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The World of Plant & EquipmentNew Ditch Witch MT12 MicroTrencher for fiber cableinstallationThe new Ditch Witch® MT12 MicroTrencher is specifically designed for fast and efficient installing of fibre-optic cable inurban environments. It is designed to quickly and cleanly slice through asphalt to create trenches into which fibre-opticcable can be installed.Throughout the world, demand is increasing for faster broadband and telecommunications systems, necessitatingan increase in the installation of highspeed fibre-optic cable for commercial and residential use.The trend today is for utility companies to put new cables underground to reduce the risk of cable damage due to theelements (e.g. storms and high winds) as well as to prevent theft - a growing problem in some areas that has effectedcopper cables particularly due to high scrap metal values. Overhead cabling is also unsightly but has been thepreferred option in the past because of cost.Ditch Witch are trying to change this attitude by developing cost efficient solutions to enable in-ground installation.The MT12 is one example of this.Using specially designed and manufactured saw blades, the Ditch Witch MT12 cuts through asphalt to create theideal trench for fibre-optic cable installation—from 19 mm (0.75 inches) to 32 mm (1.25 inches ) wide, and up to 305 mm(12 inches) deep—in one quick, efficient pass.The narrow, shallow trench created by the MT12 enables contractors to install fibre above existing utilities, so there isminimal disruption of surrounding infrastructure and roadways, which saves time and money.The MT12 offers a choice of four saw blades with widths. Each blade can beeasily changed in the field with standard hand tools, reducing downtime. The bladesfeature conical bits that can be replaced in the field; a design that extends the life ofthe blade and reduces maintenance expense.The trenching depth is mechanically adjustable—from 152 mm (6 inches) to 305mm (12 inches) in 25 mm (1 inch) increments. This helps the operator quickly set thedepth to match job specifications and maintain a consistent depth for the entire lengthof the trench.The microtrencher can also be manually tilted 6º to the right or left, which helpsthe operator maintain a true vertical trench on uneven surfaces.The MT12 offers a choice of foursaw blades with widths of 19 mm(0.75 inches) , 0.95 inches (24mm), and 32 mm (1.25 inches).Where it is necessary to cut a trench right next to and parallel to curbs and gutters,the MT12 saw is designed to hydraulically traverse 610 mm (24 inches) from thecentre of the machine to the right.The customer can choose whether to run the vacuum excavator hoses in front ofor to the rear of the trencher, depending on jobsite conditions. It can also beequipped with onboard chutes that deposit spoils along the side of the trench, foreasy cleanup when not using the FX60 microtrenching vacuum system.The MT12 MicroTrencher is not only for installing cabling. It can also be used for other roadway applications such ascutting expansion joints, utility repair (e.g., sawing square sections of roadway prior to excavation), and maintenance(e.g., trimming the rugged edges of new layers of asphalt to make a clean shoulder).Ditch WitchContractors World Vol 1 No 9Page 33