Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1132012
16 • JULY 2019 • WORLD FENCE NEWS "In the middle of the summer, the priority is getting from site to site," the contractor said. "There's no time for repairs." Luckily, when it comes to his drills, he doesn't lose any sleep. The company keeps five mechanical drills in operation — one for each crew — as well as two backup drills that are ready to go at a moment's notice. Most drills last a good five to seven years, which is no short lifespan, given the rigors of the job. Routine maintenance is necessary and can further increase the lifespan of equipment. When work tapers off during the cold winters, this allows the contrac- tor to catch up on repairs. For their earth drills, this means repairing or replacing augers, blades and an occa- sional clutch or flex shaft — all things that are to be expected considering the abuse the drills endure the rest of the year. "And when repairs are necessary, they're never much trouble," the con- tractor said. "We keep spare parts on hand, and Little Beaver always has a fast turnaround when we've had to or- der more." Along with his drills' ability to endure wear and tear, he says the main benefit — and big reason he remains loyal — is their ability to reduce wear and tear on his employees. Reward loyalty The area includes all soil types, including rock and hard clay. The rocky soil is not only hard on earth drills, it can also take a toll on opera- tors if they are not protected from the auger's torque. Digging with the skid steer, the operator is seated in the cab and pro- tected from kickback. What really sets Little Beaver's mechanical drill apart from others is its torque tube and how it protects the operator. In the event the auger strikes a rock or drilling becomes difficult, torque from the auger transfers from the drive head to the power supply, by- passing the operator. With most competitive rigs, that torque is absorbed by the operator. If not for the torque tube, he expects his employees would experience more strains and injuries, which can impact overall productivity and result in lost revenue. Having safe, user-friendly equip- ment is key to keeping high-quality workers. A lot of factors affect worker turnover, but we try to combat that by providing the best equipment, the con- tractor said. For a business owner unwilling to let the removal of dirt from holes hold him back, it comes as no surprise that the contractor refuses to lose business or long-time employees due to frustra- tions with hole digging equipment. After all, he's in the business of building fences, and knows the impor- tance of a good starting pitcher. – About the author: Mike Hale started his career in the fence indus- try in 1974. In 1996 he began working at Little Beaver, Inc., a leading manufactur- er of portable earth drills and accesso- ries. As the sales manager, he offers expertise on fencing and hole digging equipment. If you have questions or comments, contact him at mikeh@littlebeaver.com or 800-227-7515. – About Little Beaver, Inc.: Lit- tle Beaver has been manufacturing quality, safe and productive drilling equipment for three generations. With a full line of easy-to-operate equip- ment, along with a complete offer- ing of accessories, including augers, Mechanical drills dig nearly twice as fast as a typical hydraulic rig, and are less invasive and disruptive than a skid steer. P.V.C. PROFILES • SECTIONS • CAPS Lowest Prices Highest Quality Easy Credit Terms Save more and learn to fabricate! We will teach you how! UVX Universal Vinyl Extruders, Inc. 631-643-1786 www.uvxextruders.com NEW CONVENIENT PICK UP POINT IN MARYLAND Right choice of hole digging equipment can determine success of a fence installation continued from page 14 Mike Hale continued on page 26 Your First Source for Quality AMERICAN-MADE FENCE PRODUCTS! Providing Quality Hardware to the Industry for 50 Years HDG and Powder Coated Fittings Call for a free catalog 800.891.2235 • 413.786.4390 • Fax 413.789.3664 info@hampdenfence.com • www.hampdenfence.com Our web site can be viewed from your mobile device! Headquartered in Agawam, Massachusetts Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel UNIVERSAL & INDUSTRIAL DRIVE ANCHOR SHOES AND BLADES • Welded Wire Hardware • Square Bands • Ties • Drive Anchor Units • Tension & Brace Bands • Line Rail & End Rail Clamps • Aluminum Loop Caps, Post Caps & Rail Ends • Custom Items Available A S C E N T M2 16-M2 C E L L U L A R M U L T I - T E N A N T E N T R Y S Y S T E M W / 7 - I N C H L C D