Compact Ditch Witch® trenchers have been a staple of the rental industry for more than 50 years, with pedestrian models a popular and profitable category of equipment for both homeowner and professional customers. New Ditch Witch Zahn®-series equipment takes compact trenchers to a new level. Three Zahn models are available: the 15-horsepower R150, a two-wheel-drive dedicated trencher; the 23-horsepower R230, and 30-horsepower R300, both available in both two- and four-wheel-drive models. In addition to their dependable hydraulic trenching drive, four-wheel-drive models can be equipped with interchangeable components for vibratory plowing, backhoe work, tilling and stump grinding; small and large buckets for hauling and dumping soil, gravel, and other loose material; and a tool carrier that can accept dozens of quick-change compact utility attachments. Several True Value® rental stores are among the first in the industry to offer Zahn equipment. Counter personnel report that customers like the machines' productivity, ease of operation, and the rear-mounted platform that not only saves the operator from walking but also provides an outstanding view of the work being done. True Value, Tea, SD, (Model R150E), Chad Schulte, rental manager: "Our Zahn R150E is a straight trencher, but it is set up so we can add other attachments if there becomes a need to add them. It is very versatile. Homeowners rent it to run pipe and cable from house to shop, and some install drainage tile with it. Electricians and other small contractors also rent it. During the first four months it's been in service, we rented it 16 times, averaging four rentals a month, and it was out every weekend during that period.

"The machine is simple to operate, and it's very easy to instruct customers how to run it. Basically there are three levers: one for ground drive, one to raise and lower the boom, and one to turn the digging chain. We have not had one callback with questions about operation. Renters also like that they can stand on the platform and not have to walk.

"The machine does what we expect it to do, and customers like it."

True Value, Butler, Mo. (two R300 models), John Golladay: "Our two-wheel-drive machines are straight trenchers with the addition of backfill blades. They are rented by contractors—plumbers, electricians, some homebuilders—and homeowners. Before adding the new machines, we were renting a Ditch Witch 1820 trencher walk-behind. We still have it as a backup and do continue to rent it, but customers prefer the new machines.

"Renters like the Zahns because they can ride on them. The Zahn offers better control and easier control. They also can dig in a curved path, and that is important on some projects when an installation has to go around something. The articulation design makes them very maneuverable, and they run very smoothly."

True Value, Marengo, Iowa (Model R230), Mark Swift: "We have rented trenchers since 1995 and before purchasing the new Zahn model we owned Ditch Witch 1420 and 1820 pedestrian models. We replaced one trencher with the new Zahn model, and customers like it a lot. It is more stable, steers easier and has the riding platform to stand on. Renters like the foot pedal that locks everything in place after ground and trenching speeds are established—all they have to do is steer.

"The chain-reverse capability is good so if something gets caught in the chain, just reverse the drive. The chain can be reversed an inch at a time until the obstruction is removed.

"For our present needs, all that is required is a trencher capability. Homeowners and small contractors use it to run lines to outbuildings."

True Value, Fort Madison, Iowa (Model R300), Fred Knox: "We purchased the new four-wheel-drive Zahn to rent as a trencher, with plans to add attachments later. Our trencher customer base is a mix of small contractors—electricians and plumbers—and homeowners. Looking ahead, the first work attachments we probably will look at would be a bucket for moving spoils and mud and hauling concrete followed by a tiller. A lot of our customers want a tiller larger than the compact models to use for tilling larger areas.

"We like the four-wheel drive and higher ground clearance which are good for operating in a variety of ground conditions. The tires are positioned farther away from the trench, which reduces the chance of a wheel slipping into the ditch. With the ability to lock the trenching drive in place, once the operator gets going, there is hands-free operation except for steering.

"We have rented trenchers since 1994 and still have a Ditch Witch 1820 that eventually probably will be replaced with another Zahn, but it's still got a lot of life left in it."

True Value, North Plainfield, N.J. (Model R300), Bill Drecksage: "Our Zahn R300 power unit can be equipped either as a trencher or vibratory plow. We have a solid customer base who rent vibratory plows as well as trenchers. Plows are used mostly to install pipe for sprinkler systems. Trenchers are rented mostly by electrical contractors. Customers for both plows and trenchers typically do not own this equipment, but rent only when needed.

"Customers love the new machine. They come in and ask for it, rather than older models. Electrical contractors love the machine's articulated frame because it allows digging in a curve. We are considering adding other attachments in the future."

The Zahn product line and other Ditch Witch equipment are manufactured by The Charles Machine Works,Inc., Perry, Okla. The company developed the world's first compact service line trencher 60 years ago, and the company is the world's leading manufacturer of trenching equipment. For more information about Ditch Witch products, call 800-654-6481 or visit our website at www.ditchwitch.com.