The GRUNDOMAT soil displacement tool by TRACTO, plays a crucial role in trenchless technology, widely used as a non-invasive solution for installing underground utilities.
Designed for precision and efficiency, it allows pipe, cable, and conduit installations without requiring open trenching. This not only minimises surface disruption but also reduces project time and costs.
GRUNDOMAT: The Basics
The GRUNDOMAT is a pneumatically powered soil displacement hammer, often referred to as a “missile” or “mole.” Unlike conventional excavation methods, GRUNDOMAT uses compressed air to advance through the soil, displacing it rather than removing it. The result is a compacted borehole through which utilities can be installed without disturbing roads, landscaping, or paved areas above.
Depending on the size, an air compressor is needed to operate, with a compressor output ranging from 50 – 200+ CFM.
How it Works
The hammer action of the GRUNDOMAT operates in two stages. In the first stroke, the whole moving head assembly drives forward to create a borehole. In this stage, the soil is displaced, creating a path. In the second stroke, the piston returns and the compressed spring in the head assembly pulls the long cylindrical casing into the pilot bore hole.
In case of an obstacle, the head will continue chiseling until the obstruction is cleared. Thanks to its precision engineering, the tool delivers high accuracy, making it suitable for projects that require precise alignment beneath roads, driveways, and landscaped areas.
Purpose and Applications
GRUNDOMATs are commonly used in:
- House connections
- Under crossings
GRUNDOMATs are often employed in commercial and municipal projects that demand minimal surface disturbance.
Common sizes include:
- GRUNDOMAT 45 – used for short bored for irrigation pipe, fibre, or small conduits
- GRUNDOMAT 75 – use cases include telecommunications and other conduit installations, especially when the conduit/pipe is ⌀
- GRUNDOMAT 110 – can tackle gas, sewer, water mains, or multiple conduits in one pass. Suited for tougher soils and longer shots.
However, there are caveats, such as the limitation to straight bores. Unlike HDD, a grundomat is not steerable. When longer more complex bores are required, HDD equipment will become the most suitable method.
JB Trenchless: A trusted source for GRUNDOMAT Tools
JB Trenchless supplies a full range of new and used GRUNDOMAT tools in various sizes to accommodate different project scopes and ground conditions. Whether it’s a small-diameter installation or larger bores, JB Trenchless ensures you get the right tool for the task.
JB Trenchless is a trusted provider of trenchless solutions across Australia, renowned for its reliability and expertise.
You can explore the full product range here: GRUNDOMAT Soil Displacement Hammers.
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