MT12 Microtrencher
- Ditch Witch
- Microtrencher
The Ditch Witch MT12 microtrencher offers utility contractors a cost-effective solution for installing fiber-optic cable along paved rights-of-way, helping utility contractors reduce jobsite cost-per-foot when compared to traditional installation methods. With its unique saw blades, the MT12 cleanly slices through asphalt or concrete to create the ideal trench in one quick, efficient pass. And, its rugged design helps operators maintain consistent trenches and enables easy and effective cuts around street corners. The MT12 is part of a complete microtrenching system, which includes choice of RT45, RT55 or RT80 ride-on trenchers and an FX65 vacuum excavator to handle dry, dusty spoils. All components of the system are designed and manufactured by the Ditch Witch organization to work together with unbeatable efficiency.

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Durable Blades
">MT12Durable Blades
Blades are easily changeable on a jobsite with standard hand tools, saving operators time on the job and improving productivity.
The unit can be equipped with a variety of unique saw blades, each designed to cut precise, clean, narrow trenches in one quick, efficient pass.
Ditch Witch offers a complete line up of saw blades ranging from standard carbide-tipped blades to the Ditch Witch-exclusive PDC blades with diamond embedded carbide.
The Ditch Witch-exclusive PDC blades further enhance machine performance and ROI. The durable, maintenance-free design is proven to last up to 10 times longer than standard blades.
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Superior System
">MT12Superior System
Vacuum excavation is used to remove spoils created by the saw blade during trenching to reduce cleanup time and labor expense.
The Ditch Witch FX65 vacuum excavator equipped with a cyclonic separator to handle the dry, dusty spoils produced by microtrenching can be positioned either in front of the trencher or to the rear depending on jobsite needs.
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Efficient Cut
">MT12Efficient Cut
A floating saw shroud follows the ground contour with constant pressure to help clean out spoils and produce a sharper-edged cut.
The MT12 saw articulates/flexes up to 6 degrees when following the machine path to allow a tighter cut radius. This enables operators to effectively cut on a 90-degree street corner or cul-de-sac.
Equipped with a standard hydraulic plunge, the MT12 provides infinite variable depth control from 6 to 12 in (152.4 to 304.8 mm), eliminating the need for manual adjustment.
The unit can be manually tilted 6 degrees to the right or left, helping operators maintain a true vertical trench on uneven surfaces.
The MT12 is designed to hydraulically traverse 24 in (610 mm) from the center of the machine to the right, for easier trenching next to curbs and gutters.
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MT12 on RT45
MT12 on RT45
U.S.
Metric
Angle of departure
19°
Trench depth
6.5-12.5 in
165-318 mm
Blade diameter
34 in
864 mm
Attachment height, transport
68 in
1727 mm
Ground clearance at wheel
24 in
610 mm
Length, transport (from CL of rear axle)
75 in
1905 mm
Length, transport (from front of attachment)
64 in
1626 mm
Length, working
81 in
2057 mm
Saw offset distance
24 in
610 mm
CL saw to CL unit (minimum offset)
5.3 in
135 mm
Width, transport
60.5 in
1537 mm
Width, max.
67 in
1702 mm
Trench width
0.50-1.5 in
13-38 mm
Spoils chute extension
8.5 in
216 mm
CL unit to outside left tire (28x9 solid tires)
28.5 in
724 mm
CL unit to end of traverse frame
29.2 in
742 mm
Saw tilt adjustment
+/- 6°
Attachment weight (includes mount kit)
1,400 lb
636 kg
Approximate minimum sawing radius - offset to right*
35 ft
10.7 m
Saw motor displacement
40.55 in3
664cc
Blade speed, variable
0-160 rpm
Vibration transmitted to the operator’s during normal operation
Hand/Arm
5.6 m/sec2
Feet/Seat
.62 m/sec2
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MT12 on RT80
MT12 on RT80
U.S.
Metric
Angle of departure
19°
Trench depth
6.5-12.5 in
165-318 mm
Blade diameter
34 in
864 mm
Attachment height, transport
68 in
1727 mm
Ground clearance at wheel
24 in
610 mm
Length, transport (from front of attachment)
65. in
1651 mm
Length, transport (from CL of rear axle)
78 in
1981 mm
Length, working
84 in
2134 mm
Saw offset distance
24 in
610 mm
CL saw to CL unit (minimum offset)
7 in
178 mm
Width, transport
67.5 in
1715 mm
Width, max.
74 in
1880 mm
Trench width
0.50-1.5 in
13-38 mm
Spoils chute extension
8.5 in
216 mm
CL unit to outside left tire (31x10 solid tires)
31.5 in
800 mm
CL unit to end of traverse frame
27.7 in
704 mm
Saw tilt adjustment
+/- 6°
Attachment weight (includes mount kit)
1,480 lb
673 kg
Approximate minimum sawing radius - offset to right*
35 ft
10.7 m
Saw motor displacement
40.55 in3
664cc
Blade speed, variable
0-175 rpm
Vibration transmitted to the operator’s during normal operation
Hand/Arm
5.2 m/sec2
Feet/Seat
.32 m/sec2
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Innovative
">MT12Innovative
Ditch Witch provides the most dedicated offerings to support the deployment of underground fiber installation, including microtrenching systems.
Based on direct feedback from underground construction operators, Ditch Witch microtrenching equipment is the industry leader, helping you get fiber jobs done efficiently with less time and expense.
The versatile MT12 can also be used for other roadway applications, including cutting expansion joints, utility repair and maintenance.
If desired, the MT12 can include onboard chutes that deposit spoils along the side of the trench for easy cleanup without the use of a vacuum excavator on-site.
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Productivity
">MT12Productivity
The MT12 creates an ideal trench for fiber-optic cable installation – from 0.5 to 1.5 in (12.7 to 38.1 mm) wide, and up to 12 in (304.8 mm) deep.
The narrow, small trench enables contractors to install fiber shallower than other utilities with minimal disruption to the surrounding infrastructure, improving safety and saving time and money.
Designed specifically for faster fiber installation, the MT12 helps contractors reduce cost-per-foot beyond traditional installation methods.
To meet each individual’s jobsite needs, the unit can be equipped with the choice of a proven, standard-speed motor for general asphalt conditions, or a high-speed motor for concrete applications.
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Superior Support
">MT12Superior Support
The FX65 vacuum excavator, which can be positioned either in front of the trencher or to the rear, removes spoils as they are created by the saw blade, reducing cleanup time and labor expense.
Your Ditch Witch equipment is backed by a worldwide network of dealers you can count on for unmatched commitment to your success. From genuine Ditch Witch parts to factory-trained service to expert advice, your Ditch Witch dealer has it all for you.
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MT12 on RT55
MT12 on RT55
U.S.
Metric
Angle of departure
19°
Trench depth
6.5-12.5 in
165-318 mm
Blade diameter
34 in
864 mm
Attachment height, transport
68 in
1727 mm
Ground clearance at wheel
24 in
610 mm
Length, transport (from CL of rear axle)
78 in
1981 mm
Length, transport (from front of attachment)
65. in
1651 mm
Length, working
84 in
2134 mm
Saw offset distance
24 in
610 mm
CL saw to CL unit (minimum offset)
7 in
178 mm
Width, transport
67.5 in
1715 mm
Width, max.
74 in
1880 mm
Trench width
0.50-1.5 in
13-38 mm
Spoils chute extension
8.5 in
216 mm
CL unit to outside left tire (31x10 solid tires)
31.5 in
800 mm
CL unit to end of traverse frame
27.7 in
704 mm
Saw tilt adjustment
+/- 6°
Attachment weight (includes mount kit)
1,480 lb
673 kg
Approximate minimum sawing radius - offset to right*
35 ft
10.7 m
Saw motor displacement
40.55 in3
664cc
Blade speed, variable
0-175 rpm
Vibration transmitted to the operator’s during normal operation
Hand/Arm
5.2 m/sec2
Feet/Seat
.32 m/sec2