Ditch Assist RTK Implement Grade Control

What it does

One RTK grade-control platform for drainage, land forming, tiling, leveling, and contour work.

Ditch Assist™ combines RTK GPS, the Ditch Assist app, a field-ready control module, and the right hydraulic or guidance package for the machine. Operators can build drainage ditches, grade land, install tile, and finish surfaces with live target information, mapping, profile view, coverage feedback, and simple in-cab controls.

Design + work togetherSlope-IQ™, LandXML import, simple grading, leveling, tiling, and contour workflows live in one app.

No proprietary display lock-inThe app runs on a standard Android tablet, with included updates and no per-mode activation.

Automation when you need itThe Full Automation Kit controls compatible implement hydraulics to the target grade.

Guidance when that fits betterUse the Guidance Only Kit with compatible factory valves or manual-control applications.

Ditch Assist control module in the field

Automation Kit vs Guidance Kit

Pick the kit path before you pick the valve.

Same app, same modes, same RTK GPS. The kit decision comes down to whether Ditch Assist needs to supply the hydraulic valve or whether the machine already has one.

	Full Automation Kit Ditch Assist controls the hydraulics	Guidance Only Kit Operator or factory valve controls the hydraulics
Hydraulic control	Automatic raise/lower to target grade	Manual — operator or a compatible factory valve does the work; the app shows on-grade feedback
Ditch Assist valve package	Included — proportional hydraulic valve, hoses, fittings, and bypass circuit	Not included — not needed on compatible factory-valve machines or manual-guidance applications
In-app controls	Hold, Nudge, Auto-Nudge™, map, profile, and coverage feedback	Target, map, profile, and coverage feedback — no automated raise/lower commands
Typical fit	Most pull-type scrapers, ditchers, blades, land levelers, and tile plows	Soil-Max™ and Revolution Ditcher™ factory-valve machines, dozers, graders, and manual-guidance applications
Workflow modes included	Ditching, Terracing, Land Forming, Simple Grading, Tiling, and Leveling — all included, plus Levee & Contour steering guidance	Same modes, same app — no per-mode activation

Best fit by implement

Every row links to the full workflow for that implement.

Implement	Recommended kit	Workflow mode
Pull-type scraper	Full Automation Kit	Ditching mode
Rotary ditcher	Full Automation Kit — Guidance Only Kit fits compatible Revolution Ditcher™ factory valves	Ditching mode
Box blade	Full Automation Kit	Simple Grading mode
Land leveler	Full Automation Kit	Leveling mode
Tile plow	Guidance Only Kit for compatible Soil-Max™ Stealth ZD™ factory valves; Full Automation Kit for most other hydraulic plows	Tiling mode
Pulldozer™	Full Automation Kit	Land Forming mode

Pull-type scraper cutting a surface drain with Ditch Assist grade control

Is this the right kit?

Best for

Operators who already run a pull-type scraper, ditcher, tile plow, land leveler, blade, or Pulldozer™ and want RTK-based grade control — automated or guided — through one Ditch Assist app.

Run an excavator?

Excavators. These kits drive implement hydraulics — they don't mount on an excavator. For excavator and backhoe work, Ditch Assist DIG™ gives live bucket-to-grade guidance while the operator runs the machine.

See Ditch Assist DIG™ for excavator guidance

Two kit paths

Full automation for most installs. Guidance only when that is the better fit.

Start with the machine and the work you want to do. We will confirm whether you need the complete hydraulic automation package, the lower-cost guidance package, or a setup that can serve more than one implement.

Most common

Full Automation Kit

The complete Ditch Assist package for automated RTK grade control on hydraulic implements. The app shows the design, target, map, profile, and coverage while the system controls the implement to grade.

Best fit for most pull-type scrapers, ditchers, blades, land levelers, and tile plows. Includes proportional hydraulic valve, hoses, fittings, and bypass circuit. Automatic raise/lower control with Hold, Nudge, Auto-Nudge, map, profile, and coverage feedback.

Factory valve or manual guidance

Guidance Only Kit

The lower-cost path when hydraulic control is already handled by a compatible factory valve, or when the operator wants accurate on-screen grade guidance while keeping manual control.

Often the right fit for Soil-Max™ tile plows and Revolution Ditcher™ machines with compatible factory valves. Useful for dozers, graders, and custom applications where integrated hydraulics are not practical. Can be the right choice for operators who want grade information first and automation later.

Request a kit quote → Ask which kit fits

Hardware walkthroughs

See what is in the kit and how it installs.

These videos show the Full Automation Kit parts, a scraper installation, and the setup flow operators use before opening a field workflow.

Automation Kit unboxing

Every component laid out.

Walk through the control module, harnesses, tablet mount, hydraulic valve package, hoses, fittings, and install hardware so buyers can see what arrives before the installation starts.

Scraper installation

How the parts fit on real equipment.

See the core Ditch Assist components installed on a scraper, including the control module, hydraulic valve, harnessing, GPS input, and manual bypass context on a working machine.

Setup workflow

Connect, check status, then choose the job.

Review the controller connection, app startup, preflight checks, GPS status, and app navigation used before selecting Ditching, Land Forming, Tiling, Leveling, or another work mode.

Support video links → Install manual

What is included

Same Ditch Assist platform. Different hydraulic package.

Both kits include the core hardware and app experience. The Full Automation Kit adds the hydraulic components needed when Ditch Assist is supplying automatic raise/lower control.

Control module

Included with both kits. The module links the app, GPS source, and machine hardware so the operator can work from the cab.

Ditch Assist harnesses, GPS breakout, and tablet mount

Harnesses + tablet mount

Both kits include the main harness, power harness, GPS breakout, and a cab tablet mount. Receiver-specific GPS cables are ordered separately, and the exact tablet mount supplied may vary.

Automation hydraulics

The Full Automation Kit adds the valve package, hydraulic hoses, fittings, and secondary bypass circuit for manual control from in-cab remotes.

GPS / GNSS source

Use compatible RTK receivers you already own, or add an affordable Emlid Reach RS4 or RS3 base-rover package to the quote.

Automation valve options

Quoted around the implement, oil demand, and hydraulic system.

Most Full Automation Kit installs use our standard closed-center valve. Very large scrapers, large blades, or unusual hydraulic systems may need one of the optional valve packages instead.

Manual control remains available

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.

Ditch Assist hydraulic valve package for automated RTK grade control

Standard valve

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

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

Available when the hydraulic system needs a valve configuration outside the standard closed-center package.

Which setup fits?

Buy what the machine actually needs.

This is where a quick conversation saves money. Tell us the implement, tractor hydraulics, valve setup, and whether the system will move between machines.

Most hydraulic implements

Full Automation Kit. The standard choice for pull-type scrapers, many ditchers, blades, land levelers, and tile plows that need Ditch Assist to supply the valve and hydraulic control package.

Compatible factory valves

Guidance Only Kit. Soil-Max™ tile plows and Revolution Ditcher™ machines with compatible factory valves may not need the Ditch Assist valve package.

Manual guidance applications

Guidance Only Kit. A practical option for dozers, graders, and custom machines where on-screen RTK grade guidance is valuable but integrated automation is not the goal.

RTK GPS options

Use compatible RTK you already own, or add Emlid to the system.

Ditch Assist is built to work with compatible RTK GPS / GNSS sources. If you are starting from scratch, Emlid gives many farmers, contractors, municipalities, and drainage operators an affordable base-rover path into accurate grade control.

Bring compatible RTKUse an existing RTK receiver when it can provide the required position data.

Emlid RS4 / RS4A strong base and rover package for a complete Ditch Assist system.

Emlid RS4 / RS3A common lower-cost package with RS4 at the base and RS3 rover on the machine.

Compare Emlid options → Add GPS to my quote

Scraper equipped with an RTK GPS receiver for Ditch Assist grade control

Every implement workflow included

No per-mode activation. No app subscription.

Ditch Assist implement kits include the complete surface-grading app experience: drainage design, land forming, simple grading, tile runs, level work, and contour guidance.

01

Ditching

Slope-IQ™ design for surface drainage, including curved routes and multi-grade profiles.

Detail → 02

Terracing

Channel and berm guidance with compaction balance for terrace construction.

Detail → 03

Land Forming

OptiSurface™, Ezigrade™, Topcon™ AGForm-3D™, AGD, and LandXML import.

Detail → 04

Simple Grading

Constant slope grading when a full survey-design workflow is not needed.

Detail → 05

Tiling

Depth-constrained tile design with Automatic Rock Hit Recovery.

Detail → 06

Leveling

Pad construction and flat target elevation work from the cab.

Detail → 07

Levee & Contour

Steer-only guidance along a constant-elevation contour — included in the same app.

Detail → 08

Excavator

Bucket-to-grade guidance in the same app — runs with DIG™ sensors on the excavator.

Detail →

See every app feature →

Equipment compatibility

Ditch Assist grade control by machine type.

Open the equipment type that matches your work. These sections explain where the Full Automation Kit is usually the right fit, where the Guidance Only Kit can be enough, and what details we confirm before quoting.

Pull-type scrapers

Grade Control for Pull-Type Scrapers

Ditch Assist™ delivers automated RTK GPS grade control for hydraulically operated pull-type scrapers using the Full Automation Kit. The kit includes the control module, proportional hydraulic valve, hoses, fittings, and bypass circuit needed to control scraper raise/lower hydraulics while still allowing manual operation from the cab.

Scraper operators use Ditch Assist for surface drainage, bulk land shaping, simple grade work, and land-leveling passes. The app shows the target, profile, map, and coverage while the system controls blade elevation to stay on grade.

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. Min/max Duty Cycle settings in the app let hydraulic response be tuned for the scraper size, tractor, and soil conditions.

Ditch Assist is also practical for multi-implement operations. The valve is commonly mounted on the implement or tractor, wireless communication keeps cab wiring simple, and additional mounts can make it realistic to move the system between a scraper, blade, ditcher, or land leveler.

Best fit: Full Automation Kit, with valve choice confirmed during quoting. Compatible RTK GPS or an Emlid RTK bundle can be added if needed.

Rotary ditchers

Grade Control for Rotary Ditchers

Ditch Assist adds RTK GPS grade control to rotary ditchers including T-REX Ditcher™, Wolverine Ditcher™, Eagle Ditcher™, and Revolution Ditcher™ machines. Operators can survey a surface-drain route, build a Slope-IQ™ design, and then cut the ditch to grade with live profile and map feedback in the cab.

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.

Revolution Ditcher™ machines with compatible factory PWM valves are a key exception. In many of those installs, the Guidance Only Kit can connect to the existing valve system without buying the full Ditch Assist hydraulic valve package. Other ditchers with existing valves should be reviewed before quoting.

Auto-Nudge™ helps limit cut depth per pass, which is especially useful when ditching in heavy soil or when a deep final profile needs to be reached in stages. The app keeps the operator aware of target grade, actual grade, pass progress, and upcoming profile changes.

Best fit: Full Automation Kit for most rotary ditchers; Guidance Only Kit may fit compatible Revolution Ditcher™ factory-valve setups.

Blades + land levelers

Grade Control for Blades, Land Levelers and the Pulldozer™

Ditch Assist provides RTK GPS grade control for hydraulic blades, land levelers, and the Pulldozer™. These implements are a natural fit for land forming, pad building, simple grading, ditch finishing, and surface drainage cleanup where the raise/lower function controls the finished grade.

The Full Automation Kit drives the raise/lower hydraulics automatically. The app can run simple target elevations, fixed slopes, Slope-IQ™ designs, or imported land-forming surfaces from supported design workflows such as OptiSurface™, Ezigrade™, Topcon™ AGForm-3D™, AGD, and LandXML.

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.

Auto-Nudge™ helps stage large cuts across multiple passes, and the cut/fill map gives the operator a visual sense of what is left to move. For a farmer, contractor, or municipality that needs affordable land leveling without a high-cost proprietary display ecosystem, this is often the practical path.

Best fit: Full Automation Kit for most hydraulic blades and land levelers; Guidance Only Kit can be reviewed for manual guidance applications.

Tile drainage plows

Grade Control for Tile Drainage Plows

Ditch Assist brings RTK GPS grade control to pull-type and tractor-mounted tile drainage plows. Operators can survey a tile run, design the profile in Slope-IQ™, customize grade where needed, and install from the outlet with live depth, grade, and profile feedback.

Most hydraulic tile plows use the Full Automation Kit, which supplies the Ditch Assist valve package and hydraulic components for automatic raise/lower control. Compatible factory-valve machines may only need the Guidance Only Kit.

Soil-Max™ Stealth ZD™ plows with compatible factory PWM valves are the key example. In many Stealth ZD™ installs, Ditch Assist can use the existing valve system, keeping the hardware package simpler and more affordable.

Ditch Assist tiling mode includes depth-constrained design tools and Automatic Rock Hit Recovery, helping operators avoid chasing back down after sustained upward deflection from rock, hardpan, frost, old tile, or dense subsoil.

Best fit: Guidance Only Kit for compatible Soil-Max™ Stealth ZD™ factory-valve setups; Full Automation Kit for most other hydraulic plows after review.

Dozers + graders

Guidance for Dozers, Graders and Custom Machines

Some operators choose the Ditch Assist Guidance Only Kit for dozers, graders, and custom machines where integrated hydraulic automation is not the goal. This is not our primary automation market, but it can be a strong fit when the operator wants affordable RTK grade guidance without the cost and complexity of a full integrated machine-control install.

The app can still show 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.

This type of install is reviewed case by case. We look at the machine, GPS mounting location, working method, target accuracy, and whether the application is better served by guidance only or by a different grade-control approach.

Best fit: Guidance Only Kit after fit review. Send the machine model, photos, existing hydraulic or grade-control details, and the type of work you want to do.

Equipment fit

Built for common drainage and land-shaping implements.

Ditch Assist is most commonly used with pull-type equipment, but the right kit depends on the machine, valve setup, and whether the operator wants automation or guidance.

Pull-type scrapers Rotary ditchers Wheel ditchers Blades Land levelers Tile plows Soil-Max Stealth ZD™ Revolution Ditcher™ Wolverine Ditcher™ T-REX Ditcher™ Eagle Ditcher™ Pulldozer™ Guidance-only dozer and grader applications

From the field

What customers and dealers say.

“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

“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.

Clear answers for operators comparing the Full Automation Kit and Guidance Only Kit.

RTK compatibility

Does this work with my existing RTK receiver?

Yes, if it can provide the required position data. Ditch Assist works with compatible RTK GPS / GNSS receivers you already own, or you can 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 kit. The Full Automation Kit controls compatible implement hydraulics automatically to the target grade. The Guidance Only Kit shows on-screen grade guidance while the operator or a compatible factory valve handles the hydraulics.

Factory valves

Which kit do I need for a factory PWM valve?

Soil-Max™ Stealth ZD™ tile plows and Revolution Ditcher™ machines with compatible factory PWM valves often only need the Guidance Only Kit, since the factory valve already handles hydraulic control. Other factory-valve machines should be reviewed 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. Excavator mode ships in the same app and runs with DIG™ bucket sensors.

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.

Emlid RTK

Can I use Emlid RS4 or RS3?

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.

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.

Ditch Assist™ automates grade control for the equipment you already run.