No sooner had it arrived at TRACTO’s UK HQ in Bedford, than the brand new GRUNDODRILL 20ACS was snapped up by Tier 1 Contractor, Clancy Group. Not only was this the first machine of its kind to arrive in the UK, but also one of the first machines off the German production line.

The Clancy Group was awarded a comprehensive contract by utility company, South West Water, for a programme of water and sewage pipe installations and renewals throughout the South West. To undertake the work, the company created an in-house team of trenchless specialists and set about acquiring the skills to undertake the work alongside existing sub-contractors.

Frank Sweeney, Clancy Group’s Trenchless Technology Specialist, along with colleague John Lawler, a highly experienced user of trenchless equipment, approached TRACTO HDD Manager, Jim O’Grady, to discuss the optimum solutions for the contract and submitted a proposal to purchase two TRACTO machines; a GRUNDODRILL 20ACS horizontal directional drilling rig and a GRUNDOBURST 400G pipe burster. The former to tackle the challenging terrain where the team will install new water pipes and the latter for renewals.

To upskill the new team, a series of EUSR accredited training courses were taken at TRACTO’s UK training centre including:

Intro to HDD - GRUNDODRILL
Bursting - GRUNDOBURST
Twin Capstan Winching - GRUNDOWINCH
Impact Moling - GRUNDOMAT

A subsequent hands-on practical training course at TRACTO’s demo ground doubled up as the official handover of the 20ACS and was expertly delivered by TRACTO’s HDD specialist demonstrator, George Fowler.

Frank, who has used TRACTO products for over two decades at a previous employer, was impressed by the 20-tonne unit. Having previously operated bursters, moles and rammers, he took to the controls to master the machine alongside his colleagues.

“TRACTO products are widely acknowledged as the best, so I am delighted that the team has the opportunity to use them across the initial two-year framework agreement. Our first project is in Devon where we will be replacing hundreds of meters of ageing pipe infrastructure. I am confident we now have the best technology to support this.”

A GRUNDOBURST 400G is due to arrive prior to the start of the project and – along with the drilling rig – will meet sustainability criteria including:

minimising the damage on the local infrastructure – roads, pavements, green spaces
quicker installation minimising disruption to local residents and businesses
requiring fewer materials and resources to complete the task
recycling existing materials for reinstatement

The 20ACS was supplied with a TRACTO MA010-D dual mixing tank supplied on a custom-made trailer and the renowned Digitrak ARES locating system. Designed with the operator in mind, it has a full cabin with climate control ensuring comfort all year round and features new software for easy rod changes. Slightly heavier than its predecessor – the 18ACS – it now offers bigger diameters and four different types of rods. This includes two sizes of dual rod, which can be used for both jet and rock drilling if required, plus two sizes of dedicated jet drilling rods.

TRACTO is looking forward to supporting the Clancy team on-site at the first drill – just one element of the company’s commitment to customer care, which includes maintenance, parts and servicing.

Clancy the first customer for the 20ACS Rockstar from TRACTO