Abstract: A pipe installation device and a method for laying consecutive lengths of bell and spigot pipe. The pipe installation device installs sequential pipe lengths. The pipe installation device includes a pipe supply system and a pipe alignment system attached to a carriage. The pipe alignment system is positioned to receive a pipe length from the pipe supply system and align the pipe length with a pipe length previously positioned in the pipe alignment system. The pipe installation device also includes a pipe joining system for joining the two pipe lengths positioned in the pipe alignment system. A pipe restraint system applies a restraining force against one pipe length while the pipe joining system joins the two pipe lengths.

Abstract: An auto-advancing pipe installation device and a method for laying consecutive lengths of bell and spigot pipe. The auto-advancing pipe installation device installs sequential lengths of pipe in a trench. The auto-advancing pipe installation device includes a locomotion system adapted for advancing engagement within the trench, a pipe feed system, a pipe alignment system and a pipe joining system. The pipe feed system positions a pipe length on a forward section of the pipe alignment system. The pipe alignment system aligns the forward pipe length with a rearward pipe length positioned in a pipe alignment system rearward section. The pipe joining system applies a force to a first end of the forward pipe length as a pipe restraint applies a restraining force against the rearward pipe length, joining the forward and rearward pipe lengths.