Little Beaver has designed its new Towable and UN-Towable Hydraulic Earth Drills for easy operation for all experience and age levels – with an eye toward the construction industry’s aging workforce.
“The Towable and UN-Towable units are perfect for individuals who need the power of a hydraulic earth drill without the operating weight and transportation challenges that can be associated with traditional units,” says Sales Manager Mike Hale. “The drills’ weight is balanced over the wheels, allowing operators of any age or experience level to easily pivot them into place.”
The company says the drills’ design also means reduced risk for injuries like sprains, strains and tears. Along with helping older, experienced operators, the drills also go easy on inexperienced operators.
The UN-Towable unit has a 9-horsepower Honda engine, and the Towable runs on an 11-hp Honda. The company says the engines deliver 22 percent more power than competitive drills. The company also added power to the hydraulic system to power through tough terrain without straining the operator. The hydraulic system generates pressure ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 pounds per square inch and operating speeds up to 150 rpm. The drills’ handles also move to keep the weight balanced over the wheels for stability and better control.
Other safety features include integrated forward and reverse auger rotation that protects the operator if the auger gets caught under a rock or root, a pressure-relief valve that stops the auger to prevent injury, and a variable 20-degree auger tilt for safe vertical drilling in uneven terrain.
The Towable has a three-position handle that rotates 180 degrees for drilling near buildings and other structures. The UN-Towable has a stationary handle. Both feature an auger lock and 16-inch semi-pneumatic tires for mobility with minimal effort, and the drills can be pivoted into digging position without damaging turf.
The drills are 34 inches wide and can be transported behind any vehicle with a standard hitch. The power pack on the UN-Towable can be removed to cut its weight in half, allowing it to be transported by a pickup or SUV. An E-Z load bracket fits any 2-inch receiver and can be secured by cranking the machine up until it stops and inserting the pin to lock the unit into place, the company says.
The Towable is compatible with augers of 36 or 42 inches, and the UN-Towable works with 36-inch augers. Cutting tips are available in standard, carbide or rock.