Frequently Asked Questions

 
The PE-10:

• What is the PE-10 and what does it replace?
  The PE-10 is a dual function trenchless Pipe Bursting and Rod Pushing machine, replacing more destructive traditional trenching methods.
• What sizes pipes does it handle?
  Piping up to 3″ in diameter can be replaced, depending on soil type.
• How is it powered?
  Hydraulic powered with a pressure of 3,000PSI, and flow rate of 5-12GPM.
• How do I get pricing?
  To get pricing, use the quote link and fill out the form.

Specs & Capabilities:

• What modules are available for the PE-10?
  The PE-10 currently has two modules available. A Pipe Bursting module, and a Rod Pushing module.
• How long does it take to swap a module?
  Less than 10 mintues. If using a power tool, less than 5 minutes.
• What are the chassis dimensions and weight?
  Dimensions: 47″L x 23″W x 15″H (31″ at handle). Weight: 220LBS.
• Can the same chassis do both jobs?
  The PE-10 uses a single chassis for both methods, utilizing a modular approach for installing the required module for the job.
• What’s included with the chassis vs. sold as an accessory?
  Kits include all accessories needed for their base functioning. Bursting heads, rod pushing pullback expander heads, cable length, and hydraulic cylinder size are optional accessories. Any part of the PE-10 can be ordered if needed.

Pipe Bursting:

• What is pipe bursting and what sizes does it cover?
  Pipe Bursting is the method of replacing an underground pipe without digging up the entire path. By running a cable through the existing pipe, using the PE-10 Pipe Bursting setup a conical shaped head is pulled through the piping, busting the old pipe apart as it goes through it. As the bursting head is pulled through the old pipe, a new pipe is pulled in behind the head in the same place where the old pipe was located.
• What pipe materials can it burst?
  The PE-10 is rated to burst PVC, Orangeburg, Clay, Copper, Lead, Cast Iron. Effectiveness in bursting all pipe is of course dependent on soil type and situation. It is not designed for ductile iron.
• What happens if the old pipe breaks mid-pull?
  Due to how pipe bursting works, the bursting head should continue to follow the remaining pipe route.
• When do I need the pre-splitter?
  The pre-splitter is used when a pipe diameter is small enough that the selected bursting head will have difficulty beginning to split the piping.
• Max cable pull length and speed?
  Pipe bursting has been performed in the 150′-200′ range. Pulling speeds reach up to 13FPM, depending on pipe and soil conditions.

Rod Pushing:

• What is rod pushing / thrust boring?
  Rod Pushing is a trenchless method of boring underground with minimal disruption of the surface above to create a new pipeline route, or pushing an existing pipe (galvanized) out of the ground with the pushing rods.
• Can it push through virgin ground with no existing pipe?
  Yes, it can straight bore a new route through undisturbed ground.
• Can it follow an existing service line as a guide?
  Yes, existing galvanized pipeline can guide the path of push rods as they push the old galvanized out of the ground. 
• What pipe materials can it push through or replace?
  Galvanized pipe is the best material for pushing out, due to its rigidity (rust and degradation can change this). New pipes pulled back are typically copper or HDPE.
• Does it need a locating system?
  The PE-10 Rod Pusher comes with a sonde housing that supports Rigid 512Hz sondes for location tracking.
• What heads and accessories are available?
  2″ category and 3″ category expander heads are available.

Operation & Crew:

• What’s the difference between rod pushing and pipe bursting, and which do I need?
  Rod Pushing is the method of straight boring underground to install a new line, or push out an old pipe. Pipe Bursting is the method of using a cone shaped head for busting apart the old piping while pulling a new pipe in its place.
  Which one you need depends on what kind of job you are doing. For example, if you need to replace a pipe that is a softer material and is not collapsed, pipe bursting would be ideal. If you need to install a new pipe under a small road or sidewalk, or have a galvanized pipe creating difficulties, then rod pushing would be the method to try.
• How do I handle tight pit spaces?
  The PE-10 is designed to be able to operate in a 5′ x 4′ pit, enabling operation in limited spaces.
• Can a small crew run it?
  A crew as small as two people can run the PE-10, though a crew of three is ideal.

Ordering, Financing & Support:

• How does the financing process work?
  After requesting a quote, using the financing link on our quote page to fill out a form will request a financing agent reach out to you to speak to you regarding the quote pricing and what your options are. After that, they will purchase the equipment from us on your behalf, and your financial interactions will be directly with them.
• What information do you need to request a quote?
  Our quote request form needs basic information for us to know what equipment you want, where you are located, your contact info, and how you heard about us.
• What are typical lead times?
  1 to 2 weeks is typical lead time, though times can vary depending on current inventory levels.
• Do you ship outside the US?
  We do not officially ship outside the US, but we can look into the possibility of shipping to you depending on your country’s customs and import requirements.
• What training and support comes with the machine?
  We offer training if requested. Costs depend on distance and length of training.
• What’s the warranty?
  We provide a 3 year warranty of defective parts or workmanship on all our products.
• Can I request a demo?
  We can provide demos depending on distance and scope of demonstrations.