What Ditch Witch does

Ditch Witch is a brand of The Charles Machine Works Company, Inc., founded in 1949 and headquartered in Perry, Oklahoma. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) and operates with 1,001-5,000 employees. The company designs and manufactures underground construction equipment, including horizontal directional drills (HDD), vacuum excavators, trenchers, stand-on skid steers, vibratory plows, and ride-on plow/trencher units. Its product portfolio incorporates proprietary technologies such as the TriTrax track system, VAM locating technology, and PDC Fiberblade cutting tools, supported by multiple patents accumulated over seven decades.

The company serves utility contractors, telecommunications and fiber installation contractors, landscaping firms, and underground construction operators. Ditch Witch holds approximately 45% of the North American HDD market and competes in a global HDD equipment market projected to grow from $8.1B in 2023 to $17.6B by 2033 at an 8.1% CAGR. Revenue is generated through B2B sales of capital equipment via an authorized dealer network spanning 175+ locations worldwide, supplemented by parts, service, financing (Ditch Witch Financial Services), and operator training programs. Recent strategic activity includes the August 2025 divestiture of the Trencor trenching business and auger boring product line, the April 2025 launch of the JT21 directional drill, multiple 2024 product launches (SK1750 Mini Skid Steer, PT37, VP30), and the March 2026 introduction of the Orange Intel telematics platform at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, signaling a shift toward connected equipment and fleet data services.

Name

Ditch Witch

Legal name

The Charles Machine Works Company, Inc.

Website

https://ditchwitch.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1949

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Ditch Witch, a Charles Machine Works brand and Toro Company subsidiary, designs and manufactures underground construction equipment—including HDD directional drills, vacuum excavators, trenchers, and compact equipment—for utility, telecom, and landscaping contractors through a 175+ dealer global network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Underground Construction Equipment

NAICS

Construction Machinery Manufacturing (333120), Construction Machinery Manufacturing (33312), Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (333132)

SIC

Construction Machinery & Equip (3531), Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530), Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment (3533)

akta.pro primary industry

Drilling Rigs & Drill Systems (IMAHAMAA)

Keywords

• Underground construction equipment
• Horizontal directional drilling
• Vacuum excavation systems
• Trenching equipment
• Stand-on skid steers

Headquarters

HQ city

Perry

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Heavy Equipment Sales: Sale of underground construction equipment including directional drills, trenchers, vacuum excavators, and stand-on skid steers through dealer network
2. Parts and Accessories: Parts sales through dedicated parts lookup system and dealer network
3. Ditch Witch Financial Services: Financing program providing equipment, parts and service financing for customers from small to large
4. Training Services: Ditch Witch University provides industry training for equipment operation and safety

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ditch Witch designs, manufactures, and distributes a comprehensive portfolio of underground construction equipment — including horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rigs, vacuum excavators, trenchers, microtrenchers, vibratory plows, stand-on skid steers, and trenchless piercing tools — sold through a global dealer network. The offering is supported by Subsite HDD guidance and locating electronics, the Orange Intel telematics platform, fluid-management systems, parts and accessories, operator training through Ditch Witch University, and in-house equipment financing through Ditch Witch Financial Services.

Product overview

Ditch Witch, a Charles Machine Works Company, offers a comprehensive portfolio of underground construction equipment organized into six core product categories: directional drills (JT Series compact/mid-size rigs, AT Series all-terrain rigs, American Augers large-capacity rigs), vacuum excavation systems (HX trailer vacs, Warlock truck vacs, HXT truck vacs, MV mud vacs), trenchers (walk-behind, ride-on, micro/Mini, vibratory plows including 100SX, 410SX, VP30, PT37), stand-on skid steers (SK Series full-size and mini models), and trenchless equipment (fluid management, Hammerhead piercing tools). Supporting products include Subsite HDD guidance systems, extensive SK attachment lineup, Utilicor coring attachments, and the proprietary Orange Intel telematics platform. The company also provides training (Ditch Witch University), financial services, and the MyDitchWitch customer portal. The portfolio is designed for utility installation across telecommunications (fiber), water, gas, and power sectors, serving contractors in infrastructure, telecommunications, and landscaping markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• American Augers: Large-scale horizontal directional drilling rigs (mid-size to maxi-rig directional drills) marketed under the Ditch Witch division for pipeline, water, and energy transmission applications.
• Subsite
• Hammerhead
• Orange Intel
• Ditch Witch Financial Services (DWFS)
• Ditch Witch University
• Warlock Series
• Utilicor

Products and services

• JT Series Directional Drills Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment ranging from compact drills (JT5, JT10, JT20, JT21) to mid-size and large-capacity rigs (JT24, JT28, JT32, JT40, JT60, JT120) designed for installing underground utilities including fiber, water, gas, and power cables with minimal surface disruption. Sold to utility, telecom, and pipeline contractors via the dealer network.
• AT Series All Terrain Directional Drills All-terrain directional drilling rigs (AT32, AT40, AT60, AT120) engineered for challenging ground conditions including rock, hard clay, and cobble, with enhanced torque and thrust capabilities for pipeline, water, and energy transmission projects. Sold to large-scale HDD contractors.
• American Augers Directional Drills Large-capacity HDD rigs (DD240T, DD600, DD1100RS) under the American Augers brand, part of Ditch Witch's portfolio, designed for major pipeline installations and large-diameter utility projects. Targeted at pipeline and energy transmission contractors.
• Subsite HDD Guidance Systems Horizontal directional drilling guidance and locating technology including the Marksman Series, Commander 7 Display, TK Recon Series, TMS Plus, Field Scout, Scoutview software, and HDD Beacons, providing real-time drill tracking and navigation to HDD operators.
• HX Series Trailer Vacuum Excavators Trailer-mounted vacuum excavation equipment (HX20G, HX30, HX30G, HX40G, HX50, HX75) for non-destructive digging, potholing, and debris removal in underground construction and utility maintenance applications.
• Warlock Series Vacuum Excavators Heavy-duty vacuum excavation units (W8, W12) designed for demanding jobsite conditions, featuring enhanced suction power for mud removal and hydrovac applications.
• HXT Series Truck Vacuum Excavators Truck-mounted hydrovac excavation systems (HXT30, HXT50, HXT75) for large-scale potholing, utility daylighting, and non-destructive excavation projects.
• MV Series Mud Vacuums Compact mud vacuum systems (MV8, MV12) for drilling mud recovery and recycling in HDD operations, designed to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
• Walk-Behind Trenchers Compact trenching equipment (C16X, C24X, C30X, S3C Trailer) for small-to-medium utility installation, landscape irrigation, and fiber deployment in confined spaces.
• Ride-On Trenchers Operator-riding trenchers (RT45, RT70, RT80, RT125, RT125 Quad, ST37X) for high-volume trenching operations in utility installation, with models ranging from 42 to 121 HP for fiber, water, and power conduit installation.
• MT Series Microtrenchers Microtrenching equipment (MT9, MT12, MT16, MT26, MT122, MT124, MT164) and attachments designed for fiber installation at street level, cutting narrow trenches in concrete and asphalt with minimal disruption to traffic.
• Vibratory Plows Underground utility installation equipment including 100SX, 410SX, VP30, PT37 (ride-on plow/trencher combination), and Zahn Plow, designed for fiber, cable, and irrigation pipe installation with minimal ground disruption.
• SK Series Stand-On Skid Steers Full-size (SK3000) and mini skid steers (SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1000, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750) designed for demanding construction, landscaping, and utility jobsites, featuring compact design and versatile attachment compatibility.
• Fluid Management Systems Drilling fluid mixing and recycling equipment (FT5, FM5X, FM13X, FM25X) and MetaFLO liquid spoils disposal technology for HDD projects, supporting fluid management throughout the drilling process.
• Hammerhead Moles Pneumatic piercing tools (Replaceable Head, Active Head, Catamount) and MOLETRAC tracking system for short-bore trenchless installations under sidewalks, driveways, and other obstacles.
• Orange Intel Fleet Management Platform Proprietary telematics and fleet management platform providing real-time equipment monitoring, GPS tracking, geofencing, preventative maintenance alerts, fuel and DEF level monitoring, CAN-Bus diagnostics, regulatory compliance tracking, custom alerts, and fleet analytics for underground construction equipment fleets.
• Ditch Witch University Training Industry training program providing equipment operation, safety, and best practices education for underground construction professionals and Ditch Witch equipment operators.
• Ditch Witch Financial Services Captive finance program providing equipment, parts, and service financing for Ditch Witch customers ranging from small contractors to large fleet operators.
• MyDitchWitch Online customer portal and mobile application providing access to equipment information, parts lookup, service scheduling, account management, and Orange Intel telematics integration for Ditch Witch equipment owners.
• SK1750 Mini Skid Steer with TriTrax System Next-generation mini skid steer featuring the patent-pending TriTrax System with redesigned rollers and upgraded outer frame aimed at reducing undercarriage downtime and improving durability, replacing the prior SK1550 model.
• JT21 Directional Drill Compact directional drill developed as an upgraded replacement for the JT20, delivering 53% faster carriage speed and 40% more downhole horsepower than its predecessor, with 21,000 lbs pullback, 20,000 lbs thrust, and 2,250 ft-lbs torque, plus VAM technology and direct-drive rotation motor.
• MT9 Microtrencher Attachment Industry-first microtrencher attachment designed for mini skid steers, specifically for tight and confined residential areas and street crossings, creating clean, shallow trenches up to 9 inches deep and 0.375 to 1.5 inches wide with patented blade plunge for infinite variable depth control.
• PT37 Ride-On Plow/Trencher Dedicated ride-on vibratory plow/trencher built from direct customer feedback, featuring foldable ROPS, configurable front-end options (Hydra-bore, Trencher, Reel Carrier), and updated exhaust, designed for fiber installation and cable work.
• VP30 Vibratory Plow Vibratory plow designed for residential fiber installation, cable, and lawn irrigation in tight spaces, positioned for fiber-to-the-home applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• 53% faster carriage speed compared to previous JT20 model
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• The Charles Machine Works CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 August 2017Ditch Witch is an organization under The Charles Machine Works Company, which owns multiple underground construction equipment brands including Ditch Witch, American Augers, Subsite Electronics, and Hammerhead Trenchless Equipment. The parent company provides strategic direction, shared technology platforms, and brand portfolio management.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Vac-Con, Inc. Manufacturer of hydro-excavation and vacuum trucks, named alongside Ditch Witch as a major player in the $3.8B (2025) global hydrovac truck market projected to reach $6.2B by 2034.
• Vactor Manufacturing: U.S.-based manufacturer of sewer and hydro-excavation trucks; competes directly with Ditch Witch's HX, HXT, and Warlock vacuum excavator lines for utility daylighting and non-destructive digging work.
• Vermeer Corporation: Vermeer is Ditch Witch's most direct competitor, offering a similarly broad portfolio of horizontal directional drills, trenchers, vacuum excavators, and skid steers distributed through a comparable independent dealer network across North America and globally.

Broad incumbents

• Herrenknecht AG: German-headquartered global leader in trenchless tunnelling and HDD rigs for large-diameter pipeline, water, and energy transmission projects; competes with American Augers and Ditch Witch's maxi-rig JT/AT series in major infrastructure tenders.
• Epiroc AB: Swedish-listed mining and infrastructure equipment manufacturer offering drilling rigs and rock excavation tools; competes with Ditch Witch in HDD and adjacent drilling applications, particularly for energy and pipeline projects.
• Bobcat Company: Doosan-owned compact equipment manufacturer competing with Ditch Witch's SK Series stand-on skid steers across landscaping, construction, and rental channels, with a global dealer footprint.
• Caterpillar Inc. Global construction and mining equipment leader whose underground construction and HDD-adjacent offerings (through CAT and former Vermeer CAT partnerships) compete with Ditch Witch in trenching, excavation, and large infrastructure projects.

Emerging players

• XCMG Group: China-based heavy construction equipment OEM rapidly expanding in HDD and trenchless technology; competes on price in emerging markets and increasingly in developed geographies against Ditch Witch and Vermeer.
• McElroy Manufacturing: Manufacturer of pipe fusion equipment and trenchless tools serving the same utility contractor customer base that buys Ditch Witch HDD rigs for water, gas, and pipeline installation.

Others

• Toro Company: Parent company of Ditch Witch (via Charles Machine Works); Toro's broader professional turf and construction equipment portfolio is adjacent to Ditch Witch's underground construction focus and shares distribution and capital allocation decisions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ditchwitch
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CMWorks
• Facebookfacebook.com/DitchWitch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/30825
• Instagraminstagram.com/ditchwitch
• TikToktiktok.com/@officialditchwitch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ditch Witch