PRESS ROOM

PERRY, Oklahoma — The Charles Machine Works Inc. (CMW^®), manufacturer of Ditch Witch^® underground construction equipment, announces the release of the JT5 compact horizontal directional drill.

An upgrade of the widely popular, ultra-compact Ditch Witch JT520 that was introduced in 1999, the JT5 incorporates the best features of its predecessor—small footprint, ergonomic operator station, exceptional ratio of power to size—and adds a heavy-duty anchor system, vise wrenches, and other advanced design features to create a powerful, ultra-compact directional drill designed for shallow installations of cable, fiber and water systems up to 150 feet (46 m) in length.

"The JT5 incorporates multiple exciting features that will enhance the performance and productivity of the contractor," says Richard Levings, manager of trenchless products at CMW.

Among these features is a vise-wrench system that helps keep the drill pipe in place when breaking and making up the tool joint. The JT5's operator station offers an easily accessible view of the tool joint and of the tracking remote display, which is positioned to the operator’s right so that he can clearly see the drill pipe while monitoring the bore’s progress.

These features were incorporated in response to customer comments and requests, which Ditch Witch engineers consider when developing any new product. JT520 customers also requested a heavy-duty anchor system to better secure the unit during operation; the JT5 responded with an anchor system modeled after that of the larger Ditch Witch^® JT922. Designed to stabilize the JT5 during installation in many types of soil conditions, even loose soils, the anchor system also reduces wear on pipe threads.

The JT5 uses drill pipe specially designed and manufactured by the Ditch Witch organization. It features a larger tool joint and coarser, more durable threads that allow the drill pipe to level off at shallower depths. The JT5 is also equipped with a convenient, pedal-operated lubrication system designed to help maximize the life of the pipe joints.

Low maintenance and durability are hallmarks of Ditch Witch equipment, and the JT5 lives up to this reputation. Its field-proven, rack-and-pinion thrust drive system is designed for both low maintenance and smooth operation. "The [JT5's] rack-and-pinion system is a very durable and long-lasting drive component, which will result in a long life of service and more uptime for the operator," says Levings.

The JT5 has a hood designed for easy removal and easy access to all engine and service points. "A major part of construction equipment is service and maintenance," says Levings. "We've made it very easy for the operator to access the engine compartment for all the daily checks of the fluid levels plus servicing of the oil and hydraulic filters." For security, access to the JT5's fuel tank is protected with a steel plate block and lock system.

The compact JT5 is designed for high performance on tight jobsites. It can fit through a standard 36-inch (910 mm) yard gate, and at just 10 feet (3.1 m) long, it can be set up on the street with minimal disruption to traffic. To simplify transport and operation, the JT5 is available with a compatible trailer and fluid mixing system.

For more information about the JT5 horizontal directional drill, please call 800-654-6481 or visit ditchwitch.com.