Pulldozer™ Grade Control with Ditch Assist

Ditch Assist™ is the simplest and most affordable RTK GPS grade control system for Pulldozer™ land shaping blades. It delivers advanced automated grade control in a plug-and-play package – with no costly unlocks or subscriptions. Whether you’re a Western Canadian farmer regrading fields for better drainage or a contractor leveling a yard, Ditch Assist turns your Pulldozer blade into a precision land-leveling tool without the complexity or high price tag.

How Ditch Assist Simplifies Pulldozer Blade Control

Ditch Assist is an RTK GPS machine control system that automates the raise/lower function of your Pulldozer’s blade to maintain your target grade. In practice, it works much like large construction grade-control systems, but in a simpler, farmer-friendly form. Just set your desired slope or target elevation, and as you drive, Ditch Assist automatically adjusts the blade height to stay on grade – whether you’re cutting a shallow drainage ditch across a field or leveling out high spots and potholes. The system works with any hydraulically operated land-shaping blade (pull-type or 3-point), essentially transforming any Pulldozer-style implement into a precision grading machine.

What about blade tilt? Many Pulldozer blades feature hydraulic tilt or twin lift cylinders to cut sloped channels or V-ditches. Ditch Assist takes charge of the blade’s vertical movement while allowing you to control tilt manually as needed. This means you can set the blade tilt or side angle to your preference (for example, tipping one end down to form a slight ditch slope) and Ditch Assist will independently manage the blade’s height to ensure you cut at the correct grade. You get the best of both worlds: automated grade consistency and manual tilt control for fine-tuning. By handling the critical vertical adjustments for grade, Ditch Assist frees you from constant manual tweaking, so you can focus on steering and tilt to shape the land as desired.

👉 Interested in upgrading your Pulldozer or Land Leveler? Get a Quote or Free Consultation and discover how easily Ditch Assist can fit your operation.

Universal RTK GPS Compatibility – Use Any Receiver You Have

Achieving consistent grade on broad fields requires precision, and Ditch Assist is built to leverage high-accuracy RTK GPS positioning (sub-inch level) for superior results. The best part? It’s completely GPS-agnostic. You can pair Ditch Assist with any RTK GPS receiver or guidance system you already have on your tractor – whether it’s John Deere, Trimble, Topcon, AgLeader, Outback, or others. There are no brand lock-ins or special unlock codes needed to get full functionality. Ditch Assist simply listens to the NMEA position output from your receiver to maintain grade. If you don’t yet have an RTK GPS, we can recommend affordable options (like the Emlid Reach RS3) to get you started. The bottom line is that Ditch Assist offers Pulldozer grade control with whatever GPS equipment you prefer, saving you money and preserving the investment you’ve already made in guidance systems.

Plug-and-Play Installation on Any Tractor & Blade

You don’t need to be an engineer or modify your equipment to install Ditch Assist – it’s designed for quick, plug-and-play setup on virtually any tractor and Pulldozer blade. The Ditch Assist Full Automation Kit includes a rugged proportional hydraulic valve, bracket, and all necessary hoses and fittings. This valve simply tees into your blade’s existing hydraulic lift circuit. Mount the valve using the supplied bracket (either on the implement frame or on your tractor hitch) and connect the hoses to the blade’s lift cylinders – that’s it. There’s no complicated wiring harness to snake through your tractor cab: the Ditch Assist valve module communicates wirelessly with the cab-mounted control tablet, meaning minimal wiring and hassle-free setup.

Most users can install Ditch Assist on their Pulldozer blade in an afternoon and be up and running. The system is powered from the tractor’s 12V outlet, and the included mounting mast lets you quickly attach the GPS antenna and Ditch Assist sensor to the blade. Because everything is modular, you can easily move the Ditch Assist system from one implement to another or to a different tractor when needed. For example, you might use it on your Pulldozer for spring field shaping, then transfer it to a scraper or tile plow later – all without permanent modifications. Plug-and-play design means Ditch Assist fits into your operation seamlessly, and it’s just as easy to remove when you want to use the blade in manual mode or on a different rig.

Universal Hydraulic Valve – One Kit Fits All Blade Models

At the heart of Ditch Assist is its universal hydraulic control valve, which makes the magic of automatic grade control possible. Unlike proprietary add-ons that only fit specific models, the Ditch Assist valve is one kit that works with any Pulldozer blade configuration – fixed or tilt, pull-type or 3-point, old or new. The valve regulates the flow of hydraulic oil to your blade’s lift cylinders with precision, raising or lowering the blade in small increments to stay on grade. It’s compatible with both open and closed-center hydraulic systems and is built to handle the demands of heavy earthmoving equipment.

Maintain Manual Control Anytime: The Ditch Assist valve features a built-in hydraulic bypass circuit that guarantees you retain full manual control of the blade whenever you need it. If you want to take over or make a quick adjustment, simply use your tractor’s hydraulics as normal – the system will never fight you. This safety feature means you can always override or fine-tune the blade position on the fly, and it prevents any single-point failure from ever locking up your hydraulics. You get peace of mind knowing the automation is 100% optional at all times – engage it when you want grade assistance, or flip to manual control instantly if needed.

Because the Ditch Assist valve and control module are self-contained and not tied to a specific tractor, you can use one Ditch Assist kit on multiple implements or tractors. Many Pulldozer owners appreciate this flexibility: for instance, use Ditch Assist on your big 4WD tractor and blade for field leveling, then move it to a smaller tractor and blade for finishing a yard – the same kit adapts to both with no issues.

Fine-Tuning Performance for Any Blade Size

Every blade’s hydraulic system and weight is a little different – a compact 14-foot land plane will respond faster than a massive 24-foot Pulldozer dragging tons of soil. Ditch Assist gives you simple tools to fine-tune the automation for any size or model of blade. Through the Ditch Assist app’s settings, you can adjust the “Duty Cycle” (response sensitivity) to match your blade’s characteristics. Need smoother, slower corrections for a large, heavy blade? Just dial the duty cycle down slightly. Running a smaller, quick-responding blade? You can increase the responsiveness. These easy adjustments ensure that Ditch Assist maintains grade accurately without oscillation or overshooting, regardless of your blade’s hydraulic speed. The result is steady, precise control whether you’re operating a smaller 3-point grader blade or the biggest pull-type Pulldozer on the market.

Additionally, Ditch Assist’s intelligent algorithms and features like Auto-Depth Control prevent common issues such as cutting too deep too fast. For example, the system can limit maximum cut depth per pass (via a feature called Auto Nudge) so that your tractor isn’t over-taxed and soil is removed gradually for a smooth finish. This level of refinement means even first-time users get professional results, and experienced operators can tweak performance to their liking.

High-Flow Option for the Largest Implements

While the standard Ditch Assist hydraulic valve is more than capable for the majority of Pulldozer blades and farm scrapers, we know some users push the limits with extra-large implements or faster grading speeds. For those running the widest or heaviest Pulldozer blades (or if you simply want the fastest response possible), an optional high-flow valve upgrade is available. This high-flow configuration allows greater oil throughput, ensuring snappy lift reactions even under very high load or on big cylinders. In Western Canada, most 16–18 ft blades and typical 4-wheel-drive tractors work great with the standard valve. But if you have a 24 ft mega-blade or a unique hydraulic setup that could benefit from higher flow, we’ve got you covered – just ask us about the high-flow upgrade. With Ditch Assist, one size truly fits all, from small leveling blades to giant earthmovers, because we make sure you have the right hydraulic capacity for your needs.

Real-World Applications: Surface Drainage, Field Regrading, and More

Pulldozer-style blades are incredibly versatile, and Ditch Assist unlocks their full potential in Western Canada field applications and beyond. Here are some common ways farmers and landowners are using Ditch Assist with their blades to improve land and water management:

• Correcting Field Slope & Eliminating Low Spots: In the Prairies, even slight depressions can collect water and damage crops. With a Pulldozer blade controlled by Ditch Assist, you can reshape your field’s surface slope to ensure water sheds off uniformly. The system helps automatically cut down high spots and fill low spots according to the grade you set, eliminating ponding areas and improving yields.

• Shallow Ditching for Surface Drainage: Need to drain a large flat field or connect potholes to an outlet? Pulldozer blades excel at cutting wide, shallow drainage ditches that guide water off fields without leaving steep-banked trenches. Ditch Assist keeps your blade on the target slope (for example, a 0.1% downhill grade) as you cut these ditches, so water will consistently flow where you want it. The result is a smooth, gradual channel that field equipment can easily cross later.

• Land Leveling & Land Reclamation: Many producers use Pulldozer land shapers to reclaim unproductive land – for instance, leveling old slough bottoms or smoothing out eroded knolls. Ditch Assist automates the heavy lifting in these projects, whether you’re leveling an entire quarter section or just fixing rough spots. It ensures each pass cuts or fills to the right depth, leaving a seedbed-ready finish perfect for seeding or irrigating.

• Water Diversion and Berm Removal: With precise grade control, you can efficiently build subtle berms or terraces to divert water, or just as easily remove unwanted berms and ridges that have accumulated (like old terrace banks or headlands). Ditch Assist guides your blade to cut at just the right height to either construct gentle mounds or shave them off flush with the surrounding grade.

• Yard Grading and Site Preparation: Beyond open farm fields, Ditch Assist is a huge time-saver for leveling farmyard sites, building pads, driveways, irrigation canals, and more. If you’re preparing a yard for construction or smoothing a gravel road, attaching your Pulldozer blade to a smaller tractor with Ditch Assist will give you professional grading results without hiring outside equipment. Set a level or sloped grade in the app, and let the system automatically adjust the blade as you grade through the area – you’ll end up with a smooth, even surface ready for concrete, pavement, or planting.

From Saskatchewan grain fields to Alberta irrigation projects (and everywhere in between), Ditch Assist provides the accuracy and automation to get the job done right the first time. By maintaining the proper grade throughout your pass, it eliminates the guesswork and constant re-work – saving you time, fuel, and labor on every project.

Key Advantages – Why Choose Ditch Assist for Pulldozer and Land Leveler Automation?

Choosing a grade control solution for your Pulldozer or land leveling blade is an important decision. Here’s how Ditch Assist stands apart and why it’s the ideal choice for automating blade work:

• Simplicity & Ease of Use: Ditch Assist is designed for farmers first. The interface is intuitive and runs on a standard Android tablet, so you don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it. Create a target slope or enter a desired grade with a few taps, and let the system take over the blade adjustments. Unlike complex survey-grade systems, there are no complicated menus or overwhelming features – just the core tools you need to grade efficiently. This simplicity means you can train anyone to use it in minutes, and you’ll avoid the frustration that often comes with overly complicated equipment.

• No Unlocks, Subscriptions, or Hidden Fees: With Ditch Assist, what you see is what you get. All advanced grade automation features (including our Slope-IQ™ best-fit design mode) are included out-of-the-box. There are no annual subscription fees for software and no expensive unlock codes required to enable capabilities. Competitor systems often nickel-and-dime you for additional features or ongoing service plans – Ditch Assist’s philosophy is buy it once, use it forever. Your only ongoing cost is an RTK correction signal for your GPS (if you don’t run your own base station), and even for that there are free options available. This transparent, one-time investment approach makes Ditch Assist the affordable choice for growers and contractors.

• GPS-Agnostic Flexibility: Ditch Assist works with any brand of GPS that supports RTK accuracy, so you can integrate it into your existing guidance setup easily. You’re not forced to buy a specific GPS brand or subscribe to a certain network – Ditch Assist will happily take input from the GPS you already own. This flexibility not only saves money, but also means you can use Ditch Assist across mixed fleets or when upgrading GPS receivers in the future. It’s a truly open platform for grade control.

• Easy to Install, Transfer, and Share: The Ditch Assist system is highly portable. You can install it on one Pulldozer blade today, and move it to another blade or machine tomorrow with minimal downtime. Many operations with multiple implements choose Ditch Assist for this reason – one kit can service many needs. For example, use it in spring on your Pulldozer blade for field drainage work, then come summer switch it over to your rotary ditcher or scraper for other projects. The quick-connect hydraulic fittings and wireless control make it straightforward to swap the system around. Even between tractors, you can transfer Ditch Assist in under an hour, making it a versatile asset for your whole farm or business.

• Proven Performance & Support: Ditch Assist has been field-proven on Western Canadian farms since 2014, engineered by drainage experts who understand real-world farming challenges. It’s built tough to handle dusty, bumpy field conditions season after season. And behind the product is a dedicated support team – you can count on prompt, knowledgeable help if you have questions about setup or operation. Our goal is to ensure you get maximum benefit from the system, and we’re here to assist every step of the way.

By choosing Ditch Assist for your Pulldozer blade, you’re investing in a solution that is simple, cost-effective, universally compatible, and backed by real farming know-how. It’s grade control designed to make your life easier and your projects more successful.