Product news: Sailing through pipe construction with the Deckhand

PLM, Caterpillar’s global pipeline equipment dealer, teamed with LaValley Industries to become the exclusive distributor of the Deckhand pipe handling system, for use in pipeline and directional drilling construction.

The system consists of the main head, which mounts to most excavators using a Quick Attach function. The excavator’s hydraulics and electrical systems are easily connected to the Deckhand, using two quick couplers.

Interchangeable grab arms are designed for use with directional drilling pipe casing (directional drilling arms), multiples seizes of utility pipe (utility arms) and mainline pipe (pipeline arms).

The Deckhand system performs as well as the excavator in extreme temperature using the excavator’s hydraulics and power – allowing the grab arms to pick up snow-covered pipe and hold it securely.

The head of the Deckhand has full 360 degrees of controlled movement plus side-to-side and tipping capability, which allows the operator working with directional drilling operations to manipulate, stack
and hold the pipe without endangering platform crew.

The operator working with pipe stockpiling and stringing uses the tilt function to handle pipe in multiple working angles to allow for grade conditions. The shift function on the Deckhand main beam allows the pipe to be moved 5.5 inches from side to side for clean, neat stockpiling.

The Deckhand pipeline arms are designed to securely grip the pipe without disturbing a stockpile or truckload of pipe.

Specially designed pipe protection pads on the pipeline and utility rams arms can be easily replaced as need, and with predetermined and preset hydraulic pressures, prevent damage to the pipe and coating. The grab arms can grip securely from an off-centre position on the pipe allowing for more control in areas with tight accessibility.

For more information visit the PLM website at www.plmcat.com.

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