APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING AND REPLACING BURIED PIPE

摘要

A pipe/pulling frame is fitted to the tool end of a movable boom of an excavator, preferably visa a quick-attach coupling. The boom first positions the frame in and out of the pit and then secondly holds the frame against twisti ng movement in the pipe-extraction pit during pulling, thereby obviating the ne ed to provide shoring and other bracing. The frame comprises an actuator and a single reaction plate. The actuator pulls a segmented cable which extends through t he pipe while the reaction plate structure bears against the pit wall. The actuator is further operable also to push a stuck pipe, for which the reaction structure is moved to the opposing end of the frame. A swivel is preferably fitted between the tool end and frame to allow the excavator to be positioned independent of the frame. An abutment member at the distal end of the old pipe is replaceable with a grou nd- reaming tubular pipe for pushing the trailing end of the old pipe and pullin g the leading end of a new pipe. The quick-attach coupling at the tool end accepts an excavation bucket to dig the pits, the frame for pulling the pipe, and a ripper tooth to rapidly pull lengths of old pipe from the ground once the force needed falls off.