Networx Cabling Systems, Inc. Company Profile

Networx Cabling Systems, Inc., d/b/a NCS, Inc., is an Arizona utility contractor specializing in outside plant (OSP) telecommunications construction.

Based in Flagstaff in Northern Arizona, NCS currently operates in Arizona and California with licenses pending in New Mexico and Nevada, said Bill Tippett, Networx president.

“We are primarily an OSP telecom contractor providing both underground and aerial construction services,” Tippett continued. “We have extensive horizontal directional drilling (HDD) capabilities that we sub to the entire spectrum of utility construction – dry and wet – to general contractors and facility owners.

“Our expertise is working in existing urban environments for repairing or replacing existing infrastructure. We prefer working in rural communities and remote locations and like challenging projects.”

Tippett said NCS is turnkey capable, but generally its contracts are for specific segments of work in a project.

NCS has prime contracts with several local cable companies and provide excavation, directional drilling, and overhead placement services to a variety of contractor types – general, electricians, plumbers, communications installers – as well as municipalities, state agencies, local gas companies, and others.

“Implementation of HDD in underground projects has grown significantly in the last five years,” said Tippett. “Some projects are scoped entirely HDD with trenching as the substitute methodology if the contractor chooses. Often, though, open trenching is not an acceptable method even in places where it would have been expected in the past. Aerial construction has diminished so much in the last twenty years that there aren’t many contractors with aerial capabilities, especially in telecom.”

Included in the NCS equipment fleet are four horizontal directional drilling units, all with pullback ratings of less than 50,000 pounds.

Recently added was a Ditch Witch JT30 All Terrain (AT) model with 30,000 pounds pullback. AT equipment uses a patented dual-pipe drilling system that allows relatively compact equipment to effectively drill and be steered in hard rock and other difficult conditions.

Tippett said the AT model has added to NCS’s capabilities.

“We are known for our capability for drilling in adverse and rocky conditions,” he explained. “After a couple of demos, it was clear that we wouldn’t be able to live up to our reputation without an AT system in our fleet. We have had several jobs where the AT system has proven to be the only solution.

“The one significant factor that we found most important is that the drilling head was more responsive in fractured and layered rock formations that a typical pneumatic set-up didn’t seem to handle well. The AT system provides much better steerability in those situations.”

NCS also has begun recycling and reusing drilling fluids, saving costs of fluids and the transportation of water to mix them and reducing the number of trips to dispose of used fluid.

Recycling fluids is standard procedure with large drilling rigs, but until recently there were no recycling systems for small and medium size equipment.

The Ditch Witch MR90 recycling system fills that void.

“The MR90 provides a mud management solution we needed due to the remote locations we work,” said Tippett. “Getting water or dumping drilling fluids would sometimes take well over an hour.  Figuring the cost savings didn’t even require us to  put pencil to paper – it was obvious on the first job where we used it.”

Tippett said NCS was sold on the value of the JT30 AT and MR90 when the company’s Ditch Witch dealership, Ditch Witch of Arizona brought the equipment to a troublesome job.

“It was a true test of what the equipment could do,” he said. “The job was in Page, Ariz. drilling through fractured sandstone to move utilities for a road-widening project, and we could not complete the job with the 40,000-pound drill rig-pneumatic hammer set up we were using.”

The project required boring a depth of 20 feet in order to avoid new water and sewer lines. 

“We were having difficulty steering out of the sandstone layers and didn’t have enough room to make a deep receiving pit in the crowded right-of-way,” Tippett continued. “The JT30 AT easily finished the 300 foot bore in a day, after we’d been stuck for a week trying to complete one 2-inch bore.” 

Due to the high volume of fluids expected to used on the installation, Tippet said the Ditch Witch dealership on its own initiative also brought to the job one of the first MR90s fluid recycling systems it had added to its inventory.

“We hadn’t even heard about it,” Tippett said. “We liked it so much and because of its performance that we insisted on paying for its rental. Ditch Witch of Arizona dealership owner David Klingaman and his crew take an interest in every one of their customers and try to anticipate our needs. They have clients much bigger than us, but they treat all of us the same. That speaks volumes for their integrity – they don’t sell equipment, they provide solutions. A lot of companies say that, but David’s crew really follows through.”          

Soon after that job, the JT30 AT and MR90 proved their worth on a fiber project at Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Ariz.

The JT30 AT installed approximately 2,500 feet of 1.25-inch future path, multiple mini duct fiber to a cell tower. Most of the bore path was along a road with 12 percent incline and numerous switchbacks. Because of this, the installation was broken up into eight bores of approximately 250 feet each.

“Access was limited over Oak Creek to a one lane unrated bridge,” Tippett said. “The fluid reclaimer was crucial for this job for limiting trips for water and dumping used drilling fluid. Water and sewer ownership wasn’t clear and, therefore, not located and marked. We used our Subsite® Electronics locators to help identify where these utilities were. 

“The road surface was four-inch concrete in poor condition. Its ownership and maintenance responsibility were unclear, and not damaging it was a great concern for some residents. Also, residents of the neighborhood are very environmentally conscious, and some were opposed to additional cell towers, expressed through heated conversations, small protests, and graffiti, that led to work stoppages. We had to deal with the public relations aspects on a daily basis. Limiting the number of trips in and out of area was crucial – it raised the ire of residents every time we passed through.”

The JT30 AT is powered by a 160-horsepower Tier 4 diesel engine. It develops 30,000 pounds of pullback, and maximum spindle torque of 4,000 foot pounds.

The All Terrain system uses an inner rod to drive the bit, and the outer pipe to steer the downhole tool for drilling pilot holes and to provide rotary torque for the hole opener during backreaming.

The MR90 fluid recycling system is specifically designed for use with small to medium-size drill rigs which make up the majority of HDD units on HDD projects today.

Tippett said the roots of NCS date to 1988 as a partnership with his father.

“My father owned two computer stores,” he said, “and I had developed telecommunications skills working for cable television companies installing LANs [local area networks].

“Within a year I dropped the LAN work, bought a trencher, and started working as a subcontractor on a project to extend CATV plant in north Scottsdale. I found I wasn’t fond of working in the restricted environments of buildings. I also believed cable television plant extension projects which were booming in rural areas at the time would be more lucrative and easier to manage. I subsequently bought out my father in 1995 and incorporated the company.”

Tippett said the cornerstone of NCS’s success is “enlightened self-interest”.

“By being good stewards in the utility construction industry – meaning conducting our business in a manner that’s best for all parties, we create unlimited opportunity for everyone,” he continued. “We put the customer’s immediate needs ahead of our own, solving problems and not causing them. Striving for profit only never has been the foundation of a quality company.”

Looking ahead, Tippett said Networx will continue to seek projects where the company’s expertise will help solve challenging and difficult situations.  

“We are not interested in growing for growth’s sake,” he concluded, “and are selective about the projects we take and the customers we work for. We intend to cast a broader net across the western U.S, but will only grow as good opportunity dictates.”

In addition to horizontal directional drilling equipment, the Ditch Witch product line includes HDD tracking systems, drill pipe and downhole tools, performance parts, trenchers, vibratory plows, vacuum excavators, compact utility equipment, and support products. Ditch Witch® is a member of the Charles Machine Works family of companies which also includes Subsite® Electronics, American Augers®, Radius® HDD, Hammerhead®, Trencor®, MTI® Equipment, and DW/TXS®.

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

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS
Turn one machine into a multi-functional workhorse with versatile Ditch Witch® SK attachments. From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".
Compatible Models

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

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

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

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

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

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

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

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

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