GEOTECHNICAL & GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL

Little Beaver improves torque with reduction gearbox

Drilling equipment manufacturer Little Beaver has introduced a planetary reduction gearbox for its Big Beaver and Big Beaver XL drills

Little Beaver improves torque with reduction gearbox

The optional gearbox is designed to provide as much as 1,100ft-lb (1,491Nm) of torque to drill deeper and handle large-diameter augers more efficiently than the standard setup. The reduction gearbox is available with new Big Beaver models and can also be purchased as an upgrade for existing models.

"Customers using the Big Beaver for more demanding applications, such as soil sampling or drilling foundation piers, need an option for increasing torque for more productive drilling," said Mike Hale, Little Beaver sales and marketing manager. "The gear reduction makes the Big Beaver more powerful and capable than ever."

A 27hp Kohler EFI gas engine powers the auxiliary hydraulic source, which operates at 12.5gpm (47.3L/min) and a rotary speed of 100rpm. The standard Big Beaver operates at 10gpm with a rotary speed of 150rpm. The additional horsepower and slower auger speed increase max drilling torque from 500ft-lb to 1,100ft-lb and can improve the drill's overall capabilities.

Little Beaver designed the Big Beaver and Big Beaver XL to work with its D-series augers, which range in diameter from 4in (102mm) to 18in (457mm). Auger extensions enable drilling depths as deep as 32ft (9.8m) with a 16in auger and 100ft with a 6in auger, depending on soil conditions.

Constructed with a welded mechanical steel frame, according to the manufacturer, both models are rugged, durable and suitable for a variety of applications, including soil sampling, foundation repair and environmental test wells. The portable, easily manoeuvrable design allows access to remote locations inaccessible to truck-mounted units. At just 26in wide and 48in long, the Big Beaver manoeuvres into spaces that mounted drills do not fit. The standard model measures 80in tall when upright, while the Big Beaver XL stands at 92in tall.

The Big Beaver can be paired with special tools and accessories to manage various drilling tasks. An optional Cathead Kit, which includes a tower kit, third hydraulic valve and spool, makes soil sampling and performing standard penetration tests fast, convenient and economical, the company stated. The kit's optional split spoon sampler allows for undisturbed core samples. The accessory can be safely and securely driven into the ground using Little Beaver's optional 140lb (64kg) safety hammer.