October 2010 Vol. 65 No. 10
Equipment Spotlight
Equipment Spotlight: Piercing Tools
Piercing tools from Ditch Witch, Footage Tools, TT Technologies, Allied Construction Products and Hudco Mfg.
Ditch Witch
HammerHead Mole strikers are milled from a solid piece of steel resulting in increased impact force and greater overall durability. A solid, one-piece striker features wear rings that eliminate metal-to-metal contact, decrease wear and help sustain a high level of performance. With a clamped rear anvil that provides 200 percent clamp load, the tool can run at an industry-best 110 psi for greater boring power. The Power Port quarter-turn reverse system fully locks into gear during operation to prevent accidental direction change during the bore. HammerHead Mole’s valve is designed to be flexible to prevent tool binding during operation. Replaceable Head piercing tools are designed for a wide range of soils and bore sizes, with models from 2- to 8-inches in diameter. 800.654.6481, www.ditchwitch.com
Footage Tools
All Big Shots (pneumatic piercing tools) are CNC machined to exact dimensional tolerances from a solid billet of nickel chromoly steel and fully heat treated for superior strength and wearability. The pistons are designed to withstand high impact conditions, are wear resistant and treated with an anti-corrosive phosphate coating. Big Shots are available in 2-, 2.5-, 3- and 4-inch diameters. Other features include an easily replaceable cartridge style shock absorber and a flexible air tube assembly to minimize internal deflection. 888.737.3668, www.footagetools.com
TT Technologies
The environmentally friendly Grundomat uses less air than other pneumatic piercing tools to provide a powerful, accurate bore. High air efficiency means smaller, more fuel-efficient air compressors can be used to power the tool. In addition, the tool has minimal impact on the environment as it utilizes natural biodegradable lubricants. The Grundomat is ideal for electrical contractors and FTTH installations. Seventeen models, from 1 3/4 inches to 7 inches in diameter, are available for horizontal boring distances from 50 feet to 150 feet. 800.533.2078, www.tttechnologies.com
Allied Construction Products
The 1 7/8-inch class Model HH–46 underground piercing tool is an American-made, premium quality tool. The length to diameter ratio and one-piece body design combine to keep the Model HH–46 going straight to minimize deflection. The Model HH–46 is available with a standard non-threaded, pierced nose. It is designed to be smaller for shorter “shots” and to allow the excavation of a shorter entry and exit pit. The design is especially intended for the fiber optic industry in delivering high-bandwidth internet and superior video services to households. It has an outside diameter of 1.83 inches, operates on 10 cfm of air to develop an operating pressure of 110 psi and has a percussion rate of 625 blows per minute. Moving through compressible soils up to four feet per minute, the pneumatically operated Model HH–46 travels underneath obstructions such as roads, driveways, walks and foundations without disturbing existing surface structures and landscaping. In the event of impassable soil conditions, the new generation Hole-Hog has the patented Allied reverse mechanism. Allied’s positive-locking quarter-turn reverse not only permits easy change of direction, but will not slip unexpectedly into reverse. 800.321.1046, www.alliedcp.com
Hudco Mfg.
Hudco Piercing Tools travel under streets and roads while traffic flows uninterrupted. They have exceptional power to penetrate tough soils and move quickly. Contractors who install cable, pipe and wire underground use Hudco tools because of their performance, reliability and low cost. With over 30 years of experience, Hudco technology is responsible for producing the highest quality tools, parts and accessories. Hudco also has the unique capability to provide parts and repair service for many of the leading brands of piercing tools. 888.815.6559, www.hudcomfg.com
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