, excessive heat can bring down anyone who doesn’t take the necessary precautions.

The following information applies to anyone who is employed in an outdoor profession—construction workers in particular—but also applies to those who work in hot factories and anyone who spends time outdoors exercising, gardening, or laboring in any capacity during the summer months. (This is general information. More specific information can be found in the sources cited below.)

Know Your Chemistry

Our bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, and by expelling water through the skin and sweat glands. When we reach the danger zone, when our blood is heated above 98.6 degrees, we begin to pant—we’re literally “working like a dog.”

Sweating alone does little to cool the body, unless the sweat is removed by evaporation. But high relative humidity inhibits evaporation. When you’re checking the forecast for tomorrow, pay close attention to the heat index: the combination of relative humidity and air temperature. For example, if the air temperature is 96° F and the relative humidity is 65 percent, the heat index is 121° F. This is the heat your body really feels.

Heat disorders involve a reduction or collapse of our bodies’ ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise, bringing on various degrees of heat-related illnesses.

stopimg title="keepCool_img2" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 0px solid; WIDTH: 260px; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; HEIGHT: 195px; BORDER-TOP: 0px solid; align: right" alt="keepCool_img2" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/2_KeepCool_260x195.jpg" border="0" />Ranking Heat Disorders

The severity of heat disorders is relative to a person’s age, weight, fitness, medical condition, and degree of acclimatization to the heat. For example, heat cramps in a 17-year-old may translate as heat exhaustion in someone who is 40, and heat stroke in a person over 60. Common heat disorders include:

• Sunburn. Along with being painful and irritating, sunburn can significantly retard the skin’s ability to shed excess heat. The best solution for sunburn is prevention, by applying sunscreen throughout the day.
• Heat cramps. Symptoms are painful spasms, usually in the muscles of the legs and abdomen, often preceded by profuse sweating.
• Heat rash. Also known as prickly heat, heat rash can occur in hot, humid environments where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation. Serious heat rash can be so uncomfortable that it inhibits sleep and impedes a worker’s performance.
• Heat exhaustion. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, headache, fainting, vomiting, and skin that is cold, pale and clammy. It is possible to have a normal temperature with heat exhaustion.
• Heat stroke or sunstroke. This is the most serious health problem for workers in hot environments. Heat stroke occurs when sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Symptoms include an excessively high body temperature (106° F or higher); mental confusion or delirium; convulsions; hot, dry skin; strong and rapid pulse; and possible unconsciousness. Make no mistake: heat stroke can be fatal, and victims need immediate medical attention.

Prevention: The Best Solution

The number one method of avoiding heat disorders: avoiding heat. But for construction workers in the summer, this is simply not possible. So, here are some tips for staying cool and staying alive, beginning with the most obvious:

• Drink plenty of fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink water even if you don't feel thirsty. Proper hydration actually begins the day before a long, strenuous day in the sun. Before increasing your fluid consumption, consult a physician if you (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; (2) are on a fluid-restrictive diet; or (3) have a problem with fluid retention.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol dehydrates your body. Enough said.
• Limit caffeine intake.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods that are heavy in protein increase metabolic heat production and also increase water loss.
• Dress as lightly as possible. You need protective clothing, of course, but consider light-colored fabrics, such as cotton, that breathe.
• When possible, take longer breaks than normal in a cool, shaded area. A rested worker is a more productive worker.
• Know the symptoms of heat illnesses. Use a buddy system to keep tabs on your fellow workers.
• Acclimate yourself to the heat. You can “get used to” the heat, to some degree. Workers, especially those who follow the advice above, can eventually develop some degree of tolerance. However, new employees and workers returning from an absence of two weeks or more should have a five-day period of acclimatization: 50 percent of the normal workload and time exposure the first day, gradually building up to 100 percent on the fifth day.

stopimg title="keepCool_img3" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 0px solid; WIDTH: 260px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; HEIGHT: 195px; BORDER-TOP: 0px solid; align: left" alt="keepCool_img3" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/3_KeepCool_260x195.jpg" border="0" />Supervisor Obligations

There are precautions every employer should take when temperatures are high and the job involves physical work.

• Understand the signs of heat stress and permit workers to interrupt their work if they are extremely uncomfortable.
• Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them.
• If possible, schedule the heaviest workload for the coolest part of the day: early morning or late evening, when the sun is less intense.
• Make sure your workers have easy access to cool water—a minimum of one quart of water per hour, per worker.
• Schedule frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air- conditioned areas.
• Routinely check on workers who are at risk of heat stress due to protective clothing and high temperature. Pay close attention to those who are at risk because of age and physical condition (including obesity and diabetes).

When A Fellow Worker Is Ill From The Heat

• Call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, call 911.
• Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
• Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area.
• Remove outer clothing.
• Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice bags or ice towels).
• Provide cool drinking water, if the worker is able to drink.

For more information about preventing and treating heat-related illness, consult these articles:

• “Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer,” [http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php] by the NOAA
• “Protecting Workers From Heat Stress,” [http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf] by OSHA
• “Protecting Workers In Hot Environments,” [http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=167] by OSHA

Sources for this article:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (noaawatch.gov)
• Occupational and Safety Health Administration (osha.gov)

stopimg title="19a" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="19a" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/19astopimg4Take the time to winterize your equipment this year. A few minutes spent could save you time and money in the months to come. The amount of winter care your equipment needs depends both on the climate and how it is used. Check your service manual guidelines, and keep the following tips in mind:

1. Check coolant. Provide protection by using the recommended antifreeze/water mixture for the lowest temperature expected during operations.

2. Change the oil and filter before cold weather arrives. In addition, use lubricants recommended for low temperature applications.

3. Maintain the battery. Remove cables, clean cable ends and posts, and clean and tighten terminals on the cranking motor. And remember never to charge a frozen battery.

4. Check tire inflation. Tires inflated in a warm shop will be under-inflated when used in cold temperatures.

5. Give hydraulic components time to warm up before beginning work. If you’re running diesel equipment, be sure to idle the engine a few minutes before shutting down to properly lubricate internal components. Your local Ditch Witch^® service technicians can help you make the most of your cold-weather equipment productivity, and can suggest winterizing techniques that are perfectly suited to your operation.

stopimg title="sk650_texas_1" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="sk650_texas_1" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/sk650_texas_1stopimg4Residents and businesses in Bay City, Texas, are served by one of the most progressive natural gas service providers in the country.

Established in 1938, the city-owned and -operated utility has more than 4,600 customers in this city of 18,600 located southwest of Houston, just inland from the Gulf of Mexico.

Constructing and maintaining the 193 miles of underground pipe in the distribution system requires trained personnel and the right equipment.

For many years, the utility had dug trenches to install service lines from main pipelines to connect residences and businesses.

When the time came to replace the company's compact trencher, Bay City Gas Superintendent Michael Bradish suggested a compact skid-steer loader equipped with a vibratory plow attachment.

As opposed to the conventional trenching method of digging a trench, laying pipe at the bottom, and filling in the excavation, the vibratory plowing process "plows in" the pipe. First, pipe to be installed is attached to a blade mounted on the machine's shaker unit. Then the blade is lowered into the ground, the shaker activated, and pipe is buried as the machine moves forward—no trench is dug.

Bay City Gas purchased a Ditch Witch SK650 compact skid-steer loader with a vibratory plow attachment. The equipment is compact enough to work in confined areas. The operator rides on a platform on the rear of the machine instead of walking behind it, as was necessary with the old trencher.

"The crew members were a little skeptical about us buying the plow attachment instead of a trencher attachment," said Bradish. "However, after using it several times to install new service lines, they were sold. After installing an 800-foot service in about 15 minutes, no one wanted to go back to the old trencher. The new machine has worked out great!"

Bradish said the machine is used to bury 3/4-, 1-, and 1 1/4-inch medium-density polyethylene pipe.

"It is small enough to get into back yards," he continued, "but we use it in any situation where it would be better to plow instead of excavating with a backhoe or large trencher. Plowing pipe in leaves a small slit in the ground. Just drive over it, and you're finished."

Powered by a 30-horsepower-class diesel engine, the SK650 also is more versatile than a machine limited to trenching or plowing. More than 70 specialized attachments are available for performing a wide range of utility, landscape, and light construction tasks: digging fence and post holes; breaking up paving; cleaning up job sites; moving small trees, planters, paving stones, and landscape rock; making excavations for small landscape ponds; and mixing, transporting, and dispensing concrete and grout, to name but a handful of the SK650's capabilities.

The Bay City Gas Co. has an interesting history.

More than 70 years ago, V.L. LeTulle, a successful resident businessman, purchased the privately owned gas utility that was providing gas service to Bay City. Mr. LeTulle gave the Gas System to the City of Bay City, with the stipulation that it was to operate for the benefit of the citizens. The goal of his gift was to provide affordable and reliable natural gas service to all residents. The deed established a three-member board of trustees, of which two members would be lifetime appointees and the third member would be the mayor of Bay City.

Since then, revenue generated by Bay City Gas Company has provided funds of more than $10 million to purchase fire trucks, water towers, buildings, street improvements, and other large capital assets for the city.

During the 1980s, the company invested in a major upgrade to the entire gas system, which resulted in a gas-distribution system that is state-of-the-art, safe, reliable, and which provides gas service priced lower than most other providers in this region. In 2004, the company invested in an automated meter-reading system that allows all meters in the entire city to be read in one working day.  

For residents of Munfordville and Rowletts and those living in the country around these two small Kentucky towns, the Quality Landscaping and Garden Center is the place to go for flowers, shrubs, trees, garden tools, and most any landscape and gardening need.
stopimg style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" title="qualityImproves_1" alt="qualityImproves_1" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/qualityImproves_1stopimg4Customers plant their purchases themselves, have a crew from the center do the preparation and planting, or have owner Gary Puckett create a landscape design and have company personnel construct the perfect custom landscape.

Quality Landscape ended 2008 with its best year ever, and Puckett looks forward to continued growth in 2009.

Puckett and his wife, Tina, started their business after Puckett discovered he had a passion for landscaping.

In 1994, the Pucketts bought a new home, and the grounds around it needed to be landscaped.

Puckett, who was working in a manufacturing plant, had no experience in establishing a lawn or making plants grow, but he decided he would do the job himself.

"I went to the library and gathered all the books I could find on landscaping, got a table, and started reading," he remembers. "The next thing I knew, I was being asked to leave—it was closing time."

Puckett continued to read about plants and landscape designing and proceeded to landscape the half-acre of land around his family's new home, putting in the lawn, planting shade and flowering trees, and beds with flowers and shrubbery around the house.

The Pucketts were pleased with the result, and friends complimented them on their landscaping.

One day after work, Tina mentioned she had seen several cars stopped in front of their house with the occupants appearing to be looking at their home.

"That happened several more times," says Puckett. "Different cars, but everyone seemed to be looking at the house. My wife was concerned. Were we being targeted for a robbery?"

Puckett was home one day, and he spotted a car parked with people looking toward the house.

"I went out and asked the people if I could help them," he says. "And the driver said: 'Oh, we're just admiring your lawn and the way it's been done. We wish ours looked so good.'"

And Gary Puckett realized that he wanted to start a landscaping business.

stopimg style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" title="qualityImproves_2" alt="qualityImproves_2" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/qualityImproves_2stopimg4"I went to a yard sale and bought $20 worth of 'equipment,'" he continues. "I got a wheel barrow, shovel, rake, and post hole digger. I'm a farm boy, and I thought anything that needed to go in the ground, you just dug a hole and put the plant in it. I still had a lot to learn."

But Puckett's landscape business was born.

"It started just with me in 1995 working out of our house," he says. "I stayed on my regular job and did landscape work on days off and weekends."

As demand for his services grew, Puckett added an employee, then another. But all their tree and shrub planting continued to be done by hand, and it was hard, slow work. Puckett continued to work his factory job as demands of his landscaping business increased, and it became difficult to find enough time to serve his customers.

"One day Tina showed me a three-page list of people who had called wanting to schedule work. 'How are you going to get all this done?' she asked. There was no way."

So the Pucketts made the decision to devote all their time to landscaping.

In 2000, the Pucketts purchased four acres of land, and began doing business from the new location, offering flowers, shrubs, and trees in addition to landscaping services.

"The business had grown, says Puckett. "There was now me and three employees, but we still were doing everything by hand, and it became clear we were going to have to invest in equipment in order to keep up with our workload and grow."

The first piece of power equipment purchased was a Ditch Witch SK650 mini skid-steer loader. The machine can be equipped with work attachments to fit specific needs, and with a loader bucket and auger attachment, Puckett's crews could move material around work sites and dig holes to plant shrubs and trees.

"The first week we had the new machine, we set out 52 four-inch autumn blaze maples, and did it in four hours," says Puckett.

Next, Puckett purchased a Ditch Witch XT850 tool carrier, a machine that has the ability to dig in any position within a 260-degree arch with the excavator end, plus the ability to utilize the same attachments as the skid-steer machine on the tool carrier end of the machine. A feature that sets the XT850 apart from conventional backhoes is its ability to operate in confined spaces, specializing in offset digging next to buildings, fences, drives, and other surface improvements.

"These two machines have made our company more profitable and are taking us to new levels of productivity," explains Puckett. "For example, it takes 30 minutes to an hour to hand-dig a hole to plant a four-inch tree. Using either machine with an auger attachment, we dig it in 30 to 35 seconds. Utilizing these two pieces of equipment has enabled us to double our income."

Puckett is passionate about the Ditch Witch organization. "I really think they're the Cadillac," he says about the Ditch Witch equipment line.

stopimg style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" title="qualityImproves_3" alt="qualityImproves_3" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/qualityImproves_3stopimg4The compact SK650 is small enough to go through yard gates and moves over varied terrain and paved surfaces on rubber tracks. The operator stands on a platform at the rear of the machine. It is powered by a 31-horsepower liquid-cooled diesel engine. The machine weighs 2,630 pounds and its width, including tracks, is 42 inches; in the narrow configuration, the width, including tracks, is 36. Operating capacity is 650.

Puckett says the XT850 tool carrier is unlike any other machine on the market.

This rubber-track model is about the same size as popular mini-excavator models, with the excavator boom and bucket extending from the rear of the machine. Twin lift arms extend from the tool-carrier end where interchangeable attachments can be mounted to do specialized tasks.

What sets XT equipment apart from other equipment is a dual-pivot design that enables offset excavating. As with mini-excavators, the boom's pivot point is at the front of the machine where the boom is connected to the tractor, allowing the boom to be positioned offset left or right of center. A second pivot is near the center of the machine beneath the floor of the operator's station which rotates the boom assembly, including the boom swing pivot, for the maximum combined excavator swing of 260 degrees while the cab remains stationary.

To offset dig, the assembly is rotated in one direction by the center pivot, and the boom is swung at the front pivot point in the opposite direction. This ability allows users a number of positions to dig and remove spoils without ever having to move the machine.

The XT850 is powered by a liquid-cooled diesel engine rated at 26 gross horsepower. Maximum digging depth of the excavator is 83 inches with a loading height of 72 inches. Reach from the swing post is 103 inches.

Dual attachment arms have an operating height of 104 inches. Reach at grade is 34 inches. Equipped with a standard loader bucket, dump height is 69 inches, dump angle is 25 degrees, and reach with a fully raised bucket is 21 inches.

There are more than 70 attachments available that fit both the SK650 and XT850.

Quality Landscaping has several augers in different sizes for digging holes for fence posts, shrubs, and trees. The 30-inch auger is most often used for tree planting. Other attachments include a power rake, buckets, and pallet forks.

The company also invested in a Ditch Witch trailer that can transport either machine and has compartments to store attachments.

Puckett has expanded his knowledge in the landscape design program at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, has been certified as a Kentucky Master Gardener through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Services, and is completing requirements for certification by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).

With 10 employees, the retail center is thriving and Quality crews are busy on residential, commercial, and industrial landscaping projects. A recent commercial project included planting more than 200 trees and 300 shrubs.

In addition to putting in lawns and flower beds and planting shrubs and trees, Quality crews build patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, and stone drives and walkways. The two Ditch Witch machines speed distribution of sand, dirt, turf, gravel, and rock to where the materials are needed on work locations.

The company also donates its services to community and charity projects.

"Munfordville is a historic Civil War town, and after a tornado destroyed many of the city's trees, we replaced more than 100 in the downtown area," Puckett says. "Every one of these trees was planted with our SK650."

One of the fund-raising programs of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis is the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, in which participants purchase tickets to win a house valued between $300,000 and $700,000. In 2008, Puckett's company did landscaping for a dream home in Bowling Green.

The business still is located on the four acres purchased in 2000, but the nursery has been moved to a different part of the property and the garden center expanded.

"We also added a public garden," says Puckett. "This area has a rich Civil War history, and the garden has become very popular with visitors."

Reflecting on his company's success and growth, Puckett says a key has been the commitment to build long-lasting relationships.

"Customer satisfaction is the top priority," Puckett says. "When we finish a project, we don't look at it as being the end of a job—we want every customer to call us back for years to come.

"My first customer is still our customer," he adds proudly. "We planted a shrub for her the other day. And that shrub was just as important as a large commercial project. If you do a good job and treat people right, business will thrive."

Compact Equipment
April 2009

Contractors need versatile tool carriers. A small piece of equipment like a compact utility loader offers multiple solutions. It performs dozens of tasks with interchangeable attachments, is maneuverable in tight locations, is easy to transport and store, and is considered more cost-efficient than most big machines.

But just as construction and landscape contractors need versatile tools to work day in and day out, machines like compact utility loaders (or CULs) need comprehensive service and maintenance to perform properly. There are many reasons for properly maintaining these versatile machines, too; number one being safety, and number two (by the slimmest of margins) being protection of your investment. Whether you are already an owner or frequent renter of CULs—a.k.a. mini loaders, compact skid steers, compact tool carriers or mini track loaders—or are simply curious about the appeal of these little powerhouses, you'll benefit from this compact guide to operating and maintaining these multitasking dynamos.

stopimg title="SK500" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="SK500" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/SK500stopimg4The Market

The evolution of most industries invariably trends toward the smaller and more efficient. The electronics industry is a good example. Look at the steady miniaturization of stereos, calculators, cell phones and computer chip— or the auto industry, with its compact cars. In the underground construction industry, the shift toward more compact, more efficient equipment has been going on for 100 years with the introduction of compact tractors, trenchers, skid steers and mini excavators.

The demand for CULs has been growing steadily ever since—with smaller contractors and companies, in particula—for three equally important reasons. First, a CUL is designed to accept numerous attachments, so any one machine can perform dozens of tasks&mdashtrenching, plowing, demolition, grinding stumps, mixing cement—anything the machine has the hydraulic power to do. Their versatility helps the smaller contractor compete with larger companies for business and create more job opportunities. For example, a landscape contractor with a CUL can rent a snow blower and/or snowplow attachment to keep generating revenue during the normally slow winter months.

Second, a CUL can go where a big machine cannot. Most are designed to fit through a standard 36-in. yard gate, so they can easily get in and around backyards and congested urban construction sites. The rise in demand for CULs can be attributed in part to the rise in construction of zero-lot-line homes. They also have the upper hand in retrofitting established neighborhoods with new communications technology or updating utility infrastructure. Not only are these machines more maneuverable than standard-size equipment, they are also considerably lighter, which is important to both the customer and the contractor when the job requires traversing a pampered lawn.

Third, CULs continue to get more powerful and generally more efficient with each passing year. The major manufacturers—including Toro, Vermeer, Bobcat, Compact Power and the Ditch Witch organization— understand the demand for CULs that are more affordable and efficient, and have responded by challenging their engineers to think bigger performance in a smaller package. As these machines continue to improve in hydraulic power, lifting capacity and versatility, their demand can only go up in the increasingly cost-conscious world of underground construction.

CUL-de-Safety

Well-built CULs continue to make believers out of people who cut their teeth on the big rigs, but their relatively small size does not make safety concerns any smaller. Yes, a CUL can go where a full-sized machine cannot, but this means it can be exposed to a different set of obstacles and dangers. Creating a bicycle trail through a thick forest, for example, a CUL operator can encounter low-hanging tree limbs, slippery rocks, old stumps and dangerous slopes. Using a little loader to build a pool in a backyard, the operator has to be wary of sprinkler heads, stone walkways, other construction equipment and the homeowner's precious garden, to name but a few of the many potential on-the-job impediments.

And while he or she marvels at all of the things his machine can do, the operator must at the same time be aware of the limitations of his machine. A CUL's rated operating capacity is calculated at a certain percentage of its tip capacity. The rated operating capacity of a Ditch Witch SK650 CUL with loader bucket, for example, is 650 lbs (hence its name); this is 35 percent of its tip capacity, slightly less than 1,900 lbs. This is the load an SK650 could handle in reasonable working conditions.

Tracked units like the SK650 are rated at 35 percent of their tip capacity. CULs with tires are rated at 50 percent of tip capacity. So, a wheeled CUL with loader bucket with a tip capacity of 1,000 lbs would be capable of handling 500 lbs under reasonable working conditions.
Standard safety procedures should be followed when operating any compact tool carrier, including wearing protective clothing and calling 811 before digging. In addition to the equipment manufacturer's operator's manual, a Safety Manual for Operating and Maintenance Personnel for Compact Tool Carriers is available from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (www.aem.org).

Lifeblood of Your Loader
It's Important to Check and Maintain Three Main Fluid Levels in Your CUL:

stopimg title="SK650" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" alt="SK650" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/SK650stopimg41. Engine Oil—Make sure the engine is off and the machine is level. The oil level should be between the indicator marks on the dipstick. If the level is below the mark, add oil through the filler to the upper mark. Wait five minutes and then re-check the level. If the level is above the upper mark, drain the excess according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

2. Engine Coolant— Make sure the engine is off and cold. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first detent and wait for any pressure to escape. Depress the cap slightly and slowly continue to turn until any remaining pressure is released. If the coolant is within half of an inch of the bottom of the filler neck, the level is correct. If the level is lower than half of an inch, add coolant. Do not add pure antifreeze to a cooling system. Instead, add a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.

3. Hydraulic Oi—To obtain an accurate measurement, make sure the machine is on level ground and the cylinders are fully extended. Check the level with either a dipstick or sight glass. If you need to add hydraulic oil, clean the area around the filler before removing the cap. Add hydraulic oil according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Maintenance Is a Must

Whether you own a CUL or are renting it for an extended period of time, keeping a close eye on its fluid levels and other maintenance points will help you get the most out of your equipment.

"We recommend, first and foremost, that you get comfortable with everything in the operator's manual," says Matt Collins, product manager of compact utility equipment at the Ditch Witch organization. "There are recommended maintenance procedures in the manual that, if followed, will keep the machine operating at peak performance for many years.

"Compact utility equipment is designed with minimal maintenance in mind. Most maintenance and routine repairs can be performed by the operator, but major repairs should only be done by authorized service personnel."

A CUL is typically operated in dusty, dirty conditions, which makes it essential to keep the inside and outside of the machine clean. Let's look at the inside first, i.e., the fluids and filters. Here is a summarized schedule of maintenance for a Ditch Witch SK500 compact tool carrier:
Every 10 hours     Check engine and hydraulic oil levels, hydraulic hoses and air filter
Every 50 hours     Clean air filter and check battery
Every 100 hours   Change engine oil
Every 200 hours   Change engine oil filter
Every 250 hours   Change hydraulic fluid filter
Every 300 hours   Change fuel/air filters

These service intervals are typical of most CUL makes and models. The operator's manual recommends minimum service requirements; in extreme conditions, the machine should be serviced more frequently. Manuals have a checklist that makes it easy to keep track of service.

Keeping the outside of the machine clean and functioning properly is essential for both machine longevity and safety. "Lift arm bushings, operator controls, the operator platform, the track and undercarriage—all of these are important to stay on top of," says Collins. "The track and undercarriage components are particularly important to the function of the machine. They bear the bulk of the stress these machines endure, so it is vital to check track tension regularly and keep all the components clean."

stopimg title="ZahnToolCarrier.jpg" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="ZahnToolCarrier.jpg" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/ZahnToolCarrierstopimg4Collins emphasizes that adopting a preventive-maintenance attitude is the best way to avoid major problems. "For example, avoid skidding tracks and tires on concrete and asphalt," he says. The more often you do this, the more rubber you dissolve, and the sooner you will have to replace one of the most expensive components of your CUL.

"Do your homework." This is the advice Collins gives to anyone preparing to invest in a compact tool carrier. "Make sure it is manufactured by a reputable company and represented by a dealership network that can provide the parts and service when needed. And be sure that the machine has enough horsepower to the attachment to allow it to perform to the best of its ability."

Make a Checklist and Inspect Each of the Following Components:
1. Hydraulic Oil Cooler— Use compressed air to clear debris accumulated in the cores and repair damage if necessary.
2. Hinge and Cylinder Pins—Check for tightness and lubricate daily or more often in extremely dusty conditions. Apply multi-purpose grease to the grease points until it is visible on all sides of the pin and then wipe the excess off with a cloth.
3. Tires and Tracks—For tracks, check for excessive wear, tears and missing tread. Adjust the track tension, so the track does not come off during turning or so that the drive sprocket does not slip in the track during hard usage. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance manual when an adjustment is required. For tires, check the tire condition and maintain correct tire inflation pressure, as shown on its sidewall. Check for loose or missing lug nuts.
4. Air Filter Housing, Intake Piping, Exhaust Piping and Muffler—Inspect for cracked hoses or pipes, loose or missing clamps, corrosion or punctures and cracked or broken mounting brackets. Tighten or replace parts as necessary to prevent intake and exhaust system leakage.
5. Radiator—On liquid-cooled models, look for damage and use compressed air to clear debris accumulated in the cores.
6. Fan/Alternator Belt Tension—Turn off the engine and check the alternator/fan and accessory drive belt(s) for excessive wear, cracking, glazing or fraying. Check the belt tension by applying a 22-lb force midway between the longest distance of the pulleys. The belt should deflect 1/4 to 3/8 in. If the belt tension is not correct, refer to the machine's maintenance manual for the proper tightening procedure.
7. Engine Cooling Fan—On air-cooled models, examine the cooling fan and surrounding area and use compressed air to clear debris that may have accumulated in the fins and fan.

There are many reasons for properly maintaining your compact utility loader: safety being one, and protection of your investment another. An article recently published in Compact Equipment magazine gives you all the details.

Florence Crittenton's Transitional Living Program is comprised of girls ages 17½-21 with or without children who are determined to take their life from system dependence to independence. They learn, develop, grow and gather strength from each other on a daily basis. Previously, there was no place for these girls and their children to gather as a group. Each of their three transitional living properties are in close proximity to each other but there was no comfortable place to meet, have a meal together, talk, reflect or play.

Read full article 

If your machine's hydraulic system isn't working, neither are you. Here are some common causes of hydraulic system breakdown and steps you can take to avoid them.

stopimg title="SK650_1" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="SK650_1" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/SK650_1stopimg4Contamination

An estimated 75 percent of all hydraulic system failure is due to contamination, so change filters regularly. If filters become dirty too frequently, examine them. Metal shavings can indicate that a pump, motor, or other upstream component may be failing. Resin or sludge—type material usually means oxidation of the fluid, often caused by low fluid levels or damaged seals.

Use clean tools and equipment, and always thoroughly clean hydraulic components before you remove, repair, or reinstall them. When you disconnect a hydraulic line, cap the end to keep contamination out while you're servicing the system. When you put the system back together, always install a new filter.

stopimg title="SK650_2" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" alt="SK650_2" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/SK650_2stopimg4Low or Dirty Fluid

Low fluid levels can cause everything from sluggish cylinder operation to catastrophic pump cavitation, so check the fluid regularly (with the engine off and the fluid cool) and maintain the proper level. Always use the right fuel for your system.

Murky or cloudy fluid usually indicates water or air in the system. Water can come from condensation, and excess air can be a result of low fluid levels, a damaged seal, or a crack in a suction hose.

Other System Components

Sometimes the obvious causes of hydraulic system trouble get overlooked. Try these preliminary checks:stopimg title="SK650_3" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="SK650_3" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/SK650_3stopimg4

•  Check the hydraulic fluid level with the engine off and the fluid cool.
•  With the engine stopped, check for leaks around seals, castings, and hydraulic connections.    
•  Check for kinks in hydraulic lines.
•  Check for a plugged or damaged fluid cooler or fluid filter.
•  Check the electrical connections to solenoid valves. The problem may not be hydraulic after all.

When in doubt, you can always find factory—trained technicians at your Ditch Witch dealership, professionals whose only business is keeping Ditch Witch equipment healthy.

What do you want in a mini skid steer? Power? Versatility? Reliability? Affordability? The ideal mini skid steer will have all of these features and more. But you have to do your homework. This checklist will help you determine the qualities you need the most.

Size and Weight.
Do you often need to get into tight areas: between zero-lot-line homes, in cramped construction sites or small yards? The width of the machine is a key factor when asking, “Can I use this piece of equipment to do the job?” The weight of the unit is also important. This determines the size of both the trailer and the truck you need.

Did you know? Many Ditch Witch mini skid steers are designed to comfortably fit through a standard 36-inch yard gate. And you can transport most Ditch Witch mini skid steers along with a variety of attachments with a standard 1/2-ton truck.

stopimg title="60a" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="60a" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/60astopimg4Performance.
Tipping capacity. What is the Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) of the unit? (ROC is rated at 35% of tipping load, according to SAE standards.) Can the unit lift the material you need it to?

Did you know? The Ditch Witch organization offers four mini skid steers with ROCs ranging from 300 to 650 pounds.

Track length. Take a look at the length of the track: is the weight distributed evenly? When in drive, does it rock or bounce?

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers offer more track on the ground than other units on the market. Longer tracks translate into greater stability.

Dump height. Does your unit have the dump height to get the job done?

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers offer great dump heights, dump angles, and hinge pin heights.

Ground clearance. Is the unit easily maneuverable in work conditions?

Did you know? The high ground clearance of Ditch Witch mini skid steers is designed to provide excellent maneuverability and enable access to more locations.

Flow & power to attachment. Does the unit provide the power you need for your attachments? You should consider the hydraulic system and flow (gpm, or gallons per minute), and the actual net horsepower generated to the attachment.

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers are superior at running attachments. SK models offer pump capacities ranging from 6 to 13.5 gpm, which equates from 10 to 11 net hp (SK350 and SK500) to 20 net hp (SK650) to the attachment.

stopimg title="60b" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" alt="60b" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/60bstopimg4Power. Does the mini skid steer have the power to get the job done?

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers offer more power for their size than any units in their class.

Maintenance.
Ideally, the design of your mini skid steer is simple enough to maintain on your own, saving you both time and money. Check to see if the filters, reservoirs,and other wear items are easily accessible. Refer to the owner's manual to see how often you need to address your grease points.

Did you know? Some mini skid steer brands require a daily routine of greasing, but Ditch Witch mini skid steers have no grease points to maintain. Also, both the SK350 and SK650 have exterior fuel and hydraulic tanks, so you don't even have to lift the hood to refill the hydraulic fluid.

Ergonomics.
Comfort is a major aspect to consider with a mini skid steer. The more comfortable the operator, the more efficient he will be. The result: greater cost-efficiency, as more jobs are completed in a timely manner. Consider the location of the control levers: how easy is the machine to operate over a long time period? How easy are the hydraulics to engage? Also, do you prefer a ride-on platform or a walk-behind unit? A platform keeps operators out of the mud and debris and reduces fatigue. A walk-behind unit can offer the operator more control when working on slopes and rough terrain.

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers have simple, easy-to-use controls. All models—the SK300, SK350, SK500 and new SK650—have an intuitive operator interface, with only four levers controlling all functions. Several feature pilot-operated controls with highly responsive steering and little or no vibration feedback. This design eliminates linkages in the steering, so there are fewer wear items.

And Ditch Witch mini skid steers come in both walk-behind and platform models.

Resale Value/Warranty.
No matter what you purchase, you want quality, a product that lasts and maximum resale value. So, does your manufacturer/dealer represent a quality product? What is the company's reputation? Does it back up its reputation with a warranty?

Did you know? Better-built equipment lasts longer, so you'll save more in the long run than you would by buying less-expensive but inferior-quality equipment.

Since 1949, when our founder, Ed Malzahn, invented the compact trencher, the Ditch Witch brand has stood for quality and durability. Everything bearing the Ditch Witch name is built with unsurpassed attention to detail, and everything is warranted. All of this translates to higher resale values, and, more importantly, to peace of mind when you're trying to meet that deadline.

Dealer Support.
Is your dealer in a position to support you? Is it a reliable source for parts? Are its technicians factory-trained? All of these questions matter, because the less time you spend searching for quality equipment, parts, service and/or training, the more time you can be on the job. If your dealer is not going to be around in a year or two, then you might want to rethink where you make your purchase.

Did you know? The Ditch Witch organization supports all of its products with superior-quality parts, service and training, all available from a worldwide network of authorized dealers.

What's the ideal mini skid steer for your organization? Your local Ditch Witch dealer has all of the answers.

Published in the Spring 2006 issue of The Underground.

THE 420SX VIBRATORY PLOW CAN PLOW IN PRODUCT FASTER THAN ANY OTHER UNIT IN ITS CLASS.

stopimg title="49a" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="49a" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/49astopimg4The new Ditch Witch 420sx vibratory plow expands the company’s popular compact vibratory plow product offering and adds riding capability, greater horsepower (41 hp/30.5 kW), and several features that other vibratory plows in its class do not have.

The machine’s exclusive dual-speed attachment drive enables the operator to quickly adapt to changing ground conditions. The patent-pending plow design of the 420sx allows it to closely follow the contour of the ground, which helps the plow maintain a constant cover depth on uneven terrain. Besides a standard vibratory plow, the 420sx can also run a Roto Witch drilling attachment and a trencher.

“We’ve designed the head shaft of the trencher attachment to incorporate a large, heavy-duty auger,” says Brent Bolay, product manager for the 420sx. “The productivity and spoils handling of this attachment make the 420sx a true production trencher.”

As with other Ditch Witch products, the 420sx was designed with comfort and safety in mind. It is designed so the operator’s console moves with the operator when the machine’s frame articulates; the articulating joint is positioned under the floor of the operator’s station. The 420sx also minimizes vibration transmitted to the operator’s station, so the operator can work longer with greater comfort. The plow’s skid shoes keep plow pins and other components off the ground, which also saves wear and tear on the machine.

Another exclusive feature of the 420sx is the fold-down ROPS (roll-over protective structure), which enables the unit to operate under tree limbs, eaves, and other low-hanging obstacles. The fold-down ROPS reduces the unit’s overall height by 20 inches. This feature makes the 420sx highly maneuverable in and around jobsites.

PIERCE AIRROW II PIERCING TOOLS CAN TAKE A POUNDING—AND ARE, POUND FOR POUND, THE BEST OVERALL VALUE.

stopimg title="49c" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" alt="49c" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/49cstopimg4New from the Ditch Witch organization are seven pneumatic piercing tools designed to perform short- to medium-range compaction boring projects, pipe ramming and pushing, and pipe pulling. The models range from 2.25" to 4.25" (57-108 mm) outside diameter, with or without threaded heads.

Strength and simplicity are the main characteristics that make Ditch Witch piercing tools so productive. Their bodies are made of single-piece, aircraft-quality steel, which contains high amounts of nickel and is heat-treated to be extremely durable. With fewer moving parts than the competition, Pierce Airrow II piercing tools are very low-maintenance units that promise years of reliable service.

Everything about these tools is designed for outstanding efficiency. Their unique striker design enables the tools to continue operation when they encounter a buried obstacle, so you can avoid costly downtime. The highly machined tool does not require wear rings that would require the tool to be disassembled more often for maintenance. These and other design features help Pierce Airrow II piercing tools give you more blows per minute than the competition—in some cases, as many as 100 more blows—so you can work faster and get more accomplished.

Utility companies, utility contractors, and municipalities will want to take advantage of the many benefits of these tools. Pierce Airrow II piercing tools are also ideal for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) contractors looking for a fast, low-cost, trenchless solution.

THE NEW DITCH WITCH HT220 TRENCHER IS BIG ON SIZE AND ROCK-DIGGING POWER.

stopimg title="49b" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="49b" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/49bstopimg4The Ditch Witch line of trenchers just got bigger—a lot bigger. The HT220 is not the typical compact machine you’re used to seeing come out of the Ditch Witch factory in Perry, Oklahoma. But it still typifies everything you’ve come to expect from the Ditch Witch organization: quality, productivity, and extreme durability.

Optimized for digging in rock but also extremely effective in dirt, the HT220 is a hydrostatic trencher with 220 horsepower (164 kW). Designed for large installations—12 to 24 inches (305 - 610 mm) wide and 4 to 8 feet (1.2 - 2.4 m) deep—this machine has an exclusive flywheel gearbox that’s designed to deliver a tremendous amount of horsepower to the attachment—on demand—while protecting the hydraulic system and other components from shock loads. Plus, the operator vibration is further minimized by trencher stabilizers, standard on the machine, that isolate vibration when digging in rock.

Working in harsh conditions demands equipment that is extraordinarily durable and sturdy, and the HT220 does not disappoint. From the rugged undercarriage to the reliable analog controls to the forged, heat-treated, high-alloy steel head shafts that are guaranteed for life, everything on this machine is designed to endure the particularly rugged conditions of rock-laden jobsites.

Gas and oil, wind farms, rural water districts, and housing development contractors are just a few of the markets that will benefit from the HT220.

Published in the Spring 2007 issue of The Underground.

stopimg style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/4a.jpg" alt="4a" style="width: 260px; height: 195px;" title="4a" />Compact, versatile skid steer loaders have become one of the most widely used types of construction equipment available today.

Hard-working, skid steer loaders can scoop up soil, sand, gravel, or about any kind of loose material, move their loads around jobsites, or deposit material into trucks. Specialized buckets are available for handling different types of material.

Compact size and excellent maneuverability allow skid steer equipment to work in areas where larger machines can not go. The steering system which turns a machine by locking either the left or right set of wheels or counter rotating the left or right set of wheels literally allows a skid steer unit to turn on a dime.

As loaders, skid steers are used in general construction for loading material, spreading material, construction site clean up; and for specialized applications including demolition, recycling operations, mining, road construction and repairs, landscaping, sports facility construction and maintenance, agricultural operations, and snow removal.

However, skid steers are much more than loaders. They can do light grade work, and scores of attachments equip a basic skid steer unit to perform a variety of specialized tasks. A skid steer vehicle can be used to power hydraulic tools such as breakers and tampers. Popular attachments include small backhoes, augers, trenchers, concrete containers, pallet forks, bale spears, nursery jaws, tillers, stump grinders, rotary cutters, rakes, brooms, and grapples. "Track" accessories fit over tires to increase flotation and improve traction in wet, muddy conditions.

(Attachments and accessories are available from skid steer manufacturers as well as companies that produce specialized attachments designed to fit most makes and models.

The skid steer loader market is extremely competitive, and manufacturers have made great improvements of their product’s efficiency and dependability. Noise levels and harmful emissions have been lowered. Simplified controls make operation easier and operator comfort have been significantly improved over previous models.

Skid steer loaders are available in many sizes which are defined by SAE ratings for rated operating capacity, which is a fraction of the maximum load weight its bucket can lift. Bucket capacity varies with size, model, and type of bucket. Other important specifications are loading height; breakout force; and machine width, length, and height. Smaller models are usually powered by gasoline engines with many larger units available with diesel engines.

Historically, medium-size machines with rated operating capacities ranging from 1300 to 1750 pounds have been most popular.

Newest members of the skid steer lineup are mini skid steers, sometimes called compact utility loaders, which are establishing a strong niche in the marketplace.

With rated operating capabilities from 200 to 1000 pounds, these walk-behind and platform models can get into confined spaces where even the smallest conventional models can not go—such as narrow spaces between closely spaced houses. In addition, they can slip through a 32-inch door, fit inside elevators, and work in basements. They also are popular for horticulture uses and working in greenhouses. A growing selection of attachments are available for mini models.

Skid steer loaders are standard equipment for general contractors and many specialist contractors, including road and bridge builders, landscaping firms, driveway and sidewalk contractors, demolition contractors, farmers and ranchers, recycling firms, operators of golf courses and outdoor sports complexes, facilities maintenance departments, and city, state, and federal government agencies, including park departments and the military.

More information about Ditch Witch mini skid steer units and attachments is available from the Ditch Witch dealers, on the Ditch Witch Web site—www.ditchwitch.com—or by calling toll free 800-654-6481.