Recommended bend limits – Ditch Witch JT2020 User Manual
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JT2020 Mach 1 Operator’s Manual
Plan Bore Path
CMW
Recommended Bend Limits
Ditch Witch drill pipes are designed to bend slightly during operation. Slight bending allows for steering and 
correcting direction. Bending beyond recommended limits will cause damage that might not be visible. This 
damage adds up and will later lead to sudden drill pipe failure.
Pipe Pitch
Ditch Witch drill pipe is tested to bend at a maximum 
percent pitch. For JT2020 Mach 1 drill pipe, make sure 
pitch (A) changes no more than 
7% over the full length
of each pipe.
Monitor the pitch of each pipe with the 750 Display on 
the operator’s console. See page 53.
Bend Radius
JT2020 Mach 1 drill pipes have a tested minimum 
bend radius of 130’ (40 m). This means that a 90-
degree bend in the bore path:
•
has a radius (A) of 130’ (40 m)
•
requires approximately 204’ (62 m) of drill pipe 
(B).
IMPORTANT: Consider recommended bend limits during any bend, not just during bore entry.
NOTICE: Bending drill pipe more sharply than 
recommended will damage pipe and cause failure 
over time. Changes in pitch must be 
equally
distributed over the length of a pipe. Maximum 
changes in pitch within 1-2’ (300-600 mm) of pipe 
create sharp bends that will damage pipe.
NOTICE: Bending drill pipe more sharply than 
recommended will damage the pipe and cause 
failure over time.
•
If bend radius is reduced, drill pipe life is 
reduced.
•
If bend radius is increased, drill pipe life is 
increased.
IMPORTANT: Use the charts on the next page to keep bends within safe limits.