TRACTO-TECHNIK says it is pleased to support the company on its recent projects as its working relationship continues to develop, while HDI Lucas Executive General Manager John Stuart-Robertson says TRACTO-TECHNIK’s service is “superior”.
TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia’s GRUNDORAM range is comprised of 10 standard pipe ramming machines, ranging from 95-800 mm, which are complimented by an additional three compact units that range from 125-270 mm.
HDI Lucas made its first purchase from this pipe hammer range in 2005, with its third purchase taking place this year.
Currently, the contractor runs both the GRUNDORAM Taurus and Kolloss.
With a one-piece casing that is both extremely solid and hardwearing, a GRUNDORAM machine has no seams of threaded sections that could be weak points. Additionally, due to no threaded connection on the machine, all GRUNDORAM maintenance intervals are simple and easy.
TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia says to ensure machine longevity and maximum performance, the GRUNDORAM range has chromium-plated housing as well as front and rear tapered sections. While the machines are currently available for purchase, TRACTO-TECHNIK says there are hire options on the range also available.
A versatile machine
The company’s pipe ramming tools are most commonly used on standard horizontal undercrossing projects, such as railway lines, buildings or rivers – with HDI Lucas recently using its Kolloss hammer on six crossings in Auckland as part of its Northern Interceptor Pipeline Project.
However, TRACTO-TECHNIK says the machinery can also install pipes up to 4 m in diameter with installation lengths up to 80 m and can be used on a variety of other applications. The company says horizontal directional drilling (HDD) assists are also quite common, as demonstrated by HDI Lucas – who also recently used its two GRUNDORAM machine on a conductor barrel installation to install a casing prior to commencing an HDD crossing on the Mardi to Warnervale water pipeline.
TRACTO-TECHNIK says by using the GRUNDORAM on this kind of HDD assist, clients like HDI Lucas can drive the casing down through the softer ground formations to get to the relevant soil layers that they need to start drilling, while helping contain the drilling fluids during the process.
Mr Stuart-Robertson agrees, saying the machinery has dealt with a variety of materials without any issues.
“The GRUNDORAM hammer has been a perfect solution of installing conductor casings of up to 52 inch (132 cm) diameter at the entry points for our recent crossings,” he says, adding the system is “straightforward and simple to setup” with its ease of use being a major benefit.
TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia says it is pleased to have been given the opportunity to work with HDI Lucas on its recent project and looks forward to further developing this working relationship.
Other HDD assist applications achievable with the GRUNDRAM include pull back assist, HDD rod recovery and bore salvage.
Additional offerings
TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia offers a large range of accessories that are often used in conjunction with each GRUNDORAM system.
“These consist of a range of different tapered ram cones and cotter segments which adjust the machine to fit many different variations of steel pipes,” says the company, adding that soil removal adaptors are also available for longer bores as they allow for soil to escape from the internal of the steel casing as progress is made.
On top of the additional accessories, TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia ensures its customers get the most out of their machinery purchases by offering ongoing training, support and maintenance of its systems as well as guaranteeing comprehensive and rapid repairs. For personal requirements, TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia says it can train its customers according to individual requirements.
“TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia have always made themselves available for any of our technical needs,” says Mr Stuart-Robertson.
“Their service is superior.”
This article was featured in the October 2020 edition of The Australian Pipeliner. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
For more information visit the TRACTO-TECHNIK website.
If you have news you would like featured in The Australian Pipeliner contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au
