Device and method for pipe pushing and handling

摘要

Apparatus 100 and corresponding methods for pipe pushing and/or handling in which the auxiliary supply lines of an excavator are used to power a hydraulic clamp for gripping the pipe, and the articulated arm of the excavator is used for manoeuvring the pipe. Such apparatus includes: a pair of jaws 10 having cooperating pipe-gripping surfaces 12; a hydraulic ram 30 coupled to the jaws 10 and capable of actuating the jaws 10 to grip a pipe between the pipe-gripping surfaces 12; a connection portion 40 arranged to connect the apparatus 100 to an articulated arm of the excavator; and a hydraulic fluid distributor 210,220 arranged to distribute pressurised hydraulic fluid from auxiliary hydraulic supply lines of the excavator to the hydraulic ram 30. Thus, when the apparatus is connected to an excavator the jaws 10 can be actuated by control of the supply of pressurised hydraulic fluid from the auxiliary supply lines of the excavator, and the apparatus 100 (and pipe) can be moved by control of the position and orientation of the excavator arm.