Maintenance and extraction of poles

摘要

PCT No. PCT/AU92/00169 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 14, 1993 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 14, 1993 PCT Filed Apr. 16, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO92/18705 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 29, 1992.An apparatus for excavation of earth around a pole embedded in an earth surface comprises a hollow auger in the form of a cylindrical drum with a helical flight about the outer wall thereof. The hollow auger is constructed in two halves to enable movement between an open position and a closed position embracing the pole. The hollow auger is rotatably journalled in a support frame and is driven by a drive motor engaging a spur gear around the upper position of the auger. The support frame is slidably mounted on a frame to enable extension and retraction of the auger.