Abstract: A flexible metal hose unit comprising in combination: a spigot formed with an annular flange and an annular gripping area, both coaxial with the spigot axis, a corrugated or helical flexible inner metal tube fitting over the spigot and welded to said flange, one or more flexible sheaths fitted over said gripping area, a ferrule comprising an annular member fitted over said sheath or sheaths and crimped or swaged onto the sheath or sheaths in an area radially corresponding to said gripping area.

Abstract: A mechanical hole digging machine comprising a rotary cutting tool and a suction tube having an inlet opening adjacent to the cutting tool, a suction device for applying suction to the tube remote from the inlet opening to cause material cut away by the cutting tool to be sucked inwards through the inlet opening, the cutting tool and part at least of the suction tube being carried on a mounting by which they are movable upwards and downwards. An electromagnetic metal detector comprising three coils is mounted near the cutter head and adapted in use to give an indication of the presence of buried metal service pipe during a hole digging operation.