Akkerman-McLaughlin Alliance Offers Unique Technology

McLaughlin Group Inc., of Greenville, S.C., recently added Akkerman’s guidedboring machine (GBM) as an accessory to its current product line through astrategic alliance between the companies, according to Dave Gasmovic, presidentand CEO, and Mike Moore, vice president of sales.

The GBM is a state-of-the-art trenchless installation method that offers lineand grade precision required in gravity sewer and water main services. By usingthis pilot hole drilling technique, contractors can achieve an on-gradeinstallation with the GBM 240A jacking frame, to be followed by a conventionalinstallation of casing using auger boring technology.

The Akkerman GBM also can be used as a stand-alone unit to install clay,concrete and steel pipe in a three-step process for distances up to 300 ft.  Theunit is powered by a separate hydraulic power pack with dual pumps to ensuremaximum independent thrust and rotation.

All line and grade monitoring of the pilot hole is accomplished by means ofan LED illuminated target contained in the cutter head, visible to the operatorby means of a theodolite, camera and monitor in the entry pit. System offersline and grade accuracy of a 1/4–in. at 300 ft. Because of the double-walledpilot tube, liquid for cooling the cutter head and softening the soil to lessenthe jacking loads required can be pumped to the face without disturbing thetarget.

The GBM 240A jacking frame easily mounts to the track assembly of augerboring machines from 24 to 60 in. in diameter using adapter plates with nowelding or special tools required. In addition, the jacking frame of the GBMduplicates the centerline of the boring system in order to maintain a consistentthrust point, not only for the pilot bore, but also for the casing installationwhich follows the same centerline.

Once the GBM has successfully drilled the pilot hole to acceptable line andgrade, the jacking frame is removed from the boring machine and a casing adapteris welded to the casing and attached to the pilot tubes. The steel casing isthen advanced through the pilot hole to the receiving pit.

The Akkerman GBM adds accuracy and profitability to any auger boring machineby allowing the contractor to take on difficult gravity sewer and waterinstallations with confidence and the proper equipment to complete the serviceon line and on grade.