Various sizes of auger heads (fig. 14-8) are availablefor different job specifications. Most of them feature anadvance center or pilot cutter that helps keep the drillhole alignment straight and makes the cutting easier forthe larger auger head. As shown in figure 14-9, the headshould be slightly larger than the auger flights, so it willnot bind or stick in the hole.These heads can also be made of different materialsto meet unlike soil conditions. Cutting edges and teethare usually steel-hardened by various means, such astungsten carbide. Worn or broken teeth may be built upby hardfacing. These teeth are sometimes called fingersand are generally detachable or reversible.Figure 14-8.—Auger boring heads.Figure 14-9.—Auger boring head nomenclature.DRILLINGDrilling resistance or control of the rate of feedprevents the threads from penetrating in proportion totheir turning speed. Material, cut by the bit, is grippedby the threads and forced out of the hole by the screwconveyor action.The flights are made in sectionsproportional to the feed length of the drill unit and areconnected to each other by bolting or pinning.SAFETYA few safety precautions when operating an augerare as follows:l Obtain a digging permit before drilling or boring.. Have all underground utilities and obstructionsmarked and identified.. When traveling with the auger truck, make sureall attachments are secured properly.l Always sound the horn and use a backing guidewhen backing the auger.l Do NOT travel with an auger bit attached to thedrill shank. This practice can result in destruction of thedrill shank inner seals.. Do NOT allow personnel to stand near the augerwhen boring holes.. Do NOT allow personnel to stand near the augerwhen swinging or moving the auger boom.. Do NOT exceed the capacity of the auger whenpulling or setting poles.. Do NOT try to remove any objects from the augerwhen the auger is running.. When boring into material of unknownconsistency, run the unit at low speed.. Always protect personnel from open holes byplacing caution tape and covers around and over theholes, and illuminate the area with lighting at night.AIR COMPRESSORSA compressor is a machine that compresses air froman initial intake pressure to a higher exhaust pressurethrough a reduction in volume. A compressor consistsof a power source, a compressor unit, and accessoryequipment. A gasoline or diesel engine provides powerto operate the compressor. Most compressors, used in14-7
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business