Horizontal directional drill · Ditch Witch
Ditch Witch JT40: transport dimensions, weight and how it ships overseas
The Ditch Witch JT40 (24 ft 2 in × 7 ft 5 in × 8 ft 1 in (7.37 × 2.26 × 2.46 m), 20,500 lb (9,300 kg)) fits a 40 ft high-cube container as it is. A container is usually the cheapest way to ship it and reaches the most ports, with the machine sealed inside.
- Transport length
- 24 ft 2 in / 7.37 m
- Transport width
- 7 ft 5 in / 2.26 m
- Transport height
- 8 ft 1 in / 2.46 m
- Weight
- 20,500 lb / 9,300 kg
Ditch Witch JT40 transport specifications
| Specification | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Transport length | 24 ft 2 in / 7.37 m | overall, in transport position |
| Transport width | 7 ft 5 in / 2.26 m | over the tracks or tyres |
| Transport height | 8 ft 1 in / 2.46 m | in transport position |
| Weight | 20,500 lb / 9,300 kg | operating weight |
| Approach angle | 17° | the steepest ramp it climbs without grounding its front, as the maker prints it |
| Machine type | Horizontal directional drill | |
| Configuration | Width with the open operator station, 9 ft (2.74 m) with the cab extended to its widest; height with the cab in the mobiling position. Weight without pipe or cab; the cab adds 680 lb (310 kg). | |
Manufacturer documents
Links and figures checked October 2026. Linked from the manufacturer; we do not host them.
Published figures for the configuration shown. Shoes, tyres, buckets, counterweights and options change them, so we confirm the dimensions on your machine before booking.
Every way to ship a Ditch Witch JT40, best first
Cheapest first: the shipping cost ladder
We price every machine from the bottom rung up. A machine only moves up a rung when a measurement rules out the cheaper method.
Ditch Witch JT40 fits a container in one piece, the cheapest way to ship it.
- Rung 1
Container
Lowest cost
Best fit for Ditch Witch JT40
When: Fits through a 7 ft 8 in / 2.34 m × 8 ft 6 in / 2.58 m door and under 59,500 lb / 27,000 kg, whole or after we take off the bucket, boom, cab or wheels.
- Rung 2
Flat rack
Mid cost
When: Too wide or tall for a container door, but within 14 ft 9 in / 4.5 m wide, 13 ft 1 in / 4 m tall and 86,000 lb / 39,000 kg on one rack.
- Rung 3
RoRo
Mid cost
When: Drives or tows aboard, under 19 ft 8 in / 6 m tall and 110 US tons / 100,000 kg, going to a port with regular RoRo sailings.
- Rung 4
Breakbulk
Highest cost
When: Past flat-rack and roll-trailer limits, or shipped as modules lifted aboard piece by piece.
Worked out from the dimensions above against container, flat rack and RoRo limits. RoRo depends on a regular sailing to your port.
| # | Best method | Fit | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40 ft high-cube containerBest fit | Fits as is | Ships as it is, blocked and lashed. |
| 2 | 40 ft flat rack | Out-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (1 ft 8 in / 0.51 m over height). |
| 3 | RoRo | Where a RoRo lane serves the destination | Drives on assembled where a RoRo lane serves the destination. |
| 4 | Breakbulk | Fits as is | Lifted aboard by crane as breakbulk; used when no flat rack or RoRo option suits the port. |
Comparable drill rigs from other brands
| Machine | L × W × H (transport) | Weight | Ships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ditch Witch JT40 | 24 ft 2 in × 7 ft 5 in × 8 ft 1 in (7.37 × 2.26 × 2.46 m) | 20,500 lb / 9,300 kg | 40 ft high-cube container |
| Vermeer D24x40 S3 | 20 ft × 7 ft 5 in × 6 ft 4 in (6.1 × 2.26 × 1.93 m) | 20,700 lb / 9,389 kg | 1 × 40 ft high cube |
Same machine type within 20% of the weight. Each links to its own page with its published dimensions and verdict.
Where machines like the Ditch Witch JT40 go
MexicoTransit 5-14 daysImport duty 0%HS 8430.41 · 2023
Directional drills for fiber and utility work, by truck or in high cubes to Manzanillo.
Quote to Mexico
ColombiaTransit 12-18 daysImport duty 0%HS 8430.41 · 2023
Drills for fiber installation, in high cubes to Cartagena or Buenaventura.
Quote to Colombia
KenyaTransit 25-35 daysImport duty 0%HS 8430.41 · 2023
Drills through Mombasa; KEBS pre-export inspection is arranged before loading.
Quote to Kenya
Duty rates (most-favoured-nation, averaged across the HS lines of the machine class): UNCTAD TRAINS via World Bank WITS: MFN applied tariff
Preparing a Ditch Witch JT40 for export
- Drilling fluid is flushed from the pump, lines and rod, and the rod box secured or packed separately.
- A JT40 cab goes in its narrowest position; batteries are disconnected and the drill chocked and lashed.
Ditch Witch JT40 shipping questions
Does a Ditch Witch JT40 fit in a shipping container?
The Ditch Witch JT40 (24 ft 2 in × 7 ft 5 in × 8 ft 1 in (7.37 × 2.26 × 2.46 m), 20,500 lb (9,300 kg)) fits a 40 ft high-cube container as it is. A container is usually the cheapest way to ship it and reaches the most ports, with the machine sealed inside.
How much does a Ditch Witch JT40 weigh for shipping?
Ditch Witch lists the Ditch Witch JT40 at 20,500 lb (9,300 kg) (operating weight); the bill of lading uses your machine's own weight.
What are the shipping dimensions of a Ditch Witch JT40?
24 ft 2 in × 7 ft 5 in × 8 ft 1 in (7.37 × 2.26 × 2.46 m) (length × width × height) in transport position, from Ditch Witch's published specifications for the Ditch Witch JT40.
Can a Ditch Witch JT40 ship RoRo?
Yes, where a RoRo lane serves your destination port. It drives on under its own power. RoRo from the U.S. reaches fewer countries than containers and flat racks, so we check your port first.