RT40RIDE-ON TRENCHER

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)

Equipment World
November 2008
By Tom Jackson

A trencher only has to do one thing, do it well and do it often. So contractors who want to find out how much to charge for their trenching services should have no trouble zeroing in on an accurate number.

To help us explore the owning and operating cost parameters of chain type trenchers we contacted Greg Adkins, trencher product manager at Ditch Witch. Adkins recommended we base our trencher O&O cost exercise on the Ditch Witch RT40 model, the company's best seller. This rubber-tire, ride-on unit has a 42.2-horsepower engine and cuts to a depth of 5 feet, 3 inches, making it a good size for plumbers and electricians or trenching subcontractors who put pipe or conduit in the ground.

In this example we went with a no-frills model—a tractor with a centerline trencher (no side shift), standard axles without rear steer option and a 6-inch-wide dig capability and four-wheel drive. Adkins quotes a price of $37,700 to $38,500. If you wanted more features, say a traversing boom, a tilting backfill blade and four-wheel steer, those would bump the price up to $43,000 to $45,000. It's worth noting that if you plug in the price for the fully-featured model into our calculations on page 40 it only bumps up your O&O costs about $3 per hour.

Please remember that in all these discussions the dollar figures provided are not actual amounts, but theoretical, and used for discussion purposes only. Your final tally will be different and depend on numerous variables, which you need to discus with a dealer.

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.

stopimg style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/RentalMgtFeature_1.jpg" alt="RentalMgtFeature_1" title="RentalMgtFeature_1" />All of a trencher's mighty horsepower, incredible traction, and reinforced steel frame mean nothing without a well-operating digging system—the one feature that makes a trencher a trencher. With digging systems, one defective part—a stripped bolt, worn tooth or cracked sprocket—can mean the failure of the entire system, and every rental company knows how costly this kind of downtime can be.
A trencher's rapidly rotating steel, tungsten-carbide teeth are designed to pulverize any type of dirt, mud, and even rock. But wear and tear eventually occurs, and sooner than many rental fleet owners are aware. Without timely maintenance on its digging system, the trencher becomes less productive. Not paying attention to digging system maintenance over the long term will actually impact the entire trencher—from performance to trenching productivity.

Marty Piel, Parts Training Specialist at the Ditch Witch® organization, likens the use of overly worn digging teeth to a "dull-axe effect." "If you're chopping wood with a dull axe, you feel the shock right up through your arm and into your shoulder," Piel explains. "It's the same with dull digging teeth: the shock is transmitted from the digging chain through the attachment and up to the operator's station. This is one reason it's so important to keep a properly maintained chain on your digging boom. It's not just the production of the digging system itself; you're saving wear and tear on the entire trencher."

stopimg style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/RentalMgtFeature_2.jpg" alt="RentalMgtFeature_2" title="RentalMgtFeature_2" />Rules to trench by.

Piel says there are three cardinal rules for properly maintaining digging systems, no matter what brand of trencher you own.

1) Always replace sprockets and digging chains at the same time. Replacing one without the other will cause premature wear of the new component.

The shock load can cause a chain to stretch. As the chain stretches, the sprocket teeth that were designed to fall directly between the chain's rollers begin to strike those same rollers and wear them down prematurely. Worn chain rollers will begin to resemble an hourglass or apple core. Digging chains should be replaced before wearing through the roller to the chain pin.

2) Replace worn digging teeth.

As teeth wear, shock load can increase on the chain. Generally speaking, as the tungsten-carbide cutting edge wears away, the teeth begin to become dull and transmit shock to the digging system. Also, the more the cup of the tooth is worn away, the less capability the tooth has to carry dirt out of the trench.

3) Maintain the proper tension on the digging chain.

Improperly adjusted digging chain can result in premature wear on the chain and sprockets. The chain should be tight enough so that it doesn't slip off the sprockets but loose enough to keep from binding. Chain tension depends on the size of the trencher. Refer to your operator's manual for the correct tension.

It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but Piel says being religious about maintenance will pay big dividends. "The time you invest in maintaining your digging system is nothing compared to the damage your equipment can suffer—not to mention loss of productivity—if you don't," he says.

stopimg style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/RentalMgtFeature_3.jpg" alt="RentalMgtFeature_3" title="RentalMgtFeature_3" />What to look for in digging system components.

All digging systems are made up of teeth, sprockets, sidebars, pins and rollers. But it's the way these components are put together that determines their durability. The ideal digging system is one whose components are engineered to work and wear together.

"Ditch Witch digging systems have always been engineered to maximize the overall life and productivity of each component," says Piel.

Sprockets.
When looking for replacement sprockets, there are several factors to consider. First, it's a good idea to choose those that are engineered with proper mud relief. Buildup of spoils can cause a chain to stretch and prematurely wear all digging system components. Piel says Ditch Witch sprockets are manufactured with mud relief between the teeth to allow spoils to escape.

Another desirable quality of sprockets is a longer tooth. Sprockets with longer, tapered teeth enter the well between the rollers easier and deeper to have minimal contact with sidebars and rollers.

Chains and teeth.
There are dozens of chains designed specifically for different types of soils, so it's important to understand the predominant soil types in the regions where your equipment is operated. If you know your customer is going to be digging in soft soil, for example, a four-pitch, cup-tooth chain would be the ideal choice. A two-pitch, cup-tooth chain—designed for medium to hard soil—would not be necessary. Conversely, using a four-pitch chain in place of a two-pitch chain in hard or rocky soils could be extremely detrimental to your digging system as well as the trencher itself.

Digging chain is categorized three ways: by tensile strength, by pitch (two-pitch, four-pitch, or alternating sidebar), and by type (cup, combination, alligator or Shark Chain®). Ditch Witch chain is available in tensile strengths of 33,000 up to 225,000 pounds. Chain spacing refers to the number of chain pins between sidebars. Two-pitch chain has a sidebar on every station, four-pitch chain has a sidebar on every other station, and alternating sidebar chain has one sidebar at each station on alternating sides of the chain. On raised rivet chains, the chain pin is positioned higher on the sidebar, putting more steel on the sliding surface and heel, which are the main wear areas of the chain's sidebars. This design increases the life of the digging chain.

Piel says a welded, low-profile chain such as a Shark Chain or Shark Chain II® can be good choices for general-purpose trenching or where trenching conditions are diverse. With a low-profile chain, the sidebars are only about half as tall as a normal digging chain, so the teeth are positioned closer to the chain or the boom it rides on. In general, the closer the teeth are to the boom, the smoother the cut. "Those teeth act like a lever; anything they catch will cause the chain to kick back," says Piel. "A low-profile chain reduces kickback, which reduces wear on the heel (the bottom backside of the chain sidebar) and shock load to the unit."

A lot of thought has been put into the design of digging systems. Taking a little time to consider all of the variables and develop a regular maintenance schedule can dramatically extend the life of your equipment fleet.

Spring is a great time to prepare your Ditch Witch equipment for the upcoming busy season. A little attention now can help you be ready when those landscaping, trenching, plowing, and drilling jobs start coming in.

You can either have your local Ditch Witch dealer provide a complete and thorough inspection of your equipment, or you can perform your own inspection by doing the following:

• Start by checking all wear items. Replace damaged or worn items as needed. Order a few extra of the wear items you replace most often. Having them on hand will minimize downtime later.
• Inspect drill pipe for signs of wear or damage. Rotate pipe order so that the same pipe does not enter the bore first every time.
• Inspect drive chains and digging chains to ensure they are properly tightened.
• Check the condition of digging teeth, bits, and drill heads. Replace worn or damaged ones.
•  Inspect trackers, beacons, and beacon housings for damage. Test each tracker and beacon for correct operation.
• Review lubrication and maintenance schedules listed in the operator's manual to ensure that your equipment is on schedule.
• Finally, check that all guards and shields are in place and that everything is in proper working order.

Ask your Ditch Witch dealer about more preventive maintenance you can perform to prepare your equipment for dependable service throughout the year.

Published in the Spring 2006 issue of The Underground.

The efficiency of any machine depends on the efficiency of each of its parts. In the case of digging systems, one defective part—a stripped bolt, worn tooth or inferior sprocket—can mean the failure of the entire system.

The Ditch Witch organization manufactures the most efficient, most durable digging systems on the market today. High-quality chains, forged head shaft sprockets, and superior digging teeth are designed to work together as a system to provide unparalleled trenching performance.

stopimg title="61c" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" alt="61c" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/61cstopimg4Teeth: Too hard can be too brittle.

Ditch Witch digging teeth are made from a high-grade steel manufactured exclusively for The Charles Machine Works, Inc. After evenly applying tungsten carbide across the tooth face—we apply more tungsten carbide than any of our competitors—we then heat-treat the tooth with a special three-step process which makes the tooth harder without making it brittle. Independent tests show that Ditch Witch digging teeth last 29% longer than those of other manufacturers.

stopimg title="61a" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" alt="61a" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/61astopimg4Chains: Can they handle the stress?

All digging chain is made from sidebars, pins and rollers. But the way Ditch Witch components are put together is what separates these chains from all others on the market. Ditch Witch chains are engineered with the proper tolerance to handle the stresses created by the toughest digging conditions.

The Ditch Witch Shark Chain II is the latest major innovation in digging design. The Shark Chain II is effective in most soils, from dirt to chunk rock, and is up to 35% more efficient in cleaning the trench than the original Shark Chain. The patented new design also creates a curved trench bottom to cradle the pipe or other service in the trench. Shark Chain II can be used on nearly every brand of pedestrian trencher.

stopimg title="61b" style="padding-left: 20px;" align="right" alt="61b" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/61bstopimg4Sprockets: The little things make the difference.

Excessive shock is a key factor in sprocket, teeth, and chain wear. Ditch Witch sprockets are unique in that they are hammer-forged and induction heat-treated, creating a harder surface that lasts longer and a softer core that better absorbs shock. The Ditch Witch manufacturing process is superior to that of many competitors, who cast their sprockets. This creates the possibility of impurities or air holes forming inside the sprocket, which can cause it to fail.

Ditch Witch sprockets also have longer teeth and are more tapered to fit the roller better, which helps both components last longer.

Maintenance: The three cardinal rules.
Your Ditch Witch dealer also offers ProLine digging systems designed specifically for more than 65 trencher models produced by other manufacturers such as Case,® Vermeer,® Bobcat,® and Burkeen®. But no matter what brand you use, always remember the three cardinal rules for digging systems:

   1. Replace sprockets and digging chains at the same time—replacing one without the other will cause premature aging of both parts.

   2. Replace worn digging teeth.

   3. Maintain the proper tension on the digging chain—refer to your operator's manual for the correct tension.

Your local Ditch Witch dealer can help you determine the right digging chain and teeth configuration for your application. Whether it's a cup chain, Shark Chain, or an alligator chain, your dealer has the experience to help you determine what tool works best for you.

For a better understanding of the unique Ditch Witch manufacturing process, ask your dealer for a copy of a DVD on building superior-quality digging teeth, chains, and sprockets.

Published in the Spring 2006 issue of The Underground.

stopimg title="14a" style="padding-right: 20px;" align="left" alt="14a" src="/uploadedImages/Left_Nav/Press_Room/Job_Related_List/14astopimg4Proper maintenance is essential to keep trencher units operating efficiently. Performing routine maintenance and repairing minor problems as soon as they are identified reduce the chance of breakdowns in the field, and an effective maintenance program extends equipment life and protects the value of equipment.

Digging teeth, digging chain, and sprockets are the primary wear parts on chain-type trenchers. The process of digging a trench causes wear to these components—the more difficult the soil conditions, the more often they must be replaced. Operating a trencher with worn or damaged teeth, chain, and sprockets reduces digging efficiency and places extra stress on the machine, causing unnecessary wear and possible damage to other components.

Inspect digging teeth and chain daily or after each job.

When hard-faced surfaces of cup teeth are worn away, it is time to install new teeth. Replace teeth to conform to the tooth pattern on the digging chain. Insert bits are designed to rotate during trenching. If dirt or small pieces of rock lodge in the sockets (that hold each bit) preventing rotation, teeth will wear unevenly. Simply turning a bit usually removes dirt and debris. If a bit can’t be easily turned by hand, remove it and clean the inside of the socket. Also check for bit wear, and replace insert bits before they completely wear away. Continued use of worn bits eventually can damage bit holders on the chain, resulting in unnecessary expense.

A worn digging chain does not run smoothly and can generate shock loads which may damage other parts of the machine including the engine and transmission. Inspect digging chain, including roller links, for wear and correct tension. Operating equipment with worn chain links will cause sprocket teeth to completely wear through roller sleeves, damaging the pins that connect chain links.

Improperly tensioned chain reduces trencher performance, and the chain may slip off the sprockets. Putting a chain back on sprockets in the field is not an easy task. Refer to the operator’s manual for proper chain tension and procedures for making adjustments.

Worn teeth indicate it is also time to inspect sprockets, replacing them if necessary. When new sprockets are installed, it is best to replace the digging chain, also. Operating old, worn chain on new sprockets causes premature sprocket wear, and running new chain on worn sprockets causes excessive chain wear and could result in chain failure.

For most efficient production, chain and teeth should be correctly matched to digging conditions. Chain is rated by strength. Heavier-strength chains are recommended for difficult conditions. Cup teeth perform well in soft and medium soils and in sticky soils such as clay, but they are not recommended for rocky conditions. Carbide insert bits are best for digging through frozen ground and rock.

Because most jobs contain a mixture of soils, a short length of trench can contain several types of soil. A combination chain with both cup teeth and carbide bits often provides the best results in mixed-soil conditions.

Purchase replacement teeth, chain, sprockets, and other components that meet the specifications of your equipment. Inexpensive will-fit products may be less expensive to buy, but they often cannot withstand the severe stresses encountered during trenching. Service schedules and requirements vary with trencher make and model, so recommendations of manufacturers should be followed carefully. Refer to the operator’s manual for correct operating and maintenance procedures. Check engine oil and coolant levels on a regular basis, adding the correct fluids as necessary. Change fluids and filters at prescribed intervals, more frequently when operating in adverse or dusty conditions. Lubricate all service points, and maintain the hydraulic system at intervals prescribed by the manufacturer. Adjust chain or belt drives as necessary, and replace all guards and shields.

The Maintenance Payoff - The immediate benefits of equipment maintenance are dependable performance and less risk of a breakdown on the job. In addition, well-maintained equipment is safer to use and retains more of its value than neglected or indifferently serviced machines. Some equipment owners report their maintenance programs extend machine life by 20 percent or more.

Manufacturers do everything they can to make their equipment easier to maintain. Easy access to service points, use of components that do not require lubrication, and extended periods between service intervals are some of the strategies that help users take better care of their equipment.

Manufacturers are producing better and safer equipment today than ever before for several reasons, including advances in technology and user acceptance. However, the operator must learn and follow the operating procedures provided by the manufacturer to responsibly and safely operate equipment. Today, as it has always been, safety is a personal choice that each person must choose. We make that personal choice every day, even as we drive to work, when we choose whether or not to obey speed limits. Proper operating procedures, like speed limits, are put into place to protect not only the operator, but everyone that may be around from co-workers to bystanders.

Listed below are seven primary safety concerns that we as operators, supervisors and managers must all look at to help ensure a safe working environment.

1. Awareness - There are thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths each year in the construction industry. Many of these could have been prevented by simply following the operating procedures and policies outlined by the equipment manufacturer and employer. Awareness reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Supervisors, as well as operators, must be aware of manufacturer’s operating procedures along with employer’s operating and safety policies. This does not stop with equipment operation, but also includes all aspects of the job.

2. Pre-Work Inspection - Before beginning work with a piece of equipment, there are several things that must take place. First and foremost, the operator needs to read and understand the operator’s manual for that piece of equipment. Being familiar with the controls and operating procedures and always operating from the operator’s position are critical to safe operation.

Next, the unit must be in good operating condition. Make sure all guards and shields are in place. Exposed belts, chains and shafts pose potential hazards. Check for leaks, but be cautious when checking leaks in pressurized hydraulic systems. A good way to determine if leaks exist is to look under the unit after it has set overnight. Never use your bare hands to check for leaks. High pressure fluid escaping from a small hole in a hose or fitting can penetrate your skin. Hydraulic poisoning can lead to amputation, or even death, so be careful. Be sure that all safety switches are connected and working according to the manufacturer’s design.

The operator’s manual and the unit’s safety signs are designed to make operators aware of certain hazards associated with the operation and service of the unit. Replace them as they become worn, damaged or misplaced.

3. Loading and Transporting - Before towing, be sure the tow vehicle and trailer are compatible. The tow vehicle must be able to handle the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the loaded trailer as well as the tongue load.

Make sure trailer and tow vehicle are properly connected, and that the towing vehicle’s parking brake is set prior to loading equipment on trailer. With everyone clear of the loading area, put the equipment in the lowest gear or speed range and slowly load the machine onto the trailer. Lower all attachments not held by stow locks, set the parking brake if supplied and secure the machine to the trailer with tiedowns. Reverse the procedure for unloading the unit. Always follow all state and federal D.O.T. regulations.

4. Jobsite Preparation - When operating any piece of equipment, you must be aware of worksite hazards. Before beginning any job, contact your local One-Call service or the national One-Call service at 811 to locate and mark all underground utilities. In most cases, this should be done at least 48 hours prior to start of job but check your local and state regulations for One-Call regulations and notification. Knowledge of the laws in your area is important. Some states may not require all underground utility owners to be members of the One-Call system. In those instances, utility owners must be contacted separately. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to prevent damage to underground utilities.

Walk the jobsite and take a visual inventory of the area, looking for signs of buried utilities that may have been missed. These could include trench lines, utility risers or pads, meters, lines coming down utility poles, and manholes. Other items that are often overlooked are yard lights, power to outbuildings and invisible dog fences. Some of these may be an inconvenience while others can cause serious injury.

5. Potential Hazards - While operating the unit, there are potential hazards to look out for in addition to buried utilities. When working on slopes, sidehills or uneven terrain, there is the danger of rolling the machine over. You can reduce some of the rollover dangers by always wearing your seatbelt if equipped. Never remove, weld on or alter the Rollover Protection System (ROPS). Work up and down slopes when possible, and when you have to work on a sidehill, keep all attachments close to the ground and uphill to lower the center of gravity. If operating a walk along unit, never stand on the down hill side of the equipment.

If working in dense underbrush or around trees, be aware of low-hanging branches that can snag control levers or catch on attachments.

Never operate any piece of equipment carelessly. Always keep operation slow and intentional, especially in crowded conditions. In congested areas, there is an increased chance of collisions so always be aware of where you are and what’s around you.

6. The Danger Zone - Anytime the unit is running and the attachment is engaged, there is danger of serious injury or death. You, as the operator, must be aware of co-workers and bystanders at all times. Inform co-workers and bystanders to stay at least 6’ (2 m) from the farthest reach of any attachment including a backhoe. We are all aware that there are jobsites where co-workers stand right next to the excavation while the backhoe operator is still working. This is an accident waiting to happen. Bystanders and co-workers within the danger zone may trip and fall into the trench or onto the attachment. The trench could cave-in when working in soft or sandy soils causing possible entanglement with the attachment. When working in rocky conditions, the attachment can throw rocks from the trench and strike co-workers or bystanders.

When operating a machine with an exposed rotating shaft, the danger zone should be extended to 10’ (3 m). Never stand on or grab a rotating shaft with your hands.

Other danger zone areas to look for include such areas as the plow and backhoe attachments as well as the pinch point on articulating frame units. Avoid these by staying aware.

Always operate the unit from the proper operator’s position. Remember to keep fellow workers and bystanders out of the danger zone.

7. The Operator’s Responsibility - Equipment operators are responsible for ensuring equipment is operated safely and properly. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of co-workers and bystanders. However, safety must start with the supervisors and managers requiring that all operators are properly trained on each piece of equipment they operate. Having and enforcing safety policies and procedures and providing the needed training will greatly enhance safety on the job and potentially significantly reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that happen each year in this industry.

Remember, safety is a personal choice that each of us must make. These choices can make a difference on whether we get to go home at the end of each day.

Trenchers were the driving force that initiated the underground construction boom that began more than 40 years ago, and in the years since then, trenchers have buried much of the world's utility infrastructure.

The development of several effective trenchless technologies permits pipe and cable to be placed underground with minimal excavation, yet trenchers continue to be responsible for much of today’s underground utility construction workload.

Trenchless procedures are best suited for jobs where surface improvements, existing underground utilities, and restoration costs make excavation impractical or impossible. But because many utility construction projects continue to be in open country where these factors are not issues, trenching often is the most efficient and cost-effective method of installing underground cable and pipe.

Choosing the right trencher—or the best combination of trencher models for an equipment fleet—involves several important considerations.

Equipment buyers should consider several factors in order to select trenchers best suited to their needs:

How will the machine be used?

What kinds of installations will the trencher be expected to make? The size of products to be placed in the ground determines how deep and how wide trench needs to be. What kinds of soils will the machine work in? Equipping a trencher with the digging assembly, chain, and teeth best suited for soil conditions in which it will be working will enhance productivity and eliminate unnecessary wear of digging components and stress on the machine. Will the trencher be used every day, or occasionally? Is production speed important? Will the machine only be used to dig trench, or should attachments be considered?

Which model is best?

Carefully analyzing how equipment will be used enables realistic decisions about model selection. Compact, pedestrian machines are least expensive and are adequate for many jobs. Small and medium-size riding models handle larger jobs, and some models can be equipped with attachments to expand their capabilities. Powerful, multipurpose machines with a wide assortment of available attachments can be equipped to do a wide range of utility work. Big trenchers and plows have the capability of installing cross-country installations of cable, pipe, and duct and conduit in diameters to 24 inches.

Many models offer a variety of options. Most compact trenchers have air-cooled gasoline engines. Riders often are available with either gasoline or diesel power. Turbocharged engines can boost production capabilities. Large machines are equipped with liquid-cooled diesel engines.

All models can be equipped with teeth and chain suited to specific digging conditions. A variety of trenching component options are available for larger models, including center-line and multi-position digging assemblies, disk trenchers for cutting through paved surfaces and frozen ground, and teeth and chain combinations for cutting through rock and other difficult conditions.

Mechanical or hydrostatic drive?

Equipment buyers have a choice between machines with mechanical and hydrostatic trenching drive systems.

Some trencher owners consider mechanical drive systems the most productive and believe that hydraulic drives are easier to maintain. Mechanical trenching drives generally transmit a greater percentage of engine horsepower to the digging component, but mechanical systems require belt and chain adjustments and lubrication, and the operator must use a clutch and shift lever to change digging chain speeds. Hydrostatic machines are easier to operate; the operator can adjust digging speeds without shifting gears, and hydrostatic models require less regular maintenance.

Improvements to both types of systems have narrowed performance differences; both are efficient and productive, and the choice of which to use has become largely a matter of personal preference.

Are attachments needed?

Trenching is the only function of pedestrian models. Riding models usually come with a standard backfill blade, but most riding machines today are designed to accommodate a variety of attachments which convert a basic trencher into a multipurpose underground construction machine. A utility backhoe is one of the most popular trencher attachments. Others are the vibratory plow, combo (combination vibratory plow and offset trencher), and hydraulic boring attachment. Medium-range models can be equipped with attachments to do as many as six different underground jobs. Equipping a trencher with one or more attachments often can eliminate the need to bring another piece of equipment to a job. A careful analysis of how a machine is to be used will help buyers decide whether the extended capabilities offered by attachments will justify the added investment costs.

Is it easy to operate?

The easier a trencher is to use, the more efficient and productive its operator can be. Machine functions should be easy to understand, controls clearly identified and arranged for easy, natural operation. Even on compact pedestrian models, trenching components are raised and lowered hydraulically, and attachments also are operated off the machine's hydraulic system. Comfort is not a feature customarily associated with construction equipment, but ergonomic design considerations can make a long work day less tiring and stressful. For example, the operator station of the Ditch Witch® RT Family of Tractors makes effective use of available space to provide as much leg room as possible. The padded seat can be adjusted for height, slides forward and backward, rotates 90 degrees, and has adjustable arm rests. A tilting column permits the steering wheel to be adjusted to individual operator preferences.

Is it easy to maintain?

The easier a machine is to maintain, the less likely regular service will be neglected. Wear parts must be replaced and regular maintenance and occasional repairs are necessary to keep machines in top running condition. Look for equipment with extended maintenance periods, fewer daily maintenance points, and convenient access to service points—all features that make a trencher simpler to maintain and repair.

What about product support?

Surveys document that many owners and operators of construction equipment consider product support to be just as important as the quality of the equipment they purchase. Product support begins with ready access to replacement parts and availability of professional service when repairs are necessary. Terms of a machine’s warranty is an extremely important consideration. What does it include? How long does coverage last?

The best product support programs don’t end with parts and service and a good warranty.

One of the most valuable benefits of owning and operating Ditch Witch equipment is the service and support available from the Ditch Witch dealer organization. With large inventories of genuine Ditch Witch parts, dealer personnel support their customers in every way necessary to help keep equipment on the job. Every customer who invests in a Ditch Witch machine has immediate access to training in operational procedures and maintenance.

It doesn’t much matter how good equipment is if it is impossible to get parts in a timely manner or training in its operation isn’t readily available.

Training is an important element of total support. Operational and maintenance training is important, and it is available at the Ditch Witch factory and from our dealer organization. Ditch Witch training isn’t limited to the classroom. Dealer personnel take training to customers, hosting sessions at their facilities, at customer offices, and in the field. Factory and dealer specialists are available to provide assistance on unusual and difficult projects. Finally, our organization always is ready to share its knowledge of the underground construction industry, a very valuable and tangible asset.

What about brand name and value?

The true value of any piece of construction equipment is determined by many factors: purchase price, operating costs, maintenance and repairs, productivity, and resale value. Buyers want to invest in a trencher that will produce the greatest amount of trench at the lowest per-foot cost. Experienced equipment owners understand that purchase price often is the least significant factor in overall equipment value. The complete picture of a machine’s lifetime value is documented when total income the machine generated and final sale price are deducted from the initial purchase price and operating and maintenance costs. Owning quality, brand-name equipment also is important, and at no time is that more evident than on the day the machine is sold or traded in on a new model.