Interested in Excavating?
Get Excavating articles, news and videos right in your inbox! Sign up now.
Excavating + Get AlertsEXCAVATION EQUIPMENT
ASV Holdings CTL Turf Tracks
ASV Holdings offers smooth CTL turf tracks for minimized damage to soft, delicate surfaces. With a combination of greater ground surface area and the benefits of ASV’s Posi-Track undercarriage, the tracks can minimize damage to topsoil and root systems. They have a smooth design and are manufactured from a special blend that resists cracking, provides traction and maximizes overall life. The rubber tracks eliminate corrosion because they contain no steel cords. Durability is maximized through seven layers of embedded puncture, cut and stretch-resistant material. These turf tracks are available for the RT-25, RT-40, RT-50, RT-65 and VT-70 high-output models. 800-205-9913; www.asvllc.com
Ditch Witch RT70
The Ditch Witch RT70 ride-on trencher is equipped with features that increase operator comfort and visibility, helping to boost efficiency on the job site. The ergonomic operator station features an open layout with a 90-degree swivel seat, ample leg room and intuitive controls. Enhanced visibility gives operators a full view of the machine — from front tire to back tire and the attachment. It also includes a cooling fan to reduce temperature levels in the operator station by moving exhaust out of the side of the machine rather than toward the operator. Powered by a 72 hp Yanmar Tier 4 Stage V-compliant diesel engine and built with a narrow footprint of 73 inches wide, the rubber-tire trencher can handle heavy-duty jobs and maneuver in tight sites often found on septic system installation jobs. 580-336-4402; www.ditchwitch.com
John Deere 350
and 380 P-Tier
The 350 P-Tier and 380 P-Tier mid-sized excavators from John Deere offer SmartGrade technology as a factory option and field upgrade kits, and the user can choose from 2D or 3D guidance, or 2D or 3D SmartGrade Ready Control. Overdig protect limits the bucket’s cutting edge from going below the target design surface. Visibility around the machines has been improved with the option of a right, rear and left camera system with LED surround lighting that provides 270-degree visibility and is integrated into the cab’s primary display. In an effort to lower daily operating costs, the machines’ fuel economy is up 7% compared to previous models via electric on-demand cooling fans that reduce engine load, in-line after treatment for less restriction and system complexity, and increased front piping diameter to cut down hydraulic restriction. 800-503-3373; www.johndeere.com
Kobelco Construction Machinery USA SK75SR-7
The SK75SR-7 from Kobelco Construction Machinery USA has power, fuel economy and features to tackle jobs in tight spaces. With a dynamic digging force of 15,900 pounds and a 37% increase in digging speed, it delivers continuous operation and reduces cycle times. The unit maintains productivity and efficiency while working at high power levels, lifting heavy loads and traveling on steep grades. It includes an optimized control layout with a jog dial and 10-inch color monitor, built-in rear-, left- and right-side cameras with a customizable split-screen display function to enhance operator awareness and job site safety, and a standard ergonomic lever and air ride suspension seat to reduce operating force and fatigue by 25%. Enhanced multi-function capabilities include an attachment selection system with adjustable flow-rate presets for the bucket, breaker, nibbler and thumb, allowing the operator to change between tools quickly and easily. 281-888-8430; www.kobelco-usa.com
Volvo Construction Equipment EWR130E
The Volvo Construction Equipment EWR130E midsized wheeled excavator provides a short front and rear swing radius without compromising on lifting performance or digging force, according to Volvo. The rear swing is 5 feet 1 inch and a front swing of 5 feet 11 inches. Coupled with new four-wheel steering and in-line outrigger options, the machine is easy to control and stable, Volvo reports. Its uses include urban jobs where frequent roading is required, and confined job sites or roads where traffic safety is paramount. The inline outriggers help position and stabilize the machine in tight spaces. A divided blade option provides additional leveling on uneven ground or around curbs. The standard two-piece boom enables lifting up to 9,480 pounds at a 19.7-foot reach. 828-650-2000; www.volvo.com/constructionequipment
HAND TOOL
T&T Tools Mighty Probe
The Mighty Probe from T&T Tools has a 3/8-inch hex rod (approximately 20% stiffer than a round rod) or a 7/16-inch hex rod (approximately twice as stiff as the standard round rod). Stiffer hex rods bend less to make the probe easier to push into the ground, especially when probing at deeper depths. Lengths are available from 36 to 78 inches in 6-inch increments. When the probe is combined with a slide adapter, an integrated mini slide-hammer probe is created, allowing technicians to pound through difficult spots. 800-521-6893; www.mightyprobe.com
INSPECTION EQUIPMENT
Milwaukee Tool M18 Modular Pipeline Inspection System
The Milwaukee Tool M18 Modular Pipeline Inspection System is built around the M18 500 GB Control Hub, which powers the reels and easily swaps between the reels for added versatility. Available in 120- and 200-foot mid-stiff, and 200- and 325-foot stiff reels, technicians can inspect 2- to 10-inch sewer and drainlines on one system. Each reel features a high resolution camera, and the 1080p HD self-leveling camera head features high-intensity LEDs for better visibility down the line. The push cable is built to withstand harsh conditions when navigating through cast iron, clay and PVC pipes. Technicians can digitally pan and zoom up to 4X, making it easier to narrow in on the point of interest. View, record, edit and share HD images and video recordings from the wireless monitor or the free Milwaukee Pipeline Inspection app on a mobile device. 800-729-3878; www.milwaukeetool.com
SEPTIC FILTERS
BioMicrobics SaniTEE
The SaniTEE from BioMicrobics is designed to be an efficient, nonclog effluent screen that deflects solids back into a tank while simultaneously attenuating surge flow. It drops into a standard 4-inch septic tank (for new builds or retrofitted) outlet tee. It is easily cleaned with the clean-in-place swab handle with a Buna-N disk fastened to the shaft. Move the swab handle up and down to pass the swab through the center several times to act as a reverse pump to dislodge any debris in the filter or angled slots. No removal or running water is necessary. Solids touching the vertical surface of the screen tend to slough off and fall back into the septic tank. In this way, the device is somewhat self-cleaning. In general, the 4-, 8- and 16-inch device should be for use on conventional and advanced septic systems; and is suitable for all types of commercial (high-strength) wastewater treatment systems. 800-753-3278; www.biomicrobics.com
Polylok PL-250
The PL-250 effluent filter from Polylok is designed to handle up to 3,000 gpd with 250 linear feet 1/16-inch linear filtration. It is easy to install and designed for functionality and longevity, according to the maker. The cartridge cannot be installed incorrectly, with no direct bypass, and will fit any standard 6-inch tee. Its W design prevents solids from settling. 877-765-9565; www.polylok.com
SeptiTech STAAR filter systems
SeptiTech STAAR (Smart Trickling Anaerobic/Aerobic Recirculating) filter systems are designed for residential and commercial properties with minimal operator oversight, while delivering consistent treatment during peak, low or intermittent flows. Using an unsaturated, engineered textile media to treat wastewater that meets strict permit limits, the commercial filter system provides a simple, automatic equalization and clarification process for 500 to more than 150,000 gpd flows, according to the maker. The biological trickling filter technology also maintains low levels of Nitrate-N, with all below-grade components that fit in watertight concrete, plastic or fiberglass tanks. Smart technology allows the system to go into sleep mode to achieve lower operating costs and power requirements. Systems are ETV-EPA verified and NSF/ANSI Standard 40/245 certified. 800-753-3278; www.septitech.com
Watercore C4C
C4C effluent filters from Watercore can be cleaned without removal from their housing, eliminating mess and contact with effluent. The filter utilizes an internal wheel design featuring multiple blades that protrude through each vertical filtering slot. The wheel is attached to a hollow tube that extends out the top of the filter and has a handle attached. Simply moving the handle up and down moves the blades through the slots, cleaning the filter. In addition, a garden hose to be attached directly to the handle, allowing water to flow through an internal perforated tube and spray through the filtering slot to further rinse the filter if needed. They can handle 800 gpd with a 1/16-inch filtration. The outlet port on the tee baffle accepts 3- and 4-inch Schedule 40 PVC and 4-inch SDR with no adapters needed. Filters can be purchased as a complete unit or components can be bought separately. 812-493-4550; www.watercorefilter.com
SEPTIC TANK AGITATOR
Crust Busters agitator
The handheld power agitator from Crust Busters has an 80-inch shaft and two- or three-blade propeller designed to mix a 1,000-gallon septic tank in five minutes. Options include 2-, 4-, 6- and 9-foot extensions and a short three-blade shaft that adapts to the two-blade unit. 763-878-2296; www.crustbusters.com
SLUDGE SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
Sim/Tech Filter TruCore
The TruCore from Sim/Tech Filter is a large-diameter, accurate, user-friendly sludge sampler designed for sludge common to septic tanks. It allows samples to be taken quickly without creating excessive turbulence, as there are no restrictions caused by valves, stoppers or flaps. With a 1 3/8-inch I.D., the capacity per foot is almost 10 ounces. The straight-through design allows sample to be effortlessly returned to the tank. The unit is made of a polycarbonate sampling tube (marked every foot) and PVC fittings. It comes as a single-piece, 8-foot unit or as two 4-foot units that slip together. Custom sizes and configurations are available. A simple and customizable extension kit is available for deeply buried tanks. 888-999-3290; www.simtechfilter.com
