Product Spotlight: TONGHAND by LaValley Industries
Nicknamed the Rig on a Stick by operators in the field, TONGHAND is the most advanced exit side tool to ever be introduced into the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry. Not only does TONGHAND integrate the pipe-handling capabilities for which LaValley Industries is known, but its patented TongVise is capable of torqueing/un-torqueing pipe joints up to 120,000 ft/lbs.
TONGHAND has a lifting capacity of 16,000 lbs, connects to any excavator in the 30-36 metric ton range and is powered by the excavator’s auxiliary hydraulic circuit. It is designed to work with pipe tool joints ranging in diameter from 6.5 to 10 in. and its patented gullwing design makes it capable of working with reamers and subs up to 60 in. in diameter.
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The convenient in-cab touch display allows the operator to monitor and adjust all TONGHAND functions including setting the precise torque value at the tool joint connection, all from the safety and comfort of the excavator cab. Load locking valves insure that drill rod is never dropped, regardless of hydraulic pressure.
Roller arms allow the operator to thread and unthread drill pipe connections with precision. Simultaneously, the gullwing design makes it easy for the operator to move the roller arms out of the way to make and break reamers up to 60 inches in diameter.
The 120,000 ft/lbs. torque capability on its patented vise coupled with its precision pipe control design, allow workers to remain safely away from drilling components while making and breaking joints, loading and unloading drill string components, and positioning drill rod throughout the job site.
Since its introduction last year, TONGHAND has been recognized by the International Pipe Line and Offshore Contractors’ Association (IPLOCA) as its 2017 New Technology Award winner and by the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) as its 2018 Abbott Innovative Product Award recipient.
“Although it has been extremely satisfying to be recognized by our industry peers, I get greater satisfaction every time that I am on a jobsite and see our tool removing workers from danger zones and making their job easier”, says Jason LaValley, president of LaValley Industries and inventor of TONGHAND. “Once upon a time, I was the guy using those back breaking wrenches on exit side and trying to stay safe while making and breaking connections. I wanted a better and safer way to get the job done. TONGHAND lets you make, break and move pipe more safely and more efficiently than ever before.”
SOURCE – LaValley Industries
