New Ditch Witch TK Series HDD Guidance System Enhances Productivity

On a typical underground construction jobsite, operators of HDD locating electronics have to contend with signal interference from sources including metal fences, radio signals, underground and overhead utilities, and nearby structures. The Ditch Witch TK Series HDD Guidance System is designed to cut through the interference and enable the operator to confidently—and accurately—determine the location of the drill head beacon, even at depths as great as 110 feet (33.5 meters).

Three TK Tracker Series models were designed to meet the needs of any contractor:

• The TK is a single-frequency tracker that is ideal for smaller rigs and relatively short bores. It offers a locating range of up to 70 feet (21.3 m) and a tracker-to-rig range of up to 1,000 feet (305 m).
• The TKD is a dual-frequency tracker that is ideal for medium-size rigs and standard bores. It offers a locating range of up to 110 feet (33.5 meters)— deeper than any competing tracker today—and a tracker-to-rig range of up to 2,000 feet (610 m).
• The TKQ is a four-frequency tracker that is ideal for large rigs and long bores. It also offers a locating range of up to 110 feet (33.5 meters) deep and a tracker-to-rig range of up to 2,000 feet (610 m).

Each TK HDD Guidance System includes a remote display, beacon, hard case, and batteries. The advanced TKQ Tracker Beacon includes four frequencies—the first tracking beacon in the industry to do so. Having four frequency options in one beacon improves the operator’s ability to quickly find the clearest signal and saves time by reducing the need to switch out beacons. To save even more time, the TKQ offers an industry-exclusive Bore Path Analyzer that automatically chooses the two best frequencies for the jobsite conditions. As an added benefit, the analyzer recommends the proper power level, which helps improve battery life.

Unlike competitors’ models, TK Series Beacons are repairable, which further reduces expense and downtime.

The TK Series is the only HDD guidance system equipped with dual locating methods (peak and null), so operators can locate with the method they prefer and, if they choose, verify with the other to further improve their confidence. Whichever locating method they pick, operators will enjoy the TK Tracker’s easy-to-understand, high-contrast graphics that are legible even in bright light. Operators won’t become fatigued because TK Trackers have an upright design, eliminating the need to bend over to read the tracker’s display or move the tracker to another location.

The TDR remote display can be custom mounted for each drill operator’s preference, for extra versatility and improved productivity. When the job is done and it is time to document the bore, the TK Series’ bore-logging/reporting software provides an accurate “as built” record.

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