Mastenbroek Bulldog Compact Trencher Makes Its Mark at bauma
bauma 2025 has already delivered its fair share of excitement, but one machine in particular is stealing the spotlight: Mastenbroek’s latest innovation, The Bulldog.
Making its European debut at the Mastenbroek stand (B5.219), this compact yet power-packed trencher is grabbing the attention of utility contractors and industry leaders alike. And for good reason.
Visitors to bauma aren’t just seeing another machine on a plinth. They’re watching real job site footage of the Bulldog in action on a steep, winding road near Lakehead, Northern California. The machine is seen carving a clean, curved trench—1.1 metres deep and 25 centimetres wide—while transferring spoil straight into an accompanying dump truck via its high-efficiency conveyor. It’s a sight to behold, and it sets the tone for what this new breed of trencher promises: speed, precision, and versatility.
Designed for the US, Now Impressing the World
Originally built for the American market, the Bulldog was developed in response to the growing demand for nimble, high-performing trenchers that can take on tight jobsites with ease. Mastenbroek collaborated with Ditch Witch West and Port Industries to crack into the North American utility sector, which is under pressure to deliver fast undergrounding projects due to wildfires and ageing power lines.
Cox & Cox Construction, a seasoned Californian underground utility firm founded in 1980, was first in line to test the Bulldog. After placing an order in mid-2024, the company took delivery of the production model late that year. By January 2025, it was already trenching 50 miles of cable routes through tricky terrain. And the feedback?
“The Bulldog is a game changer!” says Buddy Cox, President of Cox & Cox Construction. “It undergrounds so quickly and so cleanly. It’s fast, easy to mobilise and deploy, and produces an accurate trench, even on uneven, narrow roads.”
Buddy was especially impressed with the comfort of the cab, the intuitive layout of controls, and the conveyor system that he boldly calls “the best on the market.” According to him, it’s the fastest and most capable trencher in its class.
A Technological Powerhouse in a Compact Frame
Dig a little deeper (pun intended), and it’s clear that the Bulldog isn’t just a smaller version of an existing machine—it’s a meticulously engineered solution. Mastenbroek borrowed proven technology from its European-favourite 17/17 model but added innovations specifically for the American landscape.
Let’s break down the specs:
- Length: 10.9 metres (38 ft 7 in)
- Transport Width: 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in)
- Weight: 21,300kg (47,000 lbs) — a massive 6,800kg lighter than its closest rival
- Engine: Volvo 8-litre, US EPA Tier 4 Final compliant
- Power: 248 bhp
- Trench Depth: Up to 1.5 metres (5 ft)
- Trench Width Options: 10 and 18 inches, quickly interchangeable
What makes it particularly clever is its new diesel hydrostatic drive system. This powers a heftier digging mechanism and transfers energy efficiently thanks to Mastenbroek’s balanced weight distribution. The result? Maximum productivity with minimal fuss.
Built to Dig Smarter, Not Harder
One standout feature is the offset cutting head, which uses rotary carbide digging picks. These offer smooth rotation, reduced wear, and longer operational life—music to the ears of contractors managing maintenance budgets. And thanks to the conveyor system, spoil is transferred efficiently without littering the trench, helping contractors leave behind a tidy site and move on quickly to the next job.
From a productivity standpoint, that’s a huge win. But it also plays into broader industry needs for environmental responsibility and clean working practices, especially on projects near protected ecosystems or residential areas.
Meeting Market Demands, One Trench at a Time
Cox & Cox’s decision to invest in the Bulldog wasn’t made on a whim. In 2023, Buddy Cox recognised that his fleet needed a smaller, faster machine to compete for undergrounding contracts increasingly demanding agile solutions.
His long-standing relationship with Ditch Witch West and Port Industries—both instrumental in bringing the Bulldog stateside—gave him the confidence to bet on Mastenbroek. And it paid off.
“We’re leaving a really clean surface, and we can cut at both ten and 18 inches, with the flexibility to change over very quickly,” Buddy adds. “The Bulldog is certainly the fastest and best trencher in its class.”
That’s high praise from a firm that runs ten US-built machines and has been trenching through the American West for over four decades.
Mastenbroek’s Vision
For Mastenbroek, the Bulldog isn’t just another addition to their line-up—it’s a reflection of the company’s broader vision.
As Christopher Pett, Commercial Director at Mastenbroek, puts it: “The Bulldog has been inspired by the unique challenges faced by North American contractors looking to install underground cables as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Mastenbroek has a tradition of innovation and developing solutions that meet our customer’s needs, and the Bulldog continues that.”
Indeed, this isn’t the first time Mastenbroek has disrupted the industry. With decades of engineering excellence under its belt, the company has built a reputation for crafting specialist trenchers tailored to the evolving needs of contractors around the globe.
And bauma is just the beginning. With interest growing and footage from Lakehead making waves across the industry, the Bulldog is well positioned to expand its reach throughout Europe, the US, and beyond.
Where to Catch the Bulldog in Action
Those attending bauma still have time to check out Mastenbroek’s stand (B5.219) and witness the Bulldog in action on screen. It’s a chance to see for yourself how this machine is redefining what compact trenchers can do.
The Future Is Trenching Forward
As bauma 2025 continues to showcase what’s next in construction innovation, Mastenbroek’s Bulldog is standing out not just for its capabilities, but for its story—a story of collaboration, adaptation, and forward-thinking engineering.
Compact yet mighty, precise yet powerful, the Bulldog is more than just a trencher. It’s a testament to what’s possible when manufacturers listen closely to contractors and dare to build something entirely new.
