Horizontal Directional Drilling Offers Less Invasive Option For Green Industry Needs

By Cory Maker, Ditch Witch® HDD Product Marketing Manager

We can all agree that sometimes a yard is just too nice to rip up. But where does this leave landscapers that are hired for irrigation installation on some of these more sensitive jobsites? Keeping existing lawns, landscaping or hardscaping intact can be a challenge on landscaping or irrigation installation jobs – especially on space-restricted jobsites.

To combat these challenges, some contractors are turning to trenchless solutions like horizontal directional drilling. While directional drilling may be best known for larger fiber and utility installation, smaller directional drills can be a valuable asset in the green industry as well. The Ditch Witch JT5 is a great example of one of these smaller, more accessible drills.

The JT5 has a compact footprint of 35.9 inches in width and 120 inches in length. This allows for it to fit through yard gates with ease, set up on a street with minimal traffic disturbance and take up little space on public space jobsites. While compact, it does not hold back on power. The drill is designed with the right amount of thrust and pullback to install irrigation systems up to 150 ft in length beneath sensitive landscaping, driveways, sidewalks and other surface obstacles.

One Ditch Witch customer used a directional drill to install a new irrigation system on a local golf course. By turning to a trenchless solution, the customer was able to install the irrigation system without tearing up the golf course grass and keep course closure to a minimum.

The versatility of directional drills is leading to their increased use in the landscape industry. From yards to golf courses, these machines complete any job with ease and efficiency. And with a compact footprint and eliminating the need to open cut, a HDD is the right choice for your landscaping jobsite. Listen to the Green Industry Pros Grass Roots Podcast to hear more from Ditch Witch product managers about the benefits of horizontal direction drilling in landscaping.

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000