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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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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.
Listen to Your Earth Drill

Listen to Your Earth Drill

Nov 27, 2017

Tips For Preventing and Diagnosing Mechanical Earth Drills Issues

Mechanical drills’ high operating speeds

Mechanical drills’ high operating speeds and compact sizes make them a popular choice for contractors and rental centers — and ideal for drilling holes quickly. Although these transmission-powered machines have significantly more moving parts than their more costly hydraulic counterparts, simple knowledge of how to prevent and diagnose common problems will keep your drill running efficiently. Below are answers to questions we get often and some tips to help you achieve better ROI.

What steps can I take to minimize the risk of damaging the drill?

Start by choosing a unit with the correct gear ratio and auger for your soil. For soil with minimal rocks and few roots, a 10:1 gear ratio with a standard auger will provide fast and efficient results. For drilling in clay or other difficult conditions, a 10:1 gear ratio will still work, but switch from a standard to carbide blade to effectively cut through the soil. If you’re working in an area with rocks exceeding 3 inches in diameter, choose a drill with a 20:1 gear ratio reduction and a heavy-duty auger. The gear reduction slows the auger from 360 to 180 rpm and will pop the rocks out of the soil and continue spinning.

Should I be concerned that the gearbox is hot or making an unusual sound?

The gearbox will always be hot to the touch when the drill is operating. However, if the transmission is extremely hot, smells like burned oil or starts making unusual sounds, check the oil level. Oil leaks can occur around the seal, lower output shaft or the top of the transmission, and will lead to drill damage if ignored. Low oil also increases the risk of premature bearing wear, which can result in excessive heat and unusual sounds. To prevent early wear, check the transmission oil level and condition monthly or every 40 hours of operation.

Mechanical earth drill flex shaft maintenance

It’s important to clean, examine and grease the flex shaft every 50 hours of operation to prevent damage.

The engine is running, so why won’t the auger turn?

A problem with the drivetrain, most likely along the flexible drive shaft, is to blame. To pinpoint the issue, start by inspecting the end fittings for cracks or breaks. If there are broken wires or sharp kinks, it’s time to replace the shaft housing. If things appear fine from the outside, remove the flex shaft for further inspection. To prevent flex shaft damage, clean, examine and grease the flex shaft every 50 hours of operation. Check your owner’s manual to determine the correct procedure for greasing the flex shaft.

Why does the clutch slip or cause the drill to jerk during operation?

Over time, a drill’s clutch padding wears, resulting in reduced performance when engaging the auger or accelerating the engine from idle to full speed. The clutch will continue to run, even if the padding is completely gone, leading to easily detectable problems. It’s best to inspect the clutch every 30 days or any time you lubricate the flexible drive shaft. Regular checks will help you track the wear so you can replace the clutch pads before the drill loses performance.

Centrifugal clutch spring replacement

Spring damage can cause the clutch to overheat and may result in the auger spinning when the engine is idling. If this occurs, replace the springs immediately.

Why is the drill less efficient than it used to be despite everything working properly?

Too often, operators allow the points and blades to wear beyond the point of being effective. The drill can run perfectly and spin all day, but if the blades and points are worn, the unit will become less and less effective.

Where can I find additional resources?

Information is always available at your fingertips, including comprehensive maintenance brochures and video tutorials. These helpful tools are excellent resources and often include visuals as well as step-by-step instructions.

Knowing your drill, keeping up with maintenance and accessing additional resources when questions arise will go a long way toward successful drilling.

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Little Beaver Rises to Blimp-Anchoring Challenge

Little Beaver Rises to Blimp-Anchoring Challenge

Aug 7, 2017

Airship anchoringWatching a blimp soar overhead — whether operated by the military or a corporation — can be an awe-inspiring sight. After all, the airships contain enough helium to fill more than three-quarter million balloons. But, that doesn’t actually make them all that lightweight.

So, how does a crew secure a 10-ton airship filled with 200,000 cubic feet of helium once it lands? With a fast-moving crew, strong ropes and heavy-duty anchors. But how the crew secures the ropes and anchors can vary.

Slow and Cumbersome

For years, ground crew teams have relied on gas-powered crank units — often called anchor crankers — to drill the anchors into the ground that secure the airships. At takeoff, the crews wrench the anchors out by hand — a slow and cumbersome process that can cause arm and back strain.

Crews knew there must be a faster, less strenuous way to keep a 250-foot-long airship secured. One such crew turned to Little Beaver, a longtime earth drill manufacturer, to see what type of customized solution the Texas-based team could provide.

High–Torque Alternative

Little Beaver recommended switching to hydraulic earth drills since their high torque allows for easily drilling in nearly any soil — a key feature for airships, which regularly land at different locations across the United States.

Coupling the drill with Little Beaver’s anchoring attachments and anchors allowed the airship’s ground crew to easily secure each anchor in less than a couple of minutes. When it’s time to move to the next location, operators simply use the drill’s reverse gear to remove the anchors. This speeds up the takeoff process and eliminates back-straining work.

The airship’s ground handling crew can now install and remove anchors for each ship in the fleet in less than a half hour. It’s saved hundred of hours each year for the crew compared to their former anchoring methods.

A “Grounded” Solution

Additionally, since ground crews work outside, Little Beaver made custom handles to enhance operator safety during inclement weather. Working with customers to develop one-of-a-kind solutions to unique challenges is not uncommon for Little Beaver. In this case, they made handles using fiberglass instead of steel to reduce susceptibility to lightning strikes.

While airship anchoring is not a huge market, Little Beaver drills offer the versatility and customization necessary to anchor anything from airships and mobile homes to utility poles and party tents. And the next time they receive a custom request for a specialized anchoring system, Little Beaver engineers are confident they can create a solution.