Toro recently began offering a cab option for its RT1200 riding trencher that’s commonly used in utility work. The cab assembly boasts a number of features that improve operator accessibility, safety, and comfort, according to Toro.

The cab has doors on both sides of the trencher, permitting easy entry and exit to and from the operator’s station — regardless of jobsite obstacles or challenging terrain. Heat and air conditioning are integrated into the cab design so work can proceed during both heat waves and cold snaps. During pleasant weather, the operator has the option to open the rear window and lock the cab doors open with an extended door latch.

Cab Designed for Safety and Comfort

Safety features include front and rear windshield wipers. A cab pressurization system virtually eliminates dust and debris from entering the operator’s station, according to the manufacturer. The pressurized cab also cuts down on outside noise to help minimize operator fatigue.

“The development of the trencher cab was centered on keeping operators safe and comfortable, while at the same time increasing productivity throughout the year regardless of conditions,” said Kyle Cartwright, associate marketing manager at Toro. “It’s not uncommon for operators to run machinery in both extreme heat and extreme cold, and the climate-controlled, pressurized cab helps maintain a high level of safety, comfort, and productivity regardless of what is happening outside the cab.”

Versatility in the Field

The RT1200 riding trencher is designed for mid- to long-range trenching applications in a variety of terrain categories and conditions. The machine is built on a tool carrier chassis, allowing utility construction workers to select tracks or tires and a variety of attachments. Attachments include a combo mount, sliding offset, backhoe, six-way backfill blade, vibratory plow, reel carrier, and the Toro heavy-duty trencher drive.

“Simply put, the inline hydrostatic ground and attachment drive system provides outstanding performance for trenching and plowing,” Cartwright said. “It delivers the optimum amount of power to each implement on the RT1200.”

The Cummins 4.5L, 121-hp engine and a 48-gallon fuel tank provide high output with minimal downtime, Cartwright added. A standard tilt frame lets the operator tilt the machine at variable degrees to maintain trench angle. Moreover, optional load control allows the operator to set the percentage of engine output dedicated to the ground drive. This helps maintain performance of the digging implement as ground conditions change.

The six-way, heavy-duty backfill blade, operated by a single control, comes standard on the RT1200. The float position allows the blade to smoothly follow the contours of the terrain, Cartwright said.