Ditch Witch introduces ‘world’s largest’ directional drill

Ditch Witch’s Jeff Davis shows the new AT120 directional drill to potential users

Ditch Witch has unveiled what it says is the world’s largest all-terrain directional drill.

The AT120 boasts 533.8 kN of thrust and pullback and 21,015 Nm of rotational torque, equating to a 50% increase over its smaller predecessor.

Ditch Witch says the new machine, which is being rolled out to global markets, will give contractors the ability to drill long, large-diameter bores in challenging terrain.

With a Stage V Cummins engine, the AT120 also benefits from a wealth of additional digital software and a newly designed cab, with an angled air-suspension seat and enhanced visibility to all critical vision points.

Product specialist Jeff Davis said the rig was developed with pipeline, oil field, gas, sewer and water work in mind, along with larger-diameter communication lines.

Describing the new software on board the rig, Davis said a significant advance was seen in “…how we look at our displays … you can watch your monitors, see an illustrated picture of your drill print, of the carriage as it moves up and down. In your critical zones, where you’re making up and breaking up tool joints – you know right where it’s at at all times.”