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The Invention That Tackled Torque

The Invention That Tackled Torque

May 15, 2018

One-of-a-Kind Feature Improves Operator Safety

In the mid-1970s, Van Cox set out to solve one of earth drilling’s most punishing problems — auger torque. Cox, an engineer for Little Beaver, soon completed a design and secured a patent for what is now known as the torque tube. The one-of-a-kind invention protects operators from the harmful effects of a drill’s torque by transferring kickback from the auger to the power source.

More than 40 years later, deck builders, fence contractors, landscapers and rental customers continue to enjoy torque-free drilling as well as the labor-saving benefits made possible by safe, one-person drilling.

Mechanical earth drill torque tube

By transferring dangerous kickback to the engine carriage as opposed to the handles, one person can safely operate a Little Beaver drill.

The invention remains a defining feature on Little Beaver’s of mechanical and hydraulic earth drills, and it continues to make life easier for business owners and drill operators thanks to the many benefits of torque-free drilling.

Less Manpower: By transferring dangerous kickback to the engine carriage as opposed to the handles, one person can safely operate a Little Beaver drill. Most drills without torque protection require two operators for safe use. One-person drilling frees up the second individual to work on other tasks so jobs are completed in less time.

Fewer Strains: Kickback on traditional drills can jar an operator’s body, causing strains and injuries, which lead to time off and worker’s compensation costs. Even minor injuries, ones that don’t result in time away from work, can slow individuals down, decreasing overall production.

Easier Use: Since the torque tube absorbs kickback, operators don’t need to work as hard to control the machine. This significantly reduces fatigue while allowing operators of any age or experience level to easily handle the drill.

If you’re still not convinced of the benefits of Van Cox’s invention, see Little Beaver’s solutions for yourself.

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The Mini Uses of the Kwik-Trench

The Mini Uses of the Kwik-Trench

Apr 24, 2018

Kwik-Trecn mini trencher irrigation line install

Versatility is Key

These days, everyone talks about versatility. With business owners and homeowners alike striving to bring down expenses and maximize productivity, manufacturers are pressed more than ever to back up their claims of fast ROI. This often steers the conversation toward versatility. The greater the number of applications a product can handle, the more “worth it” its purchase or rental becomes.

In the case of Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench Mini Trencher, versatility happens to be its best subject. Contractors, do-it-yourselfers, and even golf course superintendents find multiple solutions in their respective industries from a single, easy-to-operate machine.

Different strokes

save time with Kwik-Trench Mini Trencher's bolt-on tooth systemOne reason the Kwik-Trench appeals to so many applications is its common-sense cutter wheel design. Where other trenchers require teeth to be welded directly to the cutter wheel, the Kwik-Trench has a time-saving bolt-on tooth system. This design not only speeds up maintenance, it also allows the operator to quickly change out teeth to match the application.

Width and depth options add to the Kwik-Trench’s versatility. With 1- to 4-inch width settings and adjustable depths up to 12 inches depending on the model, operators can cater trench dimensions to the job at hand. This improves efficiency by reducing the inevitable manual labor that comes with trying to work with wrong-size trenches.

The Kwik-Trench is offered in two models, the KT 200B and KT 2400B, each with strengths in different applications, giving operators the option to choose the machine that is best for the work they plan to do. The 200B is lighter and digs a shallower trench, making it perfect for jobs in inaccessible areas that demand more maneuverability. The 2400B is still lightweight and highly maneuverable, but boasts more power and can dig a deeper trench, making it suitable for jobs that require a little more brawn.

Different folks

trencher installing silt fenceA practical cutter wheel design for quick tooth changes, useful width and depth settings, and model options for unique application requirements make the Kwik-Trench an attractive solution for a wide range of people in varying industries.

Landscaping contractors use the Kwik-Trench for professional edging, installing silt fences, and burying wires for landscape lighting. Professional contractors can also take advantage of the Kwik-Trench’s fast cutting speeds to quickly bury propane, plumbing and drainage lines, as well as low-voltage wiring for satellite dishes, cable, or phone lines.

Homeowners, on the other hand, find the Kwik-Trench a user-friendly solution for the projects that often come with home ownership, such as installing sprinkler systems or burying electric dog fences. And golf course superintendents and grounds professionals can rely on the Kwik-Trench’s carbide tipped, hardened steel teeth to manage problem tree roots and dig clean trenches to perform maintenance on irrigation systems.

Thanks to its common-sense design, convenient model options, and wide application appeal, the Kwik-Trench proves a versatile addition to any landscaper’s toolbox, and a cost-effective trenching solution for the do-it-yourselfer.

For more ways to reach your ROI potential, contact a Little Beaver expert.

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Who Needs Horizontal Boring Equipment?

Who Needs Horizontal Boring Equipment?

Apr 14, 2018

Horizontal boring kit

Keep Projects Going When Up Against Pavement

From landscape lighting installation to irrigation system maintenance, horizontal boring is highly valuable for keeping projects going when up against pavement. As a result, many landscaping professionals and homeowners find a fast return on investment in horizontal boring equipment. But others fail to realize the benefits due to misconceptions that boring machines are too expensive to rent or purchase or are limited in use.

The applications for boring equipment in landscaping are actually quite diverse. Horizontal boring is highly valuable for every job from landscape lighting line installation to irrigation system maintenance. And whether it’s contractors with their own equipment or rental centers serving landscapers, homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, most already have machines that can pair with boring attachments and accessories, maximizing their fleet efficiency with multi-purpose equipment that can be used every day and on every job.

Little Beaver’s horizontal boring kit turns a traditional earth drill into an economical boring solution. Though inherently more limited than a large dedicated boring machine, the Little Beaver Boring system easily completes the jobs landscapers and homeowners tackle.

Solutions for the homeowner

A Little Beaver earth drill fitted with the horizontal boring attachment is a perfect fit for the do-it-yourselfer. The drill and attachment are lightweight and safely operated by just one person. And because it’s a cost-effective alternative to renting larger boring machines, it’s an ideal solution for cost-conscious homeowners.

Homeowners and DIYers use the horizontal boring kit to install and maintain:

  • Sprinkler systems
  • Water softener lines
  • Landscape lighting lines
  • Gas lines

Fast ROI for the contractor

Professional landscape contractors are often faced with small- to medium-size projects that do not require the industrial capacity of expensive and heavy directional drilling equipment. While moles are geared for this size of project, they are expensive to buy or rent, complicated to use, and typically require at least two people to operate.

A horizontal boring attachment is an inexpensive way for contractors to efficiently install or maintain:

  • Fiber optic lines
  • Gas lines
  • Irrigation systems
  • Conduit pipe

For more ways to improve landscaping efficiency, contact a Little Beaver expert.

Solutions for Effortless Drilling

Solutions for Effortless Drilling

Mar 20, 2018

UN-Towable earth drill

Reduce the Risk of Strains and Injuries

Lifting and handling 100 pounds can be a difficult task, even for the youngest and fittest individuals. Sprains, strains and tears are the leading injuries among all jobs, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Drilling can be done with less risk of strains and injuries when the equipment used has been designed to lessen the toll on workers’ bodies.

Two great examples of machines designed with these benefits in mind are the Towable and UN-Towable Hydraulic Earth Drills, which share some key, user-focused features:

  • Towable hydraulic earth auger

    Little Beaver designed its Towable Drill to be a safe, easy-to-use solution for even inexperienced operators on one-person hole-digging projects.

    The “teeter-totter” design allows the weight of the auger to be offset by the engine. This reduces the operating weight from as much as 100 pounds to as little as 40-50 pounds.

  • The semi-pneumatic tires allow for easy push and pull, all while leaving minimal damage on turf, grass and other surfaces.
  • Each drill only requires about 20 pounds of force to pivot it into position.
  • An infinitely variable 20-degree auger tilt makes it possible to safely drill vertically in uneven terrain. The UN-Towable drill features a standard stationary handle and the Towable drill features a three-position handle that rotates 180-degrees allowing an operator to drill near buildings, walls and other structures.
  • The rare forward-and-reverse auger feature allows the operator to ease the drill out of the ground as opposed to tugging heavily on the equipment, greatly minimizing the physical effort required to get the job done.

Equipment that allows operators to work smarter, not harder is a win for contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike. Drills that reduce operating weight and kickback while being easily maneuverable will allow operators to achieve the highest efficiency during projects and, most importantly, do so without injury.

“The Towable and UN-Towable units are perfect for individuals who need the power of a hydraulic earth drill without the operating weight and transportation challenges that can be associated with traditional units,” said Mike Hale, Little Beaver sales manager.

Towable earth drill transport
Little Beaver’s Towable drill can be conveniently transported with minimal effort using a removable “no-tools” towing hitch, saving valuable truck or trailer space.
UN-Towable earth drill transport
Little Beaver’s UN-Towable drill is easy to operate, making it an ideal solution for a variety of industries, including landscaping, fence and sign installation, as well as park and recreation departments.
Kwik-Trench Operation

Kwik-Trench Operation

Dec 11, 2017

Learn how to efficiently cut clean, narrow trenches with your Kwik-Trench mini trencher. The unit’s push-forward design makes it a safe, easy-to-operate solution for installing sprinkler lines, low-voltage wiring and landscape edging.

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