June 2013, Vol. 68, No. 6
Equipment Spotlight
American Augers Unveils Mid-Sized Rig
American Augers has introduced a new mid-sized horizontal directional drill, the model DD-155T.
The 155,000-pound pullback machine fits between the DD-110 and DD-220 models in the American Augers directional drill lineup. The new model made its international launch at the Bauma International Trade Fair for Construction in Munich, Germany in April and is available now.
“The DD-155T is designed for efficiency in noise level, fuel consumption, entry angle and torque,” said Dan Sharpe, American Augers director of sales and marketing. “It has big-rig features that you just don’t find in this size of rig.”
In addition to 155,000 pounds thrust and pullback, the DD-155T develops 30,000 foot pounds of torque, has a steep, 22-degree entry angle and a small footprint for working in confined spaces.
“No other machine in the industry has these features,” said Sharpe. “We expect this rig will be used in congested urban areas as well as mountainous areas where a small foot print and steep entry angles are important. This machine will be working on a variety of jobs from large-diameter water lines to gas pipeline projects.”
Defining design
Sharpe said the machine’s design is based on extensive research to identify user needs in North American and international markets.
“The market was asking for a rig that was easy to transport, had a small foot print, that could go into the ground at a steep entry angle and that also delivered a high degree of toque,” said Sharpe. “Other big issues were noise and fuel costs. We worked with CAT and our hydraulics suppliers to make this machine run quieter and improve fuel economy. With the much-improved hydraulic components and the efficient way we use the engine, we were able to achieve the high torque and push/pull that our customers desired.”
In part, the compact size is achieved by not incorporating an on-board fluid pump.
“This size rig typically will require a 300 gpm or larger mud pump and to mount that size of pump on the machine would require a much larger diesel engine, thus having a much larger foot print,” said Sharpe.
At Bauma, the DD-155T was very well received, Sharpe added.
“Like all our other rigs, it is built to international specifications, so it has the CE European compliance mark,” he continued. “It is 2.4 meters (98 inches) wide. This drill rig has huge opportunity to work in Europe’s urban areas.”
Based in West Salem, OH, American Augers has served the underground construction industry since 1970. The company’s product line includes mid-size and large horizontal directional drills and downhole tools, drilling fluid mixing and recirculation systems, and auger boring equipment.
FOR MORE INFO:
American Augers, (800) 324-4930, www.americanaugers.com
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