Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an auger boring machine for boring through the earth. The auger boring machine includes a cutting head for engaging a working face of the earth to cut a bore. The cutting head is rotatable about a drive axis so as to cut the earth at the working face. The auger boring machine further includes an auger that is rotatable about the drive axis for transporting spoil resulting from the operation of the cutting head away from the cutting head. Additionally, the auger boring machine includes a casing housing the auger which is urged to move into the bore behind the cutting head. The cutting head and the auger are movable along the drive axis relative to the casing. Furthermore, the auger boring machine includes a steering member positioned near the cutting head for directing movement of the casing into the bore in a steered direction transverse to the drive axis.

Abstract: A drill rod is disclosed. The drill rod includes a casing assembly defining a length that extends axially between a first end and an opposite second end of the drill rod, and a drive shaft rotatably mounted within the casing assembly. The drive shaft extends axially along the drill rod generally from the first end of the casing assembly to the second end of the casing assembly. The drill rod also includes latching pins at the first end of the drill rod and latching pin receivers at the second end of the drill rod. The drill rod further includes latches provided adjacent the latching pin receivers. The latches are movable between latching and non-latching positions. The latches move along an orientation of movement then the latches between the latching and non-latching positions. The drill rod may also include biasing structures that apply retention forces to the latches for retaining the latches in the non-latching position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an auger boring machine for boring through the earth. The auger boring machine includes a cutting head for engaging a working face of the earth to cut a bore. The cutting head is rotatable about a drive axis so as to cut the earth at the working face. The auger boring machine further includes an auger that is rotatable about the drive axis for transporting spoil resulting from the operation of the cutting head away from the cutting head. Additionally, the auger boring machine includes a casing housing the auger which is urged to move into the bore behind the cutting head. The cutting head and the auger are movable along the drive axis relative to the casing. Furthermore, the auger boring machine includes a steering member positioned near the cutting head for directing movement of the casing into the bore in a steered direction transverse to the drive axis.