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Full Automation Kit · Guidance Only Kit

Ditch Assist® on the implement you already run.

An RTK GPS on a mast on the implement and the app on a tablet in your cab. With the Full Automation Kit, Ditch Assist works raise/lower through a valve on your existing hoses. With the Guidance Only Kit, you work raise/lower yourself, following the arrows on the screen; if your implement has a compatible factory valve, Ditch Assist can work raise/lower through that valve instead.

Get the right kit quote → See the three setups ↓

Excavator or backhoe? See the DIG™ Kit · Dozer or self-propelled scraper? See Ditch Assist Lite

Field-proven since 2014 · Used in 15+ countries · Engineered in Manitoba, Canada

How it works

One RTK GPS on the implement. Three ways to run it.

The GPS on the implement tells the app on your tablet how far the cutting edge sits above or below your design. All three run the same app and the same Slope-IQ™ design screen. What changes is what goes on the machine, and who works raise/lower: you, following the arrows on the screen, or Ditch Assist, through our valve on your existing hoses or a compatible factory valve.

Illustration, not to scale.

Everything from day one. Ditch Assist works the hydraulics.

On the machine: your RTK GPS on a mast on the implement, the control module, and the proportional valve plumbed into your existing hoses.

Ditch Assist raises and lowers to the design, pass after pass, and you can take over from the cab at any time. Wi-Fi to the cab, no harness through the door.

What’s in the kit

No RTK GPS yet? We bundle Emlid Reach RS4 and RS3 receivers as base and rover. See the RTK bundles

Full Automation Kit hardware: control module, proportional valve, hoses and harness
Full Automation Kit
Running an excavator? The DIG™ Kit puts bucket-tip grade guidance in the same app: sensors on the stick and bucket, and Wi-Fi from the machine to the tablet in your cab. See the DIG™ Kit → Running more than one machine? The kits, DIG™ and Ditch Assist Lite are separate hardware. They run at the same time on different machines and can share one RTK base station. Compare side by side →
At a glance

Three setups, side by side.

The Full Automation Kit adds our valve to your implement, and Ditch Assist works raise/lower. The Guidance Only Kit puts a control module on the machine for visual guidance: you work raise/lower following the arrows, and can add our valve later. If your implement has a compatible factory valve (most don’t), the module plugs into it and Ditch Assist works raise/lower. Ditch Assist Lite is guidance-only grade control for any machine or implement you can attach a GPS to: one GPS on the blade, no wires.

Full Automation Kit Everything, from day one Most popular Guidance Only Kit Visual guidance, or a factory valve Ditch Assist Lite Guidance only, on any machine
Who works raise/lower Ditch Assist, through the valve You, following the arrows, or Ditch Assist through a compatible factory valve You, following the arrows
On the machine Your RTK GPS, the control module and the valve Your RTK GPS and the control module One RTK receiver, nothing else
RTK GPS Any compatible RTK GPS, or an Emlid bundle Any compatible RTK GPS, or an Emlid bundle Emlid Reach RS3 or RS4
Link to the cab Wi-Fi from the control module Wi-Fi from the control module Wi-Fi from the receiver
GPS power The control module powers it The control module powers it The receiver’s own battery
Auto-Nudge™ pass staging Yes Yes: you work the controls to match each pass, or Ditch Assist does it through a compatible factory valve Yes: you work the controls to match it
Workflows Every implement workflow, plus LiDAR Drainage Mapping Every implement workflow, plus LiDAR Drainage Mapping Every workflow, Excavator mode included, plus LiDAR Drainage Mapping
Install About an hour About an hour Mount the receiver
Move to another machine As little as 20 minutes As little as 20 minutes Move the receiver
License One-time purchase One-time purchase One-time, per receiver
Add automation later Already included Yes: add our valve and it becomes the Full Automation Kit No: Full Automation Kit at full price

Full comparison, including DIG™ · See Ditch Assist Lite

Your machine

Which kit for your machine?

Find your machine. Open the machine notes for the details we check before quoting.

Pull-type scraper

Full Automation Kit

The standard valve fits most scrapers. Very large scrapers can take the High Flow valve. Rather work raise/lower yourself? Use the Guidance Only Kit and add our valve later, or Ditch Assist Lite, the lowest-cost way to run Ditch Assist, with no credit toward automation later.

Ditching · Land Forming · Simple Grading

Machine notes

The standard closed-center valve works for most scraper installs. Extra-large scrapers or high oil-demand setups may need the High Flow valve option. The Min Valve DC and Max Valve DC settings (valve duty cycle) in the app let hydraulic response be tuned for the scraper size, tractor, and soil conditions.

One kit can serve several implements. The valve mounts on the implement or the tractor, and Wi-Fi to the cab means no harness through the cab door. With mounts on each implement, you can move the kit between a scraper, blade, ditcher or land leveler.

Rotary ditcher

Full Automation Kit

Revolution Ditcher with a compatible factory PWM valve: the Guidance Only Kit plugs into that valve, so there is no valve to add and Ditch Assist works raise/lower.

Ditching

Machine notes

Most rotary ditcher installs use the Full Automation Kit, which includes the Ditch Assist valve package, hoses, fittings, and bypass circuit. The system controls the raise/lower function while the operator manages speed, position, and machine operation.

Ditchers with a compatible factory PWM valve are the exception: the Guidance Only Kit plugs into that valve and Ditch Assist works raise/lower through it, so there is no Ditch Assist valve package to buy. Ask us to confirm yours.

Tile plow

Full Automation Kit

Soil-Max Stealth ZD with a compatible factory PWM valve: the Guidance Only Kit plugs into that valve, so there is no valve to add and Ditch Assist works raise/lower.

Tiling

Machine notes

On tile plows with a compatible factory PWM valve, the Guidance Only Kit plugs into that valve and Ditch Assist works raise/lower through it. There is no valve package to buy, so the hardware is simpler and more affordable. Ask us to confirm yours.

Tiling mode designs the pipe profile to hold at least your minimum grade and stay inside your minimum and maximum depth. If rock, hardpan, frost, old tile or dense subsoil holds the plow up, Automatic Rock Hit Recovery raises the tile target by the measured amount, so Ditch Assist doesn’t dive the plow back down and put tile off grade.

Blade, land leveler or pull-type dozer blade

Full Automation Kit

Works with hydraulic blades, land levelers and pull-type dozer blades, including the Pulldozer. Ditch Assist works raise/lower; tilt, wing and side-shift stay with you. Rather work raise/lower yourself? Use the Guidance Only Kit and add our valve later, or Ditch Assist Lite, the lowest-cost way to run Ditch Assist, with no credit toward automation later.

Simple Grading · Leveling · Land Forming

Machine notes

Ditch Assist controls raise/lower only. Tilt, wing, or side-shift functions remain manual. For tilt-capable blades and levelers, the tilt angle should remain consistent from setup through grading, because changing tilt changes the GPS height relationship to the cutting edge.

Dozer or self-propelled scraper

Ditch Assist Lite, or the Guidance Only Kit with your RTK

On a dozer or self-propelled scraper, Ditch Assist is guidance only. You work the controls with the screen as your grade reference: Ditch Assist Lite with an Emlid Reach on the blade, or the Guidance Only Kit with a compatible RTK GPS you already own. Skid steers and motor graders can be challenging; contact us to discuss before you buy. We review each machine first.

Machine notes

The app shows target grade, cut/fill, map position, and profile information. The operator manually controls the blade or implement using the screen as a live grade reference.

We go over each machine with you before quoting: where you can mount the GPS safely so it moves up and down exactly with the blade, whether you can keep the blade at the same angle while you grade, and the accuracy you need. Then we tell you whether Ditch Assist Lite or the Guidance Only Kit with your RTK GPS fits. One receiver can’t correct for blade tilt, so if you tilt the blade, the readings are off.

Excavator or backhoe

DIG™ Kit

Bucket-tip grade guidance in the same app, with sensors on the stick and bucket.

See the DIG™ Kit →

Running something else, or more than one machine? Which kit do I need? · Ask us

In the box

What comes in each kit.

Both kits share the control module, the harnesses and the tablet mount. The Full Automation Kit adds the valve package.

Ditch Assist Full Automation Kit components laid outMost popular

Full Automation Kit

  • Control module: powers the GPS, Wi-Fi to the cab
  • Main harness and power harness
  • GPS breakout cable
  • Cab tablet mount
  • Proportional hydraulic valve
  • Hoses and fittings, plus a bypass circuit so your tractor remotes still work
Ditch Assist Guidance Only Kit components laid out

Guidance Only Kit

  • Control module: powers the GPS, Wi-Fi to the cab
  • Main harness and power harness
  • GPS breakout cable
  • Cab tablet mount

If your implement has a compatible factory valve, the module plugs straight into it and Ditch Assist works raise/lower. Most implements don’t have one; ask us to check yours.

You add

  • An RTK GPS: the one you run, or an Emlid Reach bundle on the quote
  • A GPS cable matched to your receiver, ordered with the kit
  • An Android tablet: the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ is our pick, and we can bundle one with your kit

Automation valve options

Most Full Automation Kit installs use our standard closed-center valve. Very large scrapers and large blades can take the High Flow valve, and open-center hydraulics take the Configurable valve.

Ditch Assist standard hydraulic valve

Standard valve

Standard-flow, closed-center valve. The right fit for most scrapers, ditchers, blades, land levelers, and tile plows.

Ditch Assist high-flow hydraulic valve

High Flow upgrade

Used for very large scrapers, large blades, or installs where cylinder size and oil demand exceed the standard valve package.

Configurable valve

For open-center hydraulics: this valve can be set for open-center or closed-center systems.

Automation packages include hoses and fittings for the main control circuit and a secondary bypass circuit, so operators can still use tractor remotes for manual control when needed.

Hardware walkthroughs

See what is in the kit and how it installs.

Full Automation Kit unboxing

Every component laid out.

Scraper installation

How the parts fit on real equipment.

Setup workflow

Connect, check status, then choose the job.

Install and move

About an hour to install. As little as 20 minutes to move.

  • Wi-Fi to the cab. The control module talks to the tablet, so no harness goes through the cab door.
  • The module powers your GPS. One power harness back to the tractor.
  • One kit, several machines. With mounts on each, the kit moves between a scraper, blade, ditcher or leveler.
  • Manual control stays. The bypass circuit keeps your tractor remotes working.
Installation manual Support video links →

“Our operation was in search of a GPS system we could use with some of our dirt equipment. Looking at the price of known systems for GPS dirt grade control systems, we thought this technology was out of reach for us. I searched the internet for different options and talked to several folks. I then came across Ditch Assist and filled out an inquiry and they called me within a day. After talking with their team, I was almost in disbelief at their technology capability and price point! We talked about the capabilities of the system and how easily interchangeable the whole system was.

I only need one complete system to use across multiple pieces and it is so easy to move from piece to piece. The learning curve was about as easy as anything I have used, it’s so simple and easy to use. I have used it on our grader blade, dirt pan and even used it for building lakes, which was so much faster than the old laser. But, most importantly, our Wolverine Ditcher for custom waterways. It is an amazing product and at a farm friendly price point, with an awesome team standing behind their product. Buy their product, you won’t be sorry!”

Ross Boarman Specialty Ag Work Inc. — Calhoun, Kentucky
RTK GPS options

Use compatible RTK you already own, or add a base and rover to your quote.

The GPS goes on a mast on the implement, so it rises and falls with the cutting edge. Bring the RTK GPS you already run (John Deere, Trimble, Emlid and others), or start fresh with an Emlid base and rover.

Bring compatible RTKUse an existing RTK receiver that can send NMEA GGA and VTG at 5 or 10 Hz over RS-232.
Matched base and roverRS4 at the base and RS4 rover on the machine. Either receiver can move between base, rover, survey and layout work.
Lower-cost base and roverA common lower-cost package with RS4 at the base and RS3 rover on the machine.
Compare GPS bundles → Add GPS to my quote
Scraper equipped with an RTK GPS receiver for Ditch Assist grade control
From the field

What customers and dealers say.

“Ditch Assist is a very simple, affordable system for customers to fit into their budget, and ease of training the operator makes it a breeze to support. There’s nothing better than hearing from someone weeks or months later saying, ‘You were right — this has made our job easier.’”

Cody Olson Precision Farming Specialist · Titan Machinery — Ada & Winger, Minnesota

“Oh man, world of a difference. Crazy what that thing can do. Paid for itself pretty quick, especially with this year.”

Logan Parkland Region, Manitoba

“We purchased Ditch Assist about 4 years ago at a fraction of what another company quoted us. Every fall we usually have a project for it. It is so simple and easy to use, I really enjoy the results we get with it — much better than eyeballing it like I used to. Any questions I’ve had, the support guys are always great help. I highly recommend it.”

Adam Northern Kansas
FAQ

Implement grade control questions.

What operators ask before choosing the Full Automation Kit, the Guidance Only Kit or Ditch Assist Lite.

RTK compatibility

Does this work with my existing RTK receiver?

Yes, if it can send NMEA GGA and VTG messages at 5 or 10 Hz over an RS-232 serial connection at 38,400 baud, which most agricultural RTK receivers can. The installation manual covers setup for John Deere, Trimble/Case IH, Emlid and Outback receivers. Or add an Emlid Reach RS4 or RS3 bundle to the quote.

Automation vs guidance

Does this automate hydraulics or only guide the operator?

It depends on the setup. The Full Automation Kit controls compatible implement hydraulics automatically to the target grade. The Guidance Only Kit either plugs into a compatible factory valve, so Ditch Assist works raise/lower through it, or shows on-screen grade guidance while the operator handles the hydraulics. Ditch Assist Lite also shows on-screen grade guidance, with only a GPS on the implement, no wires, while the operator handles the hydraulics. The Guidance Only Kit can take our valve later and become the Full Automation Kit; Ditch Assist Lite has no upgrade path, so automation later means buying the Full Automation Kit at full price, with no credit for Ditch Assist Lite.

Factory valves

Which kit do I need for a factory PWM valve?

The Guidance Only Kit. On a Revolution Ditcher or a Soil-Max Stealth ZD tile plow with a compatible factory PWM valve, the control module plugs into that valve and Ditch Assist works raise/lower through it, so there is no valve to add. Other machines with a factory valve: ask us and we will confirm yours before quoting.

Modes

Are all modes included?

Yes. Every kit installs the same Ditch Assist app with every mode — Ditching, Terracing, Land Forming, Simple Grading, Tiling, Leveling, and Levee & Contour steering guidance — with no per-mode activation. LiDAR Drainage Mapping is included too. Excavator mode ships in the same app and runs with DIG™ bucket sensors. Ditch Assist Lite runs every one of them too, as guidance, plus Excavator mode and LiDAR Drainage Mapping. In Ditch Assist Lite, Excavator mode checks grade between cuts; live bucket-tip grade requires the Ditch Assist DIG™ Kit, a separate product.

Subscription

Do I need a subscription?

No. Ditch Assist implement kits are a one-time purchase with no app subscription and no per-mode activation.

GPS bundles

Can I add an RTK GPS to my quote?

Yes. Emlid Reach RS4 and RS3 base-rover bundles can be added to a Ditch Assist quote as an affordable RTK GPS path, or you can bring compatible RTK you already own. Ditch Assist Lite also runs on a Reach RS3 or RS4, with only a GPS on the blade, no wires. It is guidance-only grade control for any machine or implement you can attach a GPS to, dozers and self-propelled scrapers included. It has no upgrade path: automating later means buying the Full Automation Kit at full price, with no credit for Ditch Assist Lite.

Job reports

Can I generate a job report?

Yes. Open your saved job files in the Ditch Assist Job Viewer and build a printable PDF report for your records.

Warranty

What warranty comes with the kit?

A one-year technology warranty — anything defective that fails in normal use gets repaired or replaced. After the warranty period, our out-of-warranty replacement program supplies new modules, valves, and other components at a significantly discounted price.

Tell us the implement, valve setup, tractor hydraulics, and RTK source.

We will confirm whether the Full Automation Kit, Guidance Only Kit, Ditch Assist Lite, a GPS bundle or a multi-implement setup fits your machine.

Or try the app in your browser first →

Request kit quote → Ask a fit question Call 1-833-DITCH-AS