Little Beaver’s new geotechnical drill aims to eliminate user error, while offering easy operation of the machine.
According to Little Beaver, its Lone Star LST1G+HDA drill provides engineers and soil technicians with a precise and easy-to-operate drilling solution for standard penetration tests and soil sampling in nearly any soil.
The geotechnical drill was designed to address the growing demand for automatic hammers that deliver improved depth control compared to their manual counterpart.
The LST1G+HDA comes standard with a 140 lbs. automatic safety hammer.
Small truck towing
The heavy-duty rig is mounted on an easily manoeuverable, single-axle trailer that can be towed behind a small or standard sized truck.
“Automatic hammers help to ensure accurate depth control compared to manual hammers. This has even led some states and jurisdictions to require automatic hammers for conducting standard penetration tests,” said Little Beaver President Joe Haynes.
“The LST1G+HDA eliminates user error and makes it easy for drill operators of any experience level to take samples quickly and accurately.”
The LST1G+HDA is capable of drilling 6 in. boreholes down to 100 ft. The drill also pairs with Little Beaver’s split spoon samplers and AWJ drilling rod for obtaining core samples or conducting geotechnical testing and environmental soil sampling.
Options for augers
Little Beaver offers several auger options for various applications. Solid stem augers are available in 3 in. to 8 in. diameters. Additionally, wollow stem augers are available in 6 in. and 8 in. diameters. The hollow stem augers, which drill up to 60 ft., feature a 2.75- or 3.75-in. internal diameter for collecting samples without the risk of contamination from surrounding soil.
The drill’s standard configuration allows for dry auger boring with the use of a solid or hollow stem auger. The drill is also capable of mud rotary boring using an optional mud pump, swivel and bit.
To achieve and maintain ideal push-down force when drilling in challenging conditions, the drill’s bypass flow control system allows the operator to make simple adjustments.
Additionally, an optional anchor kit enables the LST1G+HDA to deliver push-down force up to 8,500 lbs., far exceeding the weight of the trailer.
The drill is also capable of an 8,500 lbs. lifting capacity for removal of augers and extensions.
The hinged shuttle plate provides easy access to the borehole. This allows the operator to swing the rotary out of the way.
A 27 hp Kohler EFI gas engine powers the drill, which includes a 3,000-psi hydraulic system.
Plenty of pull
The geotechnical drill has a 48 litre-per-minute hydraulic power pack achieves a rotary speed of 100 rpm. As well, the system provides the drill’s hydraulic winch with 1,500 lbs. of pull for raising the automatic hammer.
The 3,000 lbs. unit mounts on a single-axle trailer, equipped with a 2-in. hitch, levelling jacks and spare tire.
For improved manoeuverability, Little Beaver offers a specially designed frame for mounting the unit to a one-ton flatbed truck.
Furthermore, the LST1G+HDA ships in a 20-foot container by standard truck or overseas. The drill comes with assembly tools for fast and easy setup.
