Machine for digging under pipes and caterpillar traction device

摘要

PCT No. PCT/UA97/00012 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 3, 1999 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 3, 1999 PCT Filed Sep. 25, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO98/15165 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 16, 1998The present invention is for a machine for digging under pipes, wherein the machine comprises a frame having a caterpillar drive traction device mounted thereon, as well as left and right end effectors. The end effectors are each made in the shape of a mount which is attached to the frame and capable of forced rotation about the vertical axis. These end effectors also comprise a cylindrical endless-screw-type driving cutters as well as a cylindrical blade attached to the mount coaxially behind the cutter. The cutter is mounted at a lower end and on the side of the mount so that its rotation axis is horizontal. The machine further includes a transversal stabilization device comprising two stabilization mechanisms, wherein each mechanism comprises an adjustable-height support member that rests on the bottom of the trench. The traction device includes a frame as well as a caterpillar that comprises rigid brackets and flexible support members. The brackets extend outwardly from the external surface of the caterpillar central part. The flexible support members are connected to the brackets so as to be incapable of linear displacement and are made short enough so as to stretch about the profile of the pipe cross-section.