The Toro Co. says it designed its all-new RT1200 riding trencher with versatility and productivity in mind, particularly for utility contractors.

Built on a tool carrier chassis, its design allows contractors to select from tracks or tires and a variety of attachments, including a backhoe, six-way backfill blade, rocksaw, vibratory plow, reel carrier, and the Toro-exclusive HD (heavy-duty) trencher drive.

The Toro HD trencher drive consists of three major components—a flywheel, torsion shaft, and planetary gearset. The flywheel stores inertial energy, ensures efficient hydraulic system operation, and keeps the chain consistently running in tough digging conditions. The torsion shaft absorbs shock loads, and the planetary gearset multiplies the hydrostatic motor torque for added digging power. Toro says the HD trencher drive technology ensures consistent, powerful trenching performance in demanding digging conditions.

When it comes to plowing, the RT1200’s P105 vibratory plow features plow-blade attitude adjustment, as well as plow steer and swing of up to 30° to maintain plowing accuracy and provide enhanced maneuverability.

According to Josh Beddow, Marketing Manager for Toro’s underground utility equipment line, the RT1200 "is an operator-focused machine" with an open-design operator platform, easily accessible controls mounted to the arm rests, multi-adjustable high-back suspension seat, and large digital display.

Its Cummins 4.5-L, 121-hp (90-kW) engine and 48-gal fuel tank provide high output with minimal downtime. A standard tilt frame allows the operator to tilt the machine at variable degrees to maintain trench angle, while optional load control allows the operator to set the percentage of engine output dedicated to the ground drive to ensure the performance of the digging implement is maintained.