The workhorse of the Kodiak drill fleet is the Mini-Mole, custom built for the limited access requirements of Kodiak clients. This drill is tremendously popular for its combination of power and versatility, especially for very narrow areas. The drill operates on the same system as a traditional geotechnical/environmental truck mounted drill; a 140lb hammer drives a 2″ split spoon sampler, while augers are used to bore the drill hole.
This unit travels on a rubber track (crawler) system maneuvered by an optional tethered remote control operated by the driller. It features a slide base, with telescoping tracks allowing it to reduce its width to only 36 inches for narrow areas, while expanding to 51 inches for maximum stability on slopes and rough terrain.
Although it is over 4000lbs, in its narrow mode, it is only 8 inches wider than the Big Beaver. It also employs 4 independent hydraulic stabilizers for uneven ground and a 2000lb hydraulic winch for rod and auger lifting. The Mini-Mole (3 times the auger head power of the Big Beaver), with a drill head torque of 2200 foot lbs approaches the power of a CME45.
This unit is most often used at limited access outdoor locations, where boreholes are to be drilled to depths of 15 to 50 feet.
The Principal Advantages of this Unit
Size: Requires an area of approximately 7′ by 15′, with 11′ clearance minimum. The tower can be extended to 15′ for better production rates with deeper holes.
Power: 2200 foot lbs drill head torque, with a unit weight of 4200lbs (5600lbs when fully loaded with tooling). Standard 140lb hammer, blow counts suitable for SPTs.
Emissions & Noise: On-board is a 33 hp diesel engine, with capabilities of drilling inside with an exhaust system that will reach up to 200 feet away from the nearest exit.
Monitoring Wells: Using solid and hollow stem (2.75in or 4.25in) augers the boreholes are suitable for 1″ or 2″ diameter monitoring wells. Larger diameter wells can also be installed using larger diameter augers.
Other Factors
Access: Drill is self propelled, moving on rubber tracks – allowing it to access sloped and rough terrain areas. Telescoping tracks allow width to be varied from 35 inches to 51 inches.
Augers: Most commonly uses 4in solid stem augers, but can also be equipped with 2.75in or 4.25in hollow stem augers in areas of collapsing soils; all of which are suitable for 1in or 2in well installations. Different sizes of augers may be available upon request.
Concrete & Asphalt: Asphalt and low quality concrete can be penetrated with this drill. For interior drilling, we predrill the floor with the diamond bit coring machine.
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