The Ditch Witch JT922 horizontal directional drill offers high power-to-size ratio in the 9,000-lb. (4,082 kg) pullback category. A full foot (.3 m) shorter than its nearest competitor — and also boasting a higher carriage speed and greater pipe capacity — the new JT922 is easy to set up and operate in tight spaces such as backyards and alleys, and its size also makes it easy to transport, according to the manufacturer.

This unit combines the simplicity and easy operation of smaller drills with advanced features — like a heavy-duty anchor system, open-top vise wrenches, and an integrated remote display.

“Our customers had been requesting a directional drill that was easier to maneuver in tight spaces but still had plenty of power to do long bores,” said Richard Levings, senior product manager of HDD equipment of Charles Machine Works. “We delivered with the JT922. It holds up to 300 feet of pipe — that’s over 100 feet more than its nearest competitor — the carriage travels at 188 feet per minute, which is about 80 fpm faster than the competition. All in a more compact package.”

Levings said the JT922 also meets customer demand for greater comfort.

“Our engineers went above and beyond with the JT922. The operator’s station is midway down the drill frame and at a 90-degree angle to the rack, so it’s easier to handle the pipe. And the seat slides fore and aft, so you can get closer to the pipe rack. It just makes everything easier on the operator.”

The JT922’s rack-and-pinion thrust drive has a double rack that is welded rather than bolted on, which prevents misalignment with the pinion. Plus, the double rack distributes the load equally, so there is less wear on the machine. The JT922 is designed without grease zerks, eliminating that daily routine, and all other routine maintenance points are on one side of the machine.

The JT922 is part of the Ditch Witch organization’s complete HDD system, which also includes tracking electronics to monitor and guide the progress of the bore. These are often sold separately, but the JT922 comes complete with an integrated Ditch Witch 752 display unit that receives and records the data sent by its companion 752 Tracker.

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