Your next rehab job doesn't have to tie up a crew of ten, cut off utility service to 2000 customers, or reroute 5:00 traffic. With the new line of Ditch Witch pipe bursting systems, upgrading water and sewer infrastructure is cleaner, less disruptive, and more affordable than ever.

Ditch Witch PR50, PR75, and PR95 pipe bursting systems can fracture or cut any type of water, sewer, or utility pipe (with outside diameters of 4-16 inches) and pull in new pipe with 50, 75, or 95 tons of pullback force, respectively. Ditch Witch pipe bursting systems are static as opposed to pneumatic, which characterizes the majority of pipe bursting systems on the market. Although they can be less expensive, pneumatic pipe bursting systems do not have the power or the pipe-cutting capabilities of static models, and can only replace "fracturable" pipe such as clay and PVC, typically used in sewers. Ditch Witch pipe bursting systems efficiently replace not only fracturable pipe but also pipe made of steel, ductile iron, and cast iron—all with minimal disturbance to the surrounding infrastructure.

During the pipe-bursting process, a replaceable bursting head is attached to the leading edge of the new pipe. As the bursting head is pulled back, the existing pipe is burst or split, the fragments are forced outward into the soil, and the new pipe is pulled into place along the same path as the existing utility (see graphic). The tremendous pullback force of Ditch Witch pipe bursting systems—from 99,200 to 187,400 lb—enables them to pull in pipe that is larger than the original, which effectively increases the infrastructure's capacity.

Ditch Witch pipe bursting systems are designed to increase the operator's productivity, too. An optional rod make-up device enables faster make-up times, helps the operator replace more feet per minute, and also minimizes operator fatigue. An optional extension frame provides greater setup flexibility on a variety of jobsites.

The relatively small footprint of these units minimizes disruption of adjacent utilities. But small doesn't mean fragile—each Ditch Witch PR model is engineered with heavy-duty frames and components designed to provide longer life, less wear, and less maintenance. Among its many reinforced components are heavy-duty steel shrouds that protect each unit's cylinders from damage and debris.

Ditch Witch pipe bursting systems also have few moving parts and wear items, making them easy to operate and maintain. For example, comparable models require the operator to pull and move pins to change the direction of the bore, while Ditch Witch pipe bursting systems can be switched from push to pull with the touch of a button (PR50 and PR75) or lever (PR95).

To address situations commonly encountered on the jobsite, a comprehensive set of tools and accessories—everything from wrenches to grease—comes standard with each model. Other standard features include quiet, fully enclosed power packs with load-sensing hydraulics that automatically shift the unit to high speed when there's no load, and downshift the unit when a load is introduced.

Published in the Summer 2006 issue of The Underground.