November 2025 Vol. 80 No. 11
New Products
New Products: HDD, fiber trenching and utility equipment roundup
Melford Borzall
Melfred Borzall, a trusted innovator in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) solutions since 1946, expanded its patent-pending Tri-Con HDD Tooling System with the release of a new 2-1/8-inch Tri-Con connection, engineered for smaller rigs up to 12,000 pounds of pullback.
The new connection brings the same fast, reliable, non-threaded performance of the Tri-Con System to smaller-diameter bores, allowing utility and residential HDD crews to move from pilot bore to pullback with the same speed and simplicity larger rigs have enjoyed. The 2-1/8-inch connection joins the original 2-5/8-inch model as part of Melfred Borzall’s growing family of Tri-Con tooling.
To support the new size, Melfred Borzall introduced a complete lineup of 2¾-inch Tri-Con Housings compatible with Subsite, DigiTrak, and Underground Magnetics transmitters, along with new Eagle Claw and Iron Fist bits, Tri-Con Sabertooth and Tornado reamers (6-to-10 inches), adapters, pulling eyes, and swivels with the smaller connection.
Vermeer
The push to expand fiber networks continues to accelerate as demand for high-speed internet growth. For contractors working in dense urban environments, this presents the familiar challenge of meeting connectivity needs without extensive surface disruption or lengthy restoration work.
Vermeer microtrenching solutions address these challenges through equipment designed specifically for urban applications. The narrow, shallow trench approach reduces cutting requirements and minimizes backfill needs while maintaining the precision necessary for fiber installation work.
The MTR516 microtrencher attachment delivers cutting performance with trenches up to 17 inches (43.2 cm) deep and a shrouded housing that contains debris and optimizes vacuum suction. The attachment's compatibility with Vermeer RTX550 and RTX750 ride-on tractors provides contractors with proven platform reliability for urban job sites.
Both utility tractors are engineered for stability and precision, critical factors when working near existing infrastructure and in congested areas. The Vermeer RTX550 and RTX750 utility tractors provide the power and maneuverability needed for urban fiber installation work while maintaining the compact footprint necessary for city streets.
Microtrenching operations require specialized support equipment for utility exposure and trench restoration. The new Vermeer core saw attachment provides precise cutting capability for exposing existing utilities or creating clean edges in concrete and asphalt surfaces. Featuring single-man operation with simplified controls and accommodating 4- to 18-inch (10.2 cm to 45.7 cm) bits, the Vermeer core saw attachment helps contractors work safely around existing infrastructure and maintain the precision necessary for fiber installation.
For backfill operations, the new Vermeer concrete reinstatement attachment prepares mortar, grout or concrete for trench reinstatement. The attachment features an adjustable trench filler that minimizes the amount of slurry spilled outside the trench and includes a hydraulic gate for controlling flow. Proper backfill is essential for long-term pavement integrity and supports contractors in meeting municipal requirements for surface restoration.
Huber
Built on a 40-year legacy of vacuum-truck expertise, the Baron HX marks Huber’s first entry into the hydro excavation market. It prioritizes faster job-site setup, simplified operation, and minimized downtime, empowering operators to work more efficiently, safely, and profitably.
Key highlights of the new Baron HX:
- Accelerated productivity. Twin tank vibrators oscillate intermittently to unload material up to twice as fast as standard models. A full 12-yard debris tank and one-touch rear door unlock with auto-lock streamline cleanouts, reducing dumpsite trips and keeping operators safely on the ground.
- Industry-Leading Reach. The telescoping boom provides 330-degree rotation, a 6-foot extension, and a 47-degree pivot range for the widest operating range available. Its "dig-ready" design enables excavation up to 48 inches below frost level without stinger tubes, saving time and labor.
- Uncompromised Safety & Durability. A poly-tank from NFPA-rated, fusion-welded material prioritizes safety, with a proprietary baffle design for noise reduction and compliance. The tube-in-tube boom hose eliminates rotating-hose maintenance for long-term reliability.
- Simplified Operation. Intuitive one-button controls and in-cab blower engagement ease use, while the Smart Idle Air Flow system adjusts airflow to cut fuel consumption, extend intervals, and simplify cleanouts – keeping crews productive.
“With infrastructure fueling demand for smarter hydro excavation tools, the Baron HX delivers on efficiency,” said Bradley Holder, director of Sales at Huber Corporation. “It cuts fuel and maintenance costs, increases productivity, and keeps crews out of harm’s way, so businesses can see real returns on every job site.”
Boretec
Boretec Equipment introduced the BTE 10HD, a robust and versatile pit-launched directional drill designed for efficiency, reliability, and ease of operation. With its clean and sleek frame, and optimized torque-to-speed ratios, 10HD is the ultimate solution for contractors needing a dependable and efficient boring system.
A rock hammer is available, powered by a skid steer or excavator.
Vactor
The Vactor Ramjet Trailer now features the option of a dual hose reel for increased efficiency, versatility and convenience for a variety of sewer cleaning jobs.
“The Vactor Ramjet Trailer already provides a multitude of configuration choices including water tanks up to 1,000 gallons, pull-out and pivoting hydraulic reels, and mounted accessories. The addition of a dual hose reel means our customers can truly expand the Ramjet Trailer’s capacity for effective cleaning of many types of sewers, drains, and culverts,” said David Brockman, Vactor product manager.
The dual hose reel option features the main sewer hose plus one smaller hose designed for lateral pipes. This allows the operator the ability to tackle a wider variety of drains. Generally, the lateral hose has a diameter of ½ inch while the vertical hose is ¾ inch or larger.
The most popular model of jetting unit with dual reels is the 3000PSI at 36-40GPM. With two hose reels, one hose allows the jetter to run 3000 psi at 36-40 gallons per minute (gpm) while the second smaller reel is capable of 3000 psi at 18GPM. Having this versatility means the jetter can combat heavy debris and sludge in city mains and culverts while also navigating smaller lateral pipes with blockages too.
The Ramjet Trailer’s advanced hydraulic controls, including pay-in/out and speed control, help operators to easily maneuver the hose reels.
IPEX
IPEX, a leading provider of thermoplastic piping systems in North America, introduced a new range of Hy-Ram Electrofusion Alignment Clamps.
Now available in the United States, the Hy-Ram product line includes six precision alignment clamp models. These tools are engineered to deliver unmatched accuracy, rugged durability, and ease of use. They streamline the installation process, allowing pipe installers to perform electrofusion more efficiently while significantly reducing preparation time.
Designed and manufactured by Hy-Ram Engineering Co. Ltd., a UK-based leader in pipeline tooling, these clamps are purpose-built for aligning and restraining PE pipes during the electrofusion process in water, gas, wastewater, and industrial piping sectors.
Part of the Aliaxis group, IPEX companies offer a comprehensive range of thermoplastic materials, products and accessories for a wide spectrum of demanding markets and applications: from systems that convey water, chemicals and gases, to conduit that carries power and data cabling; in resin materials from PVC and ABS to PVDF and PE; from solvent cements and cutting tools to electrofusion systems.
Tesmec USA
The “EVO” generation of TESMEC trenchers and surface miners can trench hard and abrasive rock with up to 70-percent higher productivity and up to 60-percent digging cost reduction, combined with a significant fuel consumption reduction.
All trenchers have their limit, in terms of rock hardness, beyond which the teeth are unable to fracture and break-out the rock. In these conditions, the teeth just scratch the rock face, resulting in a huge productivity drop. The approach to move this limit further is to increase the digging chain-pull in order to have higher break-out force of the teeth.
In the case of abrasive rock, teeth consumption is the main operating cost factor. The only way to increase teeth life and get real cost savings is to reduce the digging chain speed.
Tesmec’s EVO machines combine higher chain-pull and lower chain-speed, with a range of 5 selectable chain speeds. These new features are possible due to improved flywheels gearboxes, and new hydraulic components. Also, the latest release of the TrenchTronic 5.0 for full digital control of the automatic digging function.
The 1150 EVO Chainsaw trencher is a 60-metric ton-class model equipped with a 451-horsepower engine. With superior performance, compared to traditional digging methods/excavators, it can dig up to 12 feet (366 cm) deep and up to 42 inches (107 cm) wide. This makes it the ideal trencher for mid-size pipelines and underground utilities.
In addition, technical features of the Chainsaw trencher include single/double chain that allows different applications, truck-loading conveyor and laying box, and dust suppression system.
The 1150 EVO Rocksaw trencher cuts up to 5 feet deep and 16 inches wide and has a remote control for maintenance operations. It’s perfect for fiber-optic networks, electric cable projects and small-diameter pipelines.
Other features the Chainsaw and Rocksaw trenchers share:
- Pressurized, elevating ROPS and FOPS cabs with A/C and sound suppression
- Stabilizers with adjustable drags
- Mechanical digging drive (flywheel gearboxes) driven by hydrostatic digging transmission
- Remote Monitoring System for machine data remote monitoring, fleet location management, and troubleshooting and operating conditions information (according to machine configuration)
- Trenchintel DGPS guidance system that offers extra-high precision 3D GPS, automatic depth and grade control, autosteering to a predefined path, and pass optimization and fleet control
- Smart Tracker GPS data recorder as-built data logger, to avoid stake-out, resulting in time and cost reduction, and for project proof upon completion
Caterpillar
The next-generation Cat 440 and 450 backhoe loaders feature improved machine performance, advanced hydraulic system and increased versatility compared to previous models.
Offering more operator choice and advanced machine control, these new models also feature the efficient Cat C3.6 engine and the latest Product Link technology.
The new Cat C3.6 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emissions standards with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). Compared to the previous 440 design, the gross power rating increases by more than 9 percent, to 130 horsepower (97 kW); the 450 maintains its robust 145-horsepower (108 kW) rating.
The models feature a load-sensing piston pump that delivers full hydraulic lifting and digging forces at any engine speed. The variable flow pump automatically adjusts hydraulic power to meet work demands, enhancing operating efficiency.
Updated displays provide the latest user interface and increased functionality. A new option for the 440 and 450 is a traditional pod-mounted joystick option that positions the advanced electronic joysticks on rear pod control towers to give operators a familiar interface. It also includes a dedicated electronic joystick for loader control that integrates a forward/neutral/reverse (FNR) rocker switch.
Standard for all new backhoe loader canopy configurations, a new soft key display aligns with the interface used on Cat 416-to-430 models to provide a familiar and reliable interface for operators. For all cab configurations, the 440 and 450 models feature an upgraded Cat touchscreen display, enhanced with the latest intuitive interface to enable machine control customization and allow operators to achieve greater precision.
The touchscreen now includes a speedometer on the home display to provide operators with real-time ground speed information. Loader modulation and response settings on the touchscreen enable the operator to independently adjust modulation for the lift and tilt cylinders, matching machine behavior to specific tasks like material handling with forks or other Cat attachments.
For the machine’s excavator, hoe modulation and response control allow operators to independently adjust settings for each hydraulic function – swing, boom, stick and bucket – to tailor machine performance to specific preferences and job requirements. A new material handling mode delivers precise, efficient operation by reducing hoe modulation and response speed and synchronizing all hydraulic functions.
303.5 CR Mini Excavator
The next-generation compact radius Cat 303.5 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavator features a significant software update designed to improve transient speeds up to 25 percent compared to previous models. While the top end speed hasn’t changed, how the machine gets from ‘0 to 60’ has. It’s much faster from the start.
The 303.5 CR’s more dynamic design with quick transient speeds helps to reposition the excavator in a shorter period, limiting the time the machine is not working. This results in contractors being up to 35-percent more productive at the job site, depending on application and conditions.
The update is compatible with all next generation builds dating back to the first production models in 2021. The current software version is available on the excavator’s operating monitor, and customers can get the latest update from their Cat dealer.
Key features of the 303.5 CR include:
- Heavy lifting and performance, capable of lifting, swinging and carrying a standard 2,450-pound (1111 kg) street plate.
- Sealed and pressurized operating cab with adjustable operator settings.
- Exclusive Cat Stick Steer joystick control to enhance machine travel and cruise control.
- Easily accessible checkpoints from ground level and a unique tilt-up cab/canopy to reach additional service areas.
- Reduces overhang when working to the side, allowing machines to deliver high performance in confined spaces.
The compact radius Cat 305 CR now joins the 6- to 10-ton class models to offer mini hydraulic excavator (MHE) ease-of-use (EOU), E-Fence and Indicate features for software-enabled attachment versions.
Automatically constraining machine motion within preset boundaries, E-Fence is designed to allow operators the ability to work confidently and efficiently by avoiding structures overhead, underground, in front, or to the left or right of the excavator.
Indicate, an entry-level grade system available for the 305 CR, gives operators visual and audible indications to bucket position, relative to target grade, to assist with meeting exact specifications the first time. The operator selects target depth and slope from the in-cab guidance system, and the monitor provides real-time feedback.
Taking the EOU Indicate to the next level, a Laser Catcher option is available for all next-generation Cat EOU models in the 5- to 10-tonne class. Working with a laser transmitter, Laser Catcher may provide customers with greater peace of mind when working on large job sites that require multiple excavator repositions.
The compact radius Cat 308 CR and 309 CR plus the 310 mini hydraulic excavators are now powered by the new Cat C2.8 engine. Meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and Stage V emissions standards, the engine features a “fit-for-life” diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) that requires no maintenance, reducing service requirements and costs.
A third auxiliary hydraulic option is available to support customers using complex hydromechanical attachments. These next-gen excavators also feature a standard rearview camera to help improve operator visibility and safety while reversing the excavator. Additionally, the 310 now includes a side-view camera as standard, while the side-view camera can be optionally added to 308 CR and 309 CR machines.
The next generation 308 CR offers an angle blade option to help with backfilling material.
With Stick Steer and blade control in the right joystick, operators can control the machine like a small dozer. The option comes with dozer float to help with grading and a three-piece bolt-on cutting edge that can be inverted and reversed to extend wear life.
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