Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/712836
August 2016 | EquipmentWorld.com 24 Size considerations Features once reserved for larger trenchers, such as cabs and quad tracks, are fi nding their way into smaller machines. Market condi- tions have created a shift in standard features as well as a shift in where machines of a given size are used, according to Steve Seabolt of Ditch Witch. He says their RT80 used to be at the low end of the contractor mar- ket and their RT45 at the high end of the rental market. But both types of customers are buying RT45 trenchers now because their utilization rate is up with the strong demand for utility trenching, especially for fi ber instal- lation. The RT45 is something of a "gateway" trencher, though, as many RT45 owners move up to the RT80 to get increased stability, tractive ef- fort and power. Jon Kuyers of Vermeer says most customers are happy with the size of machines they currently own. He says the cost of Tier 4 Final compli- ance in machines above 75 horse- power contributes to customers' reluctance to go bigger. Besides, he says, there's a law of diminishing machine matters | continued This Ditch Witch RT80 is confi gured with several of its most popular attachments, including a trencher, vibratory plow, backhoe and backfi ll blade. Other options include an earth saw, microtrencher and reel carrier. Four-wheel and crab steering are functional on the Vermeer RTX750 whether it's fi tted with tires or quad tracks. Engine options include a Deutz TD2.9L4 or Cummins B3.3T; both are rated at 74 horsepower.