Simple. Affordable. Grade Control™
Precision RTK GPS Grade Control and Guidance for Every Machine

Explore the Ditch Assist™ Product Line: Ditch Assist, Ditch Assist X & Ditch Assist DIG
Keep scrolling to discover the ideal RTK grade control solution for your needs

Simple Affordable RTK Grade Control for Scrapers, Ditchers, Blades, & Plows



Pull-Type Scraper Grade Control

Wolverine Ditcher™ Grade Control

Pulldozer™ Grade Control

Revolution Ditcher™ Grade Control

Land Leveler Grade Control

T-REX Ditcher™ Grade Control

Tile Plow Grade Control

Universal Hydraulic Control – Any Implement, Any Tractor

Works with ANY Brand of RTK GPS. Low Cost RTK Options Available

Wireless between Implement and Cab – Simple Setup & Easy to Move

Intuitive App-Based User Interface. Runs on Standard Android Tablets

Slope-IQ™: Create Best-Fit or Fully Customizable Drainage Designs

Import Advanced 3D Landforming Designs from OptiSurface™, AgForm 3D™, and Ezigrade™

Create Level Areas for Construction Projects like Bin Sites and Outbuildings

NEW: Create Complete Drainage Designs in Geo-Surface.com & Implement them with Ditch Assist

Ditch Assist X: Excavator & Backhoe Grade Guidance– Powered by Ditch Assist™



Add Excavator Guidance to your existing Ditch Assist™ system—or bundle X with our Guidance-Only Kit for a complete RTK grade control solution

RTK GPS + Stick and Bone Inclination Sensors Compute Accurate Bucket Elevation at Any Digging Position


Suitable for Any Size of Excavator or Backhoe

IP69K Potted Ultra Rugged Inclination Sensors for Accurate Bucket Elevation at Any Digging Position on Any Project

Visual and Audible on-Grade Guidance in Real-Time as you Work. No Need to Stop to Check Grade

Utilize the Familiar Ditch Assist App. Dig Simple Straight Grades, or Best-Fit and Custom Designs using Slope-IQ


Ditch Assist DIG: The Simplest On-Grade Guidance System for Excavators You’ll Ever Use


Ditch Assist DIG is ideal if you don’t need the full Ditch Assist system but want a reliable, accurate way to dig on grade using RTK GPS

Combines RTK GPS with High Accuracy Inclination Sensors for Precise Bucket Elevation Calculation

Rugged IP67 Rated Inclination Sensors provide High Accuracy and Durability

Works with ANY Brand of RTK GPS. Low Cost RTK Options Available

Runs in your Web Browser on Any Device. Use a Tablet, Laptop, or iPad. Simple One-Screen Operation

Wi-Fi Communications Between DIG Controller and Tablet – No Wires to Route into the Cab

Ideal for Digging Simple Grades – just Enter a Grade and Start Working

Ditch Assist Grade Control Systems for Scrapers, Excavators & More
Ditch Assist™ is a trusted brand of Northern Plains Drainage Systems, proudly engineered and manufactured in Manitoba, Canada. Providing simple, affordable, and precise RTK GPS grade control solutions, Ditch Assist helps farmers, contractors, and landowners across North America, Latin America, and beyond maintain accurate grades on every drainage and land leveling project. The original Ditch Assist system automates grade control for scrapers, ditchers, blades, and plows, simplifying farm drainage and land leveling. For excavator operators, Ditch Assist X™ expands capabilities with seamless grade control integration, while Ditch Assist DIG™ offers a standalone, laser-free solution for precise, hassle-free excavator guidance. Built by drainage and agriculture technology experts, right here in Manitoba, Ditch Assist is designed for real-world performance, reliability, and ease of use.
Why Choose Ditch Assist™?
Field-Proven Reliability. Local Expertise You Can Trust.
Drainage and grading mistakes cost valuable time, money, and productivity—don’t take risks with unproven solutions. Since 2014, Ditch Assist™, developed and built by Northern Plains Drainage Systems, has delivered consistent, dependable RTK grade control for drainage, land-leveling, and excavation projects across North and South America. Our systems blend years of practical field experience with continuous input from farmers, contractors, and operators to deliver solutions that work reliably in real-world conditions.
With Ditch Assist, you’re backed by the industry’s most knowledgeable dealers and ongoing support from the very people who engineered and built your system.
Key Benefits:
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Proven Reliability: Trusted performance, field-tested since 2014.
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Built by Drainage Experts: Engineered and manufactured by real people who understand your needs.
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Continuous Innovation: Regular updates and improvements driven by real-world customer feedback.
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Exceptional Dealer Support: Local, expert product knowledge at every step.
Which Version of Ditch Assist do you Need?

Ditch Assist™: RTK Grade Control for Scrapers, Ditchers, Blades, and Levelers
Ditch Assist™ is the ideal RTK GPS grade control system for precision surface drainage, land leveling, and farm drainage design. Engineered and built in Manitoba, Canada, it integrates with a wide range of earth-moving equipment including all hydraulically operated pull-type scrapers, rotary ditchers like the Wolverine Ditcher™, Eagle Ditcher™, and T-REX Ditcher™, land levelers and blades like Pulldozer™, and many more. Ditch Assist may also be used to control grade on many pitch and cantiliver Tile Plows, including the Soil-Max Stealth ZD™. Whether you’re operating a land-leveling scraper, box blade, grader blade, or rotary ditcher, Ditch Assist automates machine control to maintain accurate grade and consistent drainage results. Replace outdated laser leveling systems with reliable, easy-to-use RTK machine control technology, maximizing your productivity and minimizing downtime on drainage and grading projects.
Ideal for:
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Farmers and contractors using pull-type scrapers, rotary ditchers, land leveling blades, or tile plows.
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Projects requiring precise surface drainage control, field leveling, and automated grade control.

Ditch Assist X™: Advanced Grade Guidance for Excavators and Backhoes
Ditch Assist X™ is an add-on to the original Ditch Assist system, designed to provide real-time grade guidance for excavators and backhoes. Utilizing RTK GPS and machine-mounted sensors, it offers operators precise information on bucket elevation, ensuring accurate digging without the need for manual grade checks or laser setups. This system is particularly beneficial for tasks requiring meticulous excavation, such as trenching and foundation work.
Ideal for:
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Operators who already use Ditch Assist and wish to extend its capabilities to excavators or backhoes.
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Excavation projects demanding high precision and real-time grade feedback.

Ditch Assist DIG™: Standalone RTK Grade Control for Excavators
Ditch Assist DIG™ offers a standalone, user-friendly solution for excavator grade control, serving as an efficient alternative to traditional laser systems. It provides accurate, real-time grade guidance through a web-based interface accessible on various devices, eliminating the need for complex installations or additional hardware. This system is ideal for operators seeking a straightforward method to achieve precise on-grade digging without integrating into existing Ditch Assist setups.
Ideal for:
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Excavator operators requiring a simple, standalone grade control system.
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Users looking to replace or upgrade from traditional laser-based grade control methods.
The Differences between Ditch Assist X and DIG


Understanding the Two Systems
Having two excavator grade guidance systems may seem confusing at first—but each is designed to serve different needs. Here’s how they compare:

Ditch Assist X
Ditch Assist X is engineered as an add-on to the original Ditch Assist system. It’s perfect for users who want to expand their system’s capabilities beyond surface drainage to include excavator and backhoe guidance.
Key benefits include:
- Advanced Survey & Design: Using the familiar Ditch Assist app, Ditch Assist X lets you import a survey of your proposed route and leverage Slope-IQ™ to create best-fit or fully customized designs—including curved routes, which traditional laser systems can’t handle.
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Integrated Functionality: It works seamlessly with your existing Ditch Assist Control Module. For excavator applications, you’ll need the Ditch Assist Guidance Only Kit plus the Ditch Assist X Kit. If you plan to use the system on both surface machines (scrapers, ditchers, blades) and excavators, the Full Automation Kit is recommended.
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Enhanced Features: Enjoy features like on-screen mapping, Auto Nudge for precise cut depths, and the ability to import design files that include survey heights and target elevations.

Ditch Assist DIG
Ditch Assist DIG was developed as a standalone, streamlined solution for excavator grade control. It’s ideal for users who only require a simple, reliable method to dig to grade—without the advanced features of Ditch Assist X.
Key benefits include:
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Simplicity: DIG is designed for straightforward, straight-line grade control. Simply enter your target grade, set your reference point, and start digging—the system automatically computes the grade based on a straight-line survey back to your start.
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Ease of Use: Featuring a one-screen, web-based interface accessible on any device via Wi-Fi, DIG is incredibly easy to operate.
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No Additional System Needed: DIG works independently, so you don’t need to invest in the full Ditch Assist system if your focus is solely on excavation.
Common Capabilities
Both systems are 2D solutions focused on guiding you to the correct ditch or trench bottom, not on managing side slopes or other landforming elements.
They both allow you to:
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Achieve a fixed depth or elevation for flat areas, such as a basement or pad.
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Check and maintain grade between two points in a straight line, with the option to implement grade breaks.
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Benefit from wireless connectivity and simplified installation procedures.
I’m a farmer with both a scraper and an excavator. I’d like to use both for field drainage work and some construction projects where I need to create level areas. What do you recommend?
I don’t own Ditch Assist, and don’t see that I’d need it for surface grading with a scraper. But I see a need to have the ability to survey a run and create a custom design to dig to. What do I need to buy?
I am looking for something to replace a laser when digging to grade. I mostly dig trenches and level areas. I just want something simple so I can focus on being as productive as possible. Do you have any suggestions?
Bottom Line
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Choose Ditch Assist X if you need advanced functionality—such as the ability to grade curved routes, import complex design files, and integrate with your existing Ditch Assist system for multiple applications (surface drainage, land leveling, and excavation).
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Choose Ditch Assist DIG if you prefer a simple, standalone solution solely for excavator on-grade guidance. It’s ideal if you need an effective laser replacement without the extra bells and whistles.
Still not sure which system fits your needs? Contact us, and we’ll help you decide whether the full capabilities of Ditch Assist X or the streamlined simplicity of Ditch Assist DIG will provide the best value for your projects.
Detailed Comparisons: Ditch Assist X and DIG
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Ditch Assist X: Integrated Excavation and Surface Drainage Control
Ditch Assist X is the versatile choice for contractors, farmers, and land managers who need comprehensive GPS grade control capabilities for excavation and surface drainage projects. As an extension of the original Ditch Assist platform (required for operation), Ditch Assist X seamlessly integrates with your existing machinery, simplifying operations across multiple tasks.
Key Features of Ditch Assist X:
- Versatility: One system handles both precision excavation and surface drainage.
- Broad GPS Compatibility: Works with virtually any RTK GPS receiver outputting standard NMEA via RS232.
- Android-Based App: Familiar, intuitive operation via the proven Ditch Assist Android App on a dedicated tablet.
- Advanced Survey & Design Capabilities:
- Straight or curved route surveying.
- Best-fit design generation based on surveyed data.
- Import custom 3D line designs.
- Export survey data and job coverage reports.
- GPS Power Supply: Provides power directly to most RTK GPS receivers.
- Elevation Calibration: GPS elevations can be calibrated against benchmarks and survey points.
- Sensor Robustness: IP69K-rated sensors, fully potted within a rugged aluminum shell, ideal for extreme environmental conditions.
Ideal For:
- Existing or prospective Ditch Assist users who want to expand capabilities efficiently.
- Users needing both excavation and advanced drainage design features.
- Operators requiring compatibility with diverse RTK GPS brands and systems.
- Projects requiring detailed surveys, custom designs, and flexible data handling.
- Applications demanding rugged, highly robust sensors.
Ditch Assist DIG: Standalone Grade Control for Excavation
Ditch Assist DIG offers a simplified, standalone solution exclusively for excavators and backhoes of any size. With streamlined functionality and straightforward operation, DIG delivers precise bucket guidance for excavation tasks without unnecessary complexity.
Key Features of Ditch Assist DIG:
- Simplicity & Accuracy: Provides accurate, real-time grade guidance specifically for straightforward excavation tasks.
- Universal RTK GPS Compatibility: Connects via cable to virtually any RTK GPS receiver outputting NMEA via RS232.
- Wireless Operation: Wireless connection between DIG ECU and operator’s device; no cab wiring required.
- Web-Based User Interface: Operate DIG effortlessly through any web browser on Windows, iOS, or Android devices.
- Core Excavation Functionality:
- Dig-to-grade capability from a defined starting depth.
- Easily set and adjust grade breaks during excavation.
- Simple straight-line surveying between two points.
- GPS Power Supply: Powers RTK GPS receivers directly through DIG cabling.
- Sensor Robustness: IP67-rated sensors, anti-vibration/shock-mounted within fully enclosed ruggedized aluminum housing suitable for most excavation tasks.
Important Considerations:
- Limited surveying capabilities: Does not support curved route surveying or advanced design import/export.
- No elevation calibration: Elevations are relative to the chosen start point only.
Ideal For:
- Contractors and operators focused solely on excavation.
- Users who prefer a straightforward, standalone system with quick and easy setup.
- Projects where advanced drainage design functionality is not required.
Ditch Assist X | Ditch Assist DIG | |
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System Type | Integrated (requires Ditch Assist) | Standalone (no other system required) |
GPS Compatibility | Any NMEA RTK GPS (serial) | Any NMEA RTK GPS (serial) |
User Interface Type | Android tablet app | Web App (runs via web browser on any device) |
Wireless from Machine to Cab | Yes | Yes |
Straight Line Grades & Grade Breaks | Yes | Yes |
Curved Route & Best-Fit Designs | Yes | No |
Simple Straight-Line Surveying | Yes | Yes |
Mapping Capabilities | Yes | No |
Survey Data Export & Import 3D Designs | Yes | No |
GPS Elevation Calibration | Yes (benchmarks/surveys) | No (relative to start depth) |
Supplies GPS Power | Yes (supported receivers) | Yes (supported receivers) |
Sensor Protection Rating | IP69K (fully potted) – high-pressure wash resistant | IP67 (anti-vibration mount) – dust-proof & water resistant up to 1m |
Rugged Aluminum Sensor Housing | Yes | Yes |
Revolutionize Your Operations with Ditch Assist: The Ultimate Grade Control Solution
Farmers, contractors, and construction professionals: are you ready to upgrade from outdated drainage and grade control systems that consume time and resources? Ditch Assist offers a comprehensive solution designed to simplify your workflow and enhance productivity.
Engineered with Expertise, Built for Performance
Developed by the specialists at Northern Plains Drainage Systems in Manitoba, Canada, Ditch Assist provides precise RTK GPS grade control tailored to your equipment:
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Ditch Assist™: Ideal for pull-type scrapers, rotary ditchers, land levelers, and tile plows, this system automates blade adjustments to maintain accurate grades, streamlining surface drainage, land leveling, and tile drainage projects.
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Ditch Assist X™: An expansion of the original system, Ditch Assist X brings real-time grade guidance to excavators and backhoes, ensuring precise digging without the need for manual grade checks or laser setups.
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Ditch Assist DIG™: A standalone, user-friendly solution for excavator grade control, Ditch Assist DIG serves as an efficient alternative to traditional laser systems, offering accurate, real-time grade guidance through a web-based interface accessible on various devices.
Embrace Versatility and Efficiency
Whether you’re creating ditches, leveling fields, shaping land, or installing tile drainage, Ditch Assist adapts to your needs. Compatible with a wide range of machinery, regardless of brand or age, it integrates seamlessly with your existing tractors, implements, and GPS systems. Transitioning between implements is effortless, empowering you to tackle any project with confidence.
Innovative Technology at Your Fingertips
Ditch Assist eliminates the need for expensive bundled displays by utilizing a free Android app on a 10-inch tablet, providing an intuitive interface that simplifies operation. Updates are straightforward, ensuring you always have the latest features without the hassle of manual downloads or USB sticks.
Unparalleled Support
Our knowledgeable dealers are committed to providing exceptional support and guidance, ensuring you maximize the benefits of your Ditch Assist system.
Choose Ditch Assist Today
Upgrade to Ditch Assist and experience a new level of efficiency and precision in your operations.
For more information, call us at 1-877-354-2899.