36" (0.9 m) 13 hp (9.7 kw) 720 lb (326.6 kg) 45" (1.14 m) 18 hp (13.4 kw) 2,315 lb (1050 kg) Max. Trencher Dig Depth Gross Horsepower Operating Weight RT660 & RT960 TRENCHERS 36" (0.9 m) 2,346 lb (1064 kg) 37 hp (27.6 kw) 60" (1.52 m) 32 hp (23.9 kw) 3,906 lb (1772 kg) 60" (1.52 m) 37 hp (27.6 kw) 5,660 lb (2567 kg) 72" (1.83 m) 49 hp (36.5 kw) 7,000 lb (3175 kg) 72" (1.83 m) 67 hp (50 kw) 10,304 lb (4674 kg) 84" (2.12 m) 99.5 hp (74 kw) 13,121 lb (5952 kg) SAFETY NEVER HURTS! Always read the Operator s Manual before operating any equipment. Inspect equipment before using it, and be sure it is operating properly. Follow the product safety signs and use any safety features provided. NOTE: All specifications are stated in accordance with SAE Standards or Recommended Practices, where applicable. IMPORTANT: Astec Underground reserves the right to change these specifications without notice and without incurring any obligation relating to such change. Units shown may be equipped with non-standard equipment. 2005 ASTEC UNDERGROUND All Rights Reserved. Astec and Astec Underground are registered trademarks of Astec Industries, Inc. ASTEC UNDERGROUND CONTACT INFORMATION 9600 CORPORATE PARK DRIVE LOUDON, TN 37774 800.527.6020 865.408.2100 FAX 865.458.8575 This literature has been published for worldwide circulation. Availability of some models and equipment builds vary according to the country in which the equipment is used. The illustrations and text may include optional equipment and accessories and may not include all standard equipment. Your Astec dealer/distributor will be able to give you details of the products and their specifications available in your area. Attachments from other manufacturers are shown for illustration only. Astec Underground does not warrant the safety or reliability of these attachments. Visit Astec Underground on the Web at: http://www.astecunderground.com Form No. AT-101-0105
Astec Trenchers Built to Go the Distance Whether you have miles of cable or water lines to place, or a heap of tight deadlines to meet, take command with a Astec RT660 or the RT960. Both units are built to go the distance with class-leading power, performance and productivity, and the rugged dependability contractors have come to expect from Astec trenchers. Comfortable, productive operation is easier than ever, with controls in easy reach, and excellent visibility to instruments, attachments and work areas. And the best service and support team in the business provides you peace of mind, too. Ground Drive Hydrostatic ground drives and hydraulic 4-wheel steering make for easy maneuvering on rough terrain and slopes. Limited slip differentials on the RT660 and locking differentials on the RT960 provide all the ground gripping traction required for plowing or trenching in tough, unyielding ground. A gear selector switch mounted on the RT960 creep control lever makes speed and direction changes quick and convenient. 2
Chassis The RT660 and RT960 feature a rugged, 4-wheel drive, heavy-duty, multi-function tool carrier chassis with unitized construction for outstanding strength and resistance to heavy shocks, jolts and twisting loads. A 10 oscillating front axle provides sure-footed mobility on uneven ground. All driveline components are tucked inside the frame rails for maximum protection. And the renowned Astec powertrain design simplifies service and minimizes downtime with individually removable components. Large, removable/ replaceable side panels provide convenient access to all service points, reducing maintenance and service costs. Hydraulics Astec s open-center hydraulic system delivers smooth, reliable power on demand whether you re traveling, backfilling, plowing or trenching. The optional auxiliary hydraulic PTO kit provides up to 17.2 gpm (64 l/min) on the RT660 and 18.5 gpm (70 l/min) on the RT960 to power attachments such as the Hydra-Borer horizontal boring system. Table of Contents Trencher & Attachments Both the RT660 and RT960 feature our exclusive, patented planetary trencher drive system for superior digging performance, reliability and durability. Available with a standard sprocket or heavy-duty rock boom, Astec trenchers have earned a solid reputation for reliable performance in the most difficult ground conditions. Astec attachment versatility lets you easily expand productivity and performance. Among the many options available are a six-way backfill blade, vibratory plow, rockwheel, Hydra-Borer, backhoe, reel carrier and a quad configuration. The Astec dealer network is ready to help you get the most out of your trencher with expert advice, a full range of flexible credit and protection plans, prompt, reliable parts supply and service support tailored to your needs. RT660 Trencher... 4 RT960 Trencher... 6 Trencher Attachments... 8 3
RT660 Take It to the Limit Powered by the reliable Cummins diesel engine the same power plant found in a wide range of heavy-duty construction equipment the RT660 is built for performance you can take to the limit. The RT660 utilizes a heavy-duty radiator designed for high capacity cooling to keep the engine running cool under the most severe conditions and work demands. Its compact width of just 71 (1800 mm) lets the RT660 slip into tight work areas to put its best-in-class performance to work wherever it s needed. It gets around the work site with sure-footed mobility and transport speeds up to 7.5 mph (11.9 km/h). A limited slip differential boosts traction on soft or wet ground, and its outboard planetaries on both axles transfer more usable power to the ground than comparably equipped competitive machines. Choose standard or heavy-duty tires to match the RT660 to a range of job site conditions. Of course when it comes to work, years of demanding, on-the-job experience have proven that the RT660 is ready for anything you throw at it. From trenching and backfilling to horizontal boring, from heavy plowing to precise backhoe work, the RT660 manages them all with power and confidence. As hard as it works, you won t find a unit that s easier to maintain and service than the RT660, or any Astec trencher. Engineered for ease of maintenance and parts interchangeability with other Astec equipment, and backed with the comprehensive Astec warranty, the RT660 is ready for you to put it through its paces. QUICK FACTS Gross Horsepower 67 hp (50 kw) Trenching Depth to 72 (1.83 m) Trenching Widths 6 16 (152 406 mm) Overall Width 71" (1.8 m) Operating Weight 10,304 lb (4674 kg) Simple, two-lever backhoe operation and high breakout force let you handle bigger trenching jobs with ease.
The optional Astec cable plow (left) provides fast cable and line drops while providing minimal ground disturbance. Our backhoe offers excellent digging and craning strength. The quad configuration mounts the trencher, plow, backhoe and backfill blade to the machine at one time for maximum productivity and versatility. Easy maintenance is a hallmark of Astec trencher design. And your Astec dealer is a strong partner you can depend on. 5
RT960 Astec RT960 The Outperformer Astec trenchers have always held the leadership position in turning engine horsepower into usable ground drive and attachment power, and the RT960 continues that tradition. With its 99.5 hp (74 kw) Cummins, the RT960 consistently outperforms competitive models with higher horsepower ratings. A four-speed Hydrashift transmission with true on-the-go shifting and infinitely variable speeds in each range, makes it easy to match ground and attachment speeds to soil conditions and job requirements. The Hydrashift provides exceptional control of creep speeds for precision work. Convenient hand and foot control of ground speed adds to operating ease. The Hydrashift transmission is mounted directly to the rear axle reducing maintenance and decreasing the possibility of job site debris wrapping around a driveshaft. A high-efficiency bent-axis ground drive motor transfers tractive power to the ground Whether you perform your own service and maintenance or rely on your Astec dealer s certified technicians, convenient access to all checkpoints speeds the process for lower machine life cycle costs. Standard serviceability features include spin-on filters, extended service intervals, sight gauges, and an air cleaner accessed externally with no tools required. and provides superior control. Outboard planetaries reduce driveline loads and allow higher ground clearance at the center of the axle for working on uneven terrain. QUICK FACTS Gross Horsepower 99.5 hp (74 kw) Trenching Depth to 84 (2.13 m) Trenching Widths 7 18 (178 457- mm) Overall Width 83.5" (2.12 m) Operating Weight 13,121 lb (5952 kg)
All routine service, including fluid checks and filter replacements are simplified to help keep your trencher operating at peak performance levels. Plus, you can count on the Astec dealer network for reliable service and parts support. The high-productivity operator station features convenient, ergonomically-designed controls, easy to read instruments and a comfortable, pivoting seat. Heavy-duty axles and final drive components increase the RT960 s reliability and durability. The spring-applied, hydraulically-released parking brake system surpasses the SAE standard. Travel speeds up to 10.5 mph (16.9 km/h), get the RT960 from task to task quickly. Trenching one minute, plowing the next, backfilling, and making precise cable drops, the RT960 raises the bar for performance, productivity, long-term durability and reliability. Visit your Astec dealer soon and ask for a demonstration of maximum productivity at work. 7
Attachments Backhoe As the pioneer of backhoe technology, Astec provides unsurpassed productivity for trenching applications. Dig in with your choice of bucket widths and capacities. Two mounting locations provide a power digging position with maximum breakout force and a maximum rotation position for straight-wall digging. Astec backhoes mount quickly to meet changing job requirements as needed for maximum productivity in a minimum amount of time. Ample breakout and lifting forces with simple two-lever control put you in easy command of deep and wide trenching applications. And when your job is finished, the legendary Astec over-center backhoe boom design provides greater machine stability in transport mode. Simple, two-lever operation provides quick, responsive control of all backhoe functions. QUICK FACTS Backhoe Dimensions Dig Depths Up To 9 ft. 4 in. (2.83 m) Bucket Reach Up To 13 ft. 7 in. (4.15 m) Transport Heights 9 ft. 1 in. (2.76 m) RT660 9 ft. 9 in. (2.97 m) RT960
Planetary Trencher Drive The patented Astec two-speed planetary chain drive trencher design features a flywheel, torsion shaft and planetary gears for smooth, reliable performance and long life. The flywheel is mounted to the motor and stores energy to power through tough spots, prevent stalling in hard or frozen soil, and protect the hydrostat from shock loads. The torsion drive shaft between the flywheel and final drives absorbs chainline shock loads, reducing stress on drive components. Trencher speed is infinitely variable in each range and reversible to dislodge debris from the chainline. The RT960 has two speed ranges for increased productivity in extreme conditions. Dual open-end augers with double pitch flighting move spoil to both sides of the trench. Choose from standard or antibackflex chains rated at 110K/165K/225K lbs. Tooth selections include cup, rock and frost, mixed cutters and H-plate with rock and frost styles. Mechanical and hydraulic crumber attachment options are also available. The drive system s flywheel stores energy to power through tough spots and also minimizes pressure spikes in the hydrostatic system. The torsion shaft running between the flywheel and planetaries serves as a spring to absorb shock loads from the trencher driveline. The planetaries multiply motor torque 22 times for the RT960, 14 times for the RT660 for excellent digging power. 9
Get Attached to Performance No matter how you equip your trencher, you can count on Astec for the high performance attachments you need to keep you productive and profitable. You can also count on the performance of your Astec dealer to provide full service and support for your trencher and attachments. Ask your Astec dealer to tell you more about these attachments and other available options, like an auxiliary hydraulic PTO, ground drive auto crowd, front counterweights, cab enclosure and more. Your dealer is ready to help you with the right combination of equipment to meet your needs for today and tomorrow. Quad Configuration Cable Plow Rockwheel For maximum versatility and productivity, the quad attachment mounts the trencher and vibratory cable plow on the rear of the machine so one machine can do complete installations. The RT960 quad configuration also provides the flexibility to switch the trencher and plow from one side to the other as needed. The RT660 integrated quad configuration positions the plow on the left and the trencher on the right. Both units offer a variety of plow blades with fixed or floating chutes to match cable or pipe requirements. Backfill Blade The heavy-duty P95 cable plow handles the toughest plowing jobs with aggressive shaker speed and large amplitude, fracturing unyielding soil and heavy clay while minimizing the need for surface restoration. Available for the RT660 and the RT960, the P95 blade vibration speed is adjustable from 0-2000 vpm. Hydra-Borer A heavy-duty rockwheel makes fast work of cutting through asphalt, concrete, rock and frozen ground. It mounts to the rear of the trencher and is fully supported by pillow block bearings, not the hydraulic motor as with some competitive units. Reel Carrier Astec backfill blades offer convenient single-lever, six-way control of power angle/tilt/lift for virtually any backfilling application, from pushing large loads to shedding sticky material and precision finish work. The blade will cut three inches below grade while the lift float position allows the blade to follow ground contours. And with ample ground clearance in the raised position, you ll ride easily over curbs and most obstructions. When surface structures limit trenching access, put the Hydra-Borer to work. The Hydra-Borer is positioned to tunnel beneath obstacles forward or rearward of the machine. Choose from bits, reamers and backreamers from 2.0 to 12.0 (51 mm to 305 mm). Guideposts and a level guide are available, as is a water pump to deliver fluid through the drill stem. Leave the cable trailer at the office and improve job site mobility by adding a reel carrier for convenient handling of CATV, flexible gas line, electrical and telephone line installations. Heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders provide the lift needed for quick, convenient installation and removal of reels up to 2500 lbs (1134 kg).