Portable bursting system

With the ability to burst and replace 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-inch sewer pipes of virtually any material, the UnderTaker System from Spartan Tool includes a 30-ton puller unit, 4- and 6-inch bursting heads, a 2- to 6-inch fusion machine, a hydraulic power supply and a length of 3/4-inch swedged wire rope. The system breaks down into portable components, allowing its use in basements, manholes, and small entry pits. It pulls new HDPE pipe into position behind the bursting head, providing seamless transitions between old pipe and the newly installed line. 800/435-3866; www.spartantool.com.

 

Updated bursting unit

The V24 pipe bursting system from TRIC Tools is a low-pressure 2,500 to 3,000 psi unit that can be powered with a dedicated hydraulic pump or by a backhoe as an auxiliary attachment. It pulls the pipe-bursting cable in line with the pipe being replaced, eliminating the pulley base and separate resistance plate in the original TRIC configuration. The open cable path remains, allowing easy engagement and disengagement of the bursting cable. Designed to accommodate up to 3/4-inch cable and replace up to 6-inch sewer lines, the system also allows the bursting head to be pulled past the cylinder base plate for easier extraction at the end of a job. 888/883-8742; www.trictools.com.

 

Directional drill

The EarthPro DD4045 horizontal directional drill from Astec Underground delivers 40,000 pounds of thrust/pullback and 4,500 foot-pounds of rotary torque. Its two-speed carriage decreases cycle time when adding and removing pipe from the spindle at 140 feet per minute maximum. It has a Cummins QSB4.5 turbocharged Tier 3 Stage IIIA diesel and charge air-cooled engine that produces 156 hp.

A multifunction color LCD display provides a clear view of drill performance and functions even in bright sunlight. Dual joystick control helps reduce operator fatigue and increase efficiency. Cruise control is standard. 800/527-6020; www.astecunderground.com.

 

Slide rail system

The Slide Rail Shoring System from American Shoring can be used in a number of configurations, including for the bore pits commonly used to bore under roadways, streams or other obstacles. The sheeting system can be used at depths up to 30 feet and is installed with an excavator with no need for special equipment. The system can also be equipped with a doghouse panel to accommodate the casing pipe. 800/407-4674; www.americanshoring.com.

 

Lateral boring control

The ON Target auger boring system steering head from McLaughlin Boring Systems lets contractors control horizontal directional changes and also allows for lateral changes. Until now, steering heads offered only horizontal or grade (up and down) direction changes during the bore. Now they can also control the direction of the bore in a lateral (left to right) movement, providing more accuracy for difficult on-grade bores.

The cutting path (grade and lateral movement) of the steering head is controlled by hydraulic actuated panels that open and close to keep the head on the intended path. A control station uses a hydraulic power pack to control the movement of the steering head, and a built-in water level helps monitor grade throughout the bore. Two halogen lights in the control station indicate lateral steering head movements. 800/435-9340; www.mightymole.com.

 

Bit for rocky terrain

The Eagle Claw HDD bit from Melfred Borzall is made for hard, rocky soil conditions. Three hardened steel carbide cutter teeth on the front cut through hard soils, including sandstone and cobbles. The cutter teeth are quick and easy to change out, allowing different tooth styles to accommodate varied job conditions.

The bit body and carbide buttons precisely placed on the leading edge of the bit minimize wear. The conical steering face quickly reacts to directional pushes, and the beveled back-end with carbide protection make tripping out easier. The bit runs smoothly, cutting down vibration to the drill stem and drill rig. Wrench-flats make it easy to thread the bit onto side-load or high-flow housings. Available in 6 1/2-, 5-1/2-, 5-, 4 1/4-, and 3 1/2-inch cut sizes for rigs from 7,000 to 150,000 pounds. 800/833-1252; www.melfredborzall.com.