Abstract: A cable handling apparatus and method for using the same in pipe bursting applications. In one mode, the apparatus injects a cable through at least one gripping element and into a pipe. Protrusions open the at least one gripping element to allow the cable to feed through freely. The cable is fed by a powered injection pulley. In another mode, the apparatus pulls a pipe burster, attached to the cable, through a length of pipe. In a preferred embodiment comprising two cable grippers, each cable gripper grips the cable in a first position, pulls the cable until the cable gripper is a second position, then returns to the first position. The apparatus is adapted such that a first cable gripper is in the first position when a second gripper is in the second position. Alternatively, the cable grippers may move from the first position to the second position in tandem. The cable handling apparatus further comprises a reel. The reel is used to store excess cable and impart additional force on the cable.

Abstract: A stand-up, ride-on articulated work vehicle. The vehicle comprises a base unit, a chassis, and a trencher assembly. The base unit has a platform and a plurality of ground drive members, and provides power and mobility to the work vehicle. The platform extends from a back end of the base unit. The chassis is pivotally connected to a front end of the base unit about a substantially vertical axis. The trenching assembly is operatively connected to the chassis, and adapted to pivot a trenching boom about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A stand-up, ride-on work vehicle adapted for multiple applications. The vehicle comprises a base unit, an articulating joint, and one of a plurality of interchangeable equipment chassis. The base unit has at least one ground supporting member, and provides power and mobility to the work vehicle. The articulation joint is supported on a front end of the base unit. An operator station extends from a back end of the base unit. Each of the plurality of chassis comprises at least one ground support member and is pivotally connected to the base unit by the articulation joint. Each of the plurality of chassis may be a dedicated equipment chassis or a universal equipment chassis. Each dedicated chassis comprises a dedicated work tool. Each universal chassis comprises an attachment surface for connection to one of a plurality of work tools. The ground supporting members may be any combination of drive wheels, trail wheels, tracks, or work tools.

Abstract: A pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from the drill string of a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a magazine, a cradle for supporting the magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the cradle and the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine. The magazine may be removed from the cradle when empty or full to continue with the boring operation.

Abstract: A tracked multifunction work machine and tool carrier having bogie rollers. The machine includes an upper frame supported on an undercarriage. The upper frame includes a tool adapter and an operator station. The tool adapter supports a variety of work tools that can be selected for various operations. The operator station provides platform so the machine can be operated while walking behind or standing on the platform. The undercarriage includes a plurality of tracks for propelling the machine along the ground. Each track is associated with pairs of bogie rollers that engage the tracks as the tracks traverse the ground. The pairs of bogie rollers are pivotally mounted on the undercarriage, providing additional support of the tracks with the ground.

Abstract: An pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a movable magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine.

Abstract: A work machine having a first work member and a second work member, both operated from a pivotal control station. In a preferred embodiment the work machine has a backhoe assembly and a loader assembly both supported on a frame and operable from the pivotal control station. The work machine may have left and right low-profile drive systems that allow the first work member to perform work outside and parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the work machine. The work machine has a low-profile power source and operator platform that allow unobstructed visibility of the first and second work members from the control station.