Abstract: A drilling drive system is provided. The drilling drive system has a mast having a longitudinal axis and a surface extending along the longitudinal axis. A bar is fixed to the surface of the mast and extends along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of rungs is disposed along the length of the bar, and a floating chain is disposed around the mast. A drive sprocket has a plurality of teeth that engage the plurality of rungs and the floating chain.

Abstract: A drilling drive system is provided. The drilling drive system has a mast having a longitudinal axis and a surface extending along the longitudinal axis. A bar is fixed to the surface of the mast and extends along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of rungs is disposed along the length of the bar, and a floating chain is disposed around the mast. A drive sprocket has a plurality of teeth that engage the plurality of rungs and the floating chain.

Abstract: A machine tool for supporting and rotating a workpiece includes a first machine center supporting a first workpiece end of the workpiece. A dead center defines a second machine center of the machine tool. A center spacer has a first spacer end rotatably supported on the second machine center and a second spacer end supporting a second workpiece end of the workpiece. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the workpiece and, during rotation of the workpiece, the center spacer is configured to rotate with the workpiece about the second machine center. The second workpiece end includes a first material and the center spacer includes a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: A machine tool for supporting and rotating a workpiece includes a first machine center supporting a first workpiece end of the workpiece. A dead center defines a second machine center of the machine tool. A center spacer has a first spacer end rotatably supported on the second machine center and a second spacer end supporting a second workpiece end of the workpiece. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the workpiece and, during rotation of the workpiece, the center spacer is configured to rotate with the workpiece about the second machine center. The second workpiece end includes a first material and the center spacer includes a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: A drilling machine for horizontal boring comprising a chassis, a thrust chamber, a prime mover enabling a drill connection to transmit driving power to a drilling head by way of a plurality of drill rods, a magazine for housing singular drill rods, and transfer means for moving a drill rod from the magazine to one end of the drill connection. Also disclosed is a method of drilling a horizontal bore comprising the steps of excavating a trench, locating a self propelled chassis over the trench, lowering a thrust chamber into the trench, energizing a drill head by way of a drill connection comprising at least one drill rod, urging the drill head forwardly along the bore, transferring a further drill rod to the drill connection thereby extending the drill connection, and urging the drill head forwardly again along the bore.