Meet the W8: Compact hydrovac built for tight quarters
When you’re working around buried utilities, precision matters. That’s why compact hydroexcavators like the new Ditch Witch® W8 are a must. They give crews a safer, more controlled way to dig, especially in tight, utility-heavy environments where mistakes cost time and money.
The W8 is the latest addition to the Warlock™ vacuum excavator series, delivering big performance in a smaller package. It’s purpose-built for potholing, slot trenching and post-storm cleanup on jobsites where space is tight and deadlines don’t budge.
“The W8 is designed to provide unmatched versatility and efficiency for contractors working in confined urban and residential spaces,” says Chris Thompson, Ditch Witch product manager. “Its compact size and powerful suction capabilities ensure that even the most challenging projects can be completed quickly and safely.”
Don’t let the size fool you. With a 27-inch Hg vacuum, 8-inch suction hose, 800-gallon water capacity, and a 1,600-gallon debris tank, the W8 matches the vacuum power of the W12 in a tighter footprint.
And it’s not just about raw specs. The W8 packs jobsite-ready features that make a difference:
- PTO-driven power for faster operation
- Onboard scale that monitors real-time truck weight and automatically shuts off suction when you hit capacity
- User-friendly controls and a tight turning radius to boost maneuverability and uptime on crowded jobsites
| Spec | W8 Hydrovac | Why It Matters on the Jobsite |
| Debris Tank | 8 yd3 (≈ 1,600 gal) | Load more spoils, less downtime for dumping |
| Suction Hose | 8 in | Exacting control when digging near utilities |
| Water Capacity | 800 gal (dual 400‑gal tanks) | Long haul between refills—max uptime |
| Vacuum Lift | 27″ Hg (same as W12) | Full-sized suction in a compact package |
| Airflow | 3,800 cfm | Moves large material volumes fast |
| Engine | 370‑hp Paccar® PX‑9 diesel | Heavy-duty power to feed PTO‑driven hydraulics |
| Boom Reach & Rotation | 26 ft reach, 340° rotation | Hit more spots without constant repositioning |
| Length | 31 ft 2 in | Jobsite-friendly size that fits in tight urban zones |
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | |
| Height | 10 ft 11 in | |
| Weight & GVWR | Dry: 36,400 lb / GVWR: 66,000 lb | Balances capability with compliance and transport logistics |
“Its compact design and powerful performance make it an excellent rental option for contractors who need a versatile solution for multiple jobsites,” Thompson adds. “The smaller footprint allows easy navigation through congested urban environments, ensuring optimal productivity for contractors working in populated areas.”
The W8 builds on the proven performance of the W12, known for its dual 600-gallon saddle tanks, 5,000 cfm vacuum and heavy-duty components. The W8 carries that same DNA forward, now scaled for jobs that demand agility without sacrificing muscle.
“Since the launch of the W12, demand for more power in urban jobsites has increased,” says Thompson. “The W8 answers that demand, taking everything contractors have loved about the W12 and delivering it in a smaller package. This includes using premium components, which are a hallmark of the Warlock series, to enhance performance and longevity, while increasing uptime and reducing maintenance costs.”
Whether you’re daylighting, trenching or cleaning up after the unexpected, the W8 is built to keep your crew productive and your schedule on track.
