The advantages of horizontal boring attachments for mechanical earth drills
For parks and recreation departments, efficiency, precision, and safety are essential to successfully complete landscaping and grounds upgrades. However, tackling different drilling and horizontal boring jobs typically means investing in multiple specialized machines, and costs can add up quickly.
Luckily, solutions exist that allow crews to take on various projects with the same equipment package. Mechanical earth drills with innovative add-ons can tackle jobs such as installing landscape lighting and sprinkler systems as well as post-hole digging, without having to purchase multiple machines. Here’s how horizontal boring kits help grounds crews do more with less.
A Versatile Machine
Leading manufacturers offer mechanical earth drills that not only offer quick auger changeouts for multiple drilling jobs, but also are compatible with horizontal boring attachments. Customization options are important to maximize drilling versatility. Earth drills with various auger sizes, from 1.5-inch-diameter for soil sampling to 16-inch-diameter nursery augers, ensure that the drill is properly equipped for a specific task.
For maximum efficiency, look for a drill that allows for safe, simple, and efficient one-man operation. Some modern earth drills are lightweight but pack a punch with high-speed operation, reaching drilling speeds of up to 360 rpm for fast and clean drilling. Industry-leading drills feature a steel torque tube to protect users from dangerous kickback, allowing for safe one-man operation for fence installation, tree planting, and other landscaping projects.
Kit Options
Parks and recreation departments should also consider the scope of the horizontal boring jobs that crews will need to complete. Look for a drill that can easily pair with different types of horizontal boring kits by replacing the auger with the package’s attachments. For smaller projects, a package that allows quick boring up to 5 feet is useful for going underneath sidewalks, paths, or drainage ditches to easily install electrical, water, and plumbing lines. With a 3-inch-diameter auger and wiggle joint extension that are lightweight and easy to install, this option allows crews to bore underneath the concrete without damage, preserving surface integrity and eliminating the need for costly restoration and repair.
When taking on bigger jobs, the optimal attachment package allows boring up to 50 feet under wider spaces such as driveways, roads, and parking lots. This extended reach allows for more complex underground installations like irrigation systems, electrical conduit, or communication cables. An expandable design provides the flexibility to adjust the setup based on the desired bore length. Kits like this one often feature a water drill bit, swivel adapter, swivel assembly, and a horizontal drill key. To complete the setup, crews will also need a garden hose, a water pipe for the length of the bore plus 15 feet, and necessary couplings. The water from the hose runs through the water pipe to flush out the cuttings for a clean result. Like attachment packages for smaller jobs, these save time and money by keeping concrete and asphalt surfaces intact.
More Bang For Your Buck
So, for parks and recreation crews taking on a list of seasonal jobs, horizontal boring kits can turn a mechanical earth drill into a multifunctional workhorse. Instead of requiring multiple machines to tackle horizontal boring and drilling jobs, investing in one efficient equipment package is a cost-effective solution with rapid ROI.
About Little Beaver Inc.
Little Beaver has proudly manufactured quality, safe, and productive drilling equipment for three generations. With a full line of easy-to-operate equipment, along with a complete offering of accessories, including augers, extensions, points, and blades, Little Beaver effectively serves the needs of end-users from professional contractors to rental centers. For more information: Little Beaver, 2009 South Houston, Livingston, TX 77351; 800-227-7515; fax: 936-327-4025; sales@littlebeaver.com; www.littlebeaver.com; Facebook; and LinkedIn.
