PNEUMATIC SOIL EXCAVATORS

The Soil Pick™ is a selective excavator. Selective in the sense that it fractures, pulverizes and displaces porous and semi-porous soils, yet leaves nonporous objects unaffected. The Soil Pick excavates soil without risk of damaging buried utilities.

The Soil Pick employs converging/diverging nozzle technology to accelerate compressed air to supersonic speed (to 1475 mph). The high velocity air stream travels approximately 4 inches from the distal end of the Soil Pick – “the cutting edge” – before decompressing to atmospheric pressure with sufficient violence to pulverize and displace soil.

What separates the MBW Soil Pick from other excavation tools employing converging/diverging nozzle technology?

Safety. MBW holds US and international patents on the combination of dielectric and non-sparking characteristics embodied in the Soil Pick. Non-conductive, non-sparking tools are of obvious benefit to those working in environments that may be gas enriched and/or are in close proximity to live electric lines.

Also for reasons of safety, MBW standardizes the Soil Pick’s cutting edge at approximately 4 inches*. A 4 inch cutting edge is long enough to facilitate rapid excavation, yet short enough to minimize the potential for personal injury caused by misdirection of the cutting edge. The operator is also better able to control the air stream when excavating in the immediate area of a gas leak.

The Soil Pick’s non-sparking, brass nozzle weighs 4.2 ounces. It is important that the nozzle does not detach from the barrel to become a high velocity projectile. For this reason, the nozzle is threaded into the Soil Pick’s barrel and cemented in place with Hydraulic Loctite. Some manufacturers promote easily exchanged nozzles. MBW’s view is that safety comes first.

A pressure gauge on the handle assembly advises the operator if the tool is working at acceptable pressure. The Soil Pick weighs 6.2 lbs., has zero hand/arm vibration and can be used for extended periods without fatigue.

Radial Trenching is a fast growing technique used by the Arboreal industry. Used to safely remove and replace compacted soil that literally suffocates tree roots, the Soil Pick has become a standard in the Arboreal market. Decompact today or decompose tomorrow.