Ditch Witch has revealed the MT9 microtrencher attachment for mini skid steer loaders
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The Ditch Witch MT9 attachment has been specifically designed for fibre installation and works in tandem with Ditch Witch’s line of mini skid steer loaders. Ditch Witch says it wanted to reduce the cost-per-metre of fibre installation for contractors.
The idea behind the MT9 microtrencher is to minimise ground disruption, which is increasingly important on today’s urban construction sites. The MT9 cuts shallow trenches up to 228mm deep and between 9.5mm and 38.1mm across.
The MT9’s narrow, shallow trench allows fibre to be installed above existing utilities, without the need to disrupt that existing infrastructure.
Ditch Witch also notes that when combined with its FX65 vacuum excavator, operators can create a finished, clean trench in just one pass.
The microtrencher also features variable depth control that allows operators to adjust blade depth on the fly.
“Traditional fiber-installation methods lack the speed and efficiency to be cost-effective for contractors in many residential areas,” Ditch Witch product manager Steve Seabolt says.
“Our new MT9 minimizes the space required to operate, avoiding hurdles found in confined, tight and urban jobsites.”
The MT9 microtrencher has the ability to cut in both directions, when being pushed or pulled. This eliminates the need to realign the machine during a cut, meaning the job is done quicker.
The microtrencher is compatible with a variety of saw blades depending on desired finish. Ditch Witch says the optional PDC Fireblade trench blade with diamond-embedded carbide can last up to 20 times longer than standard blades.