Ditch Witch enters air excavation market with new FXT air series
Ditch Witch has introduced a new line of air excavators: the FXT30 Air FXT50 Air, and FXT65 Air. The versatile and high-powered FXT Air system has air and water excavation capabilities, making it ideal for locating utilities or gas leaks in below-grade worksites.
“This new line lessens one of the downsides of potholing with pressurized water: the time it takes to move spoils and backfill,” said Jason Proctor, product manager, vacuum excavation systems for the Ditch Witch organization. “We’ve made these air models so powerful and adaptable that operators can more effectively dig in the toughest soils, whether they choose air or water pressure to excavate.”
In terms of air pressure, velocity and power output, the Ditch Witch air pressure system outperforms comparable equipment on the market. Its high-performance operation translates to faster excavation, vacuuming and backfilling, helping to reduce project costs.
All three Ditch Witch FXT Air models use a PTO-driven air compressor for efficient power transfer and nonstop productivity. The efficient filtration system utilizes a cyclonic separator to remove fine particles before reaching sensitive components in the vacuum system.
While hydro-excavation is widely used by utility workers to penetrate compacted or frozen soils on jobsites, in some cases, more states are restricting its use near highways and railroads or under certain environmental conditions. The FXT Air system gives operators the flexibility to meet changing jobsite demands by enabling instant switching from air- to hydro-excavation, and from high air-pressure for excavating to low air-pressure for hand tools and moles.
The new system positions many of the air excavation components under the truck deck, giving operators extra room and easy access. Operators can easily monitor and command all components using an electronic controller that displays system parameters. FXT Air models also accept a variety of tooling attachments.
