Abstract: Sounding apparatus for pressing a sounding rod into a piece of ground in order to determine the soil properties at various depths, comprising a sounding rod which is intended to be pressed into a piece of ground; first and second clamping members for alternately clamping the sounding rod in place; first drive means for moving the first clamping member up and down in the longitudinal direction of the sounding rod; in which apparatus the first and second clamping members can be separately actuated between an open position and a closed position; second drive means are provided for moving the second clamping member up and down in the longitudinal direction of the sounding rod; and control means are provided, which are connected to the clamping members and drive means for alternately clamping in place, releasing and moving the respective clamping members up and down.

Abstract: Penetrometer comprising a probe with a conical nose, a cylindrical friction casing, and means for measuring axial friction forces acting on the friction casing when the probe is advanced in an area of ground which is to be analysed.The probe furthermore has a conical casing and means for measuring the axial forces acting on the conical casing.The conicity of the conical casing is so minor that the conical casing causes a displacement of the surrounding ground which is directed substantially transverse to the axial direction of the probe.

Abstract: A vehicle suitable for on-and off-road use has a track drive with auxiliary frames mounted under the vehicle frame between front and rear wheels, the auxiliary frames having continuous tracks on carrier wheels driven by hydraulic motors, each auxiliary frame being independently vertically displaceable relative to the vehicle frame by means of corresponding lifting cylinders between a fully retracted position for travel on wheels only, and a fully extended position for tracks only travel. The lifting cylinders are adjustable for leveling the vehicle to a horizontal position on uneven ground while the vehicle is supported on the tracks. Such an auxiliary track drive can be installed in an existing motor vehicle for improved off road usage and particularly for use in soil sounding applications.