Lawn and Garden Equipment Category Winner
420sx Vibratory Plow
Ditch Witch, The Charles Machine Works
The Ditch Witch 420sx vibratory plow features riding capability, greater horsepower (40 hp) than other models, and several features that other articulating vibratory plows in its class do not have. The 420sx exclusively features a dual-speed attachment drive. With two speeds, the operator can quickly adapt to changing ground conditions, whether plowing or trenching. The 420sx is designed to closely follow the contour of the ground, which helps the attachment maintain a constant plowing depth on uneven terrain. Besides a standard vibratory plow, the 420sx can run a Roto Witch boring attachment and trencher. The operator’s console of the 420sx moves with the operator when the machine’s frame articulates, so the controls are always in the same place in relation to the operator. Another exclusive feature of the 420sx is its fold-down ROPS (roll-over protective structure), which enables the unit to operate under tree limbs, eaves and other low-hanging obstacles.
RER: What makes the 420sx Vibratory Plow innovative?
Brent Bolay, senior product manager for Ditch Witch: The ground following capability of the vibratory plow gives more accurate installations in the most uneven terrain.
RER: What are the benefits to the 420sx Vibratory Plow?
Bolay:The ride-on feature is a big benefit to users with longer service installations. It provides operator comfort with all controls in logical and easy reach. Also, an exclusive dual-speed attachment drive helps the operator respond to changing ground conditions, for optimal productivity in all soil types with the plow, trencher or boring attachment.
RER: How does the unit make jobs more effective and efficient for rental professionals and their contractor customers?
Bolay: This product was engineered to provide features to operators in a changing market. A ride-on plow with more performance in a small package size addresses the longer service drops that are required in suburban and rural installations.
RER: Describe the development process of the 420sx Vibratory Plow. Where did the idea come from and who was responsible for its engineering and development?
Bolay: The current customers of Ditch Witch vibratory plow's are where the ideas for the 420sx came from. It is a blending of many requests of customers that are installing underground utilities. A core team of six people representing various parts of the company was established to ensure simultaneous development of the product. A set of specifications provides the outline to get the project started, and then a prototype is thoroughly tested before being released to production. At introduction, training and support documents are provided to all involved with the product.
