Vermeer pedestrian trenchers offer improved maneuverability, operator steering capabilities
Vermeer introduces two new pedestrian trenchers to serve the rental, landscape, utility and irrigation markets.
The RTX130 and RTX200 are available with 24- to 36-inch cutting booms and 6-inch cutting widths to help landscape contractors install irrigation systems, drainage tile and outdoor electrical lines more efficiently.
“Homeowners are investing more into the installation and use of outdoor living spaces,” said Matt Hutchinson, Vermeer’s product manager for tree care, rental and landscape. “People are investing in lighting for their hardscaping and landscaping, installing drainage systems to protect their investment in patios and hardscapes, and installing gas lines for outdoor barbeques. This is driving the need for landscape contractors to own pedestrian trenchers — or rent them more frequently.”
Based on this market trend, as well as customer feedback, Vermeer has made enhancements to its line of pedestrian trenchers. The RTX130 and RTX200 track systems have enhanced maneuverability and offer a more consistent cutting depth. In addition, the hydraulic system has been enhanced for improved productivity.
“We’ve optimized the trencher drive motor to better utilize the available power of the machine and made enhancements to the VZ steering system, which provides operators more control in difficult ground conditions,” said Hutchinson.
The RTX130 and RTX200 are both available with track or rubber tire options.
“Many machines with tracks are sold to the rental market,” said Hutchinson. “Tracks provide lower ground pressure in soft ground conditions, and they work in a wider variety of weather conditions than rubber tires. Tracks also eliminate the risk of flat tires, which can help contractors be more productive.”
The RTX130 has a 13-hp Honda gas engine and is typically paired with a 24- to 30-inch trenching boom to optimize efficiency. The more powerful RTX200 offers a 20-hp Kohler gas engine and can be paired with a larger 30- to 36-inch trenching boom.
In addition, Vermeer manufactures different boom chain configurations to accommodate a variety of soil conditions. For example, a full cup-type chain can be used to move light material when working in loose, sandy soils, while individuals working in more difficult ground conditions can select a combination chain with both cups and shark teeth.
“The versatile RTX130 and RTX200 allow contractors who are looking to purchase a pedestrian trencher to order a machine built to the specifications they’ll frequently need based on their local ground conditions,” said Hutchinson, “while rental centers can order a standard 30-inch (76.2 cm) boom with a combination chain to cover landscape contractors working in a variety of soil conditions and applications.”
The RTX130 and RTX200 feature the exclusive Vermeer VZ steering system and operator presence system. The intuitive VZ steering system enables operators to steer the machine using only the handlebars and provides additional leverage when operating the pedestrian trencher in difficult terrain. For added protection, the operator presence system stops the trencher chain and ground drive if the operator lets go of the handle.
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