03/07/2025
HELUCHAIN energy chains in use at TRACTO
When it comes to installing pipes and electrical cables, trenchless drilling methods are in style. These machines save you time and money, as well as minimise environmental impacts. TRACTO, a pioneer in drilling technology, equips its newest generation of GRUNDODRILL directional drilling machines with robust, steel drag chains from HELUKABEL. The increased stability and durability of these chains play a pivotal role in enabling these mighty machines to reliably burrow through any kind of substrate.One of TRACTO's longest-standing and undoubtedly most prominent employees is only a few centimetres long. "Mauli", short for the German word for mole, "Maulwurf", has been the official trademark for the company located in the Sauerland region since 1970. TRACTO, which is a pioneer in trenchless pipeline construction, develops, produces, and operates machines and accessories used in the resource-saving and sustainable installation and replacement of pipelines, which is commonly referred to locally as "Maulwurf technology"."Our technology is used globally—in stadiums, in the mountains, in rough terrain, and in environmentally protected areas," explains R&D Engineer Stefan Hermes with TRACTO. "Trenchless construction saves resources, is less destructive, and generates less noise, CO2, and particulate emissions. Furthermore, it shortens construction times and saves on costs." As a pioneer in the field, TRACTO has since garnered international success and has 850 employees around the globe.Directional drilling through any terrainWith just one look into TRACTO's assembly halls, which are located at their headquarters in Lennestadt, you'll immediately notice that Mauli's mechanical coworkers are many times larger and more powerful than he is. Their line of machines ranges from the GRUNDOMAT series of "ground rockets", which use air pressure to shoot through the earth, to the snow-groomer-sized directional drilling machines of the GRUNDODRILL family, which are designed to be able to drill both straight and curved holes even at large-diameters for electricity, gas, communications, or water pipes, and through any type of terrain. This is called horizontal directional drilling, or HDD for short.GRUNDODRILL machines feature a directional drill head which is typically used to drill a pilot hole along the length of the planned drill hole. Behind this, there is a magazine of rods which are added to the drill rod every three metres to increase its total length to 200 metres or longer, depending on the model. A drilling fluid consisting of water and bentonite, a clay mineral, prevents debris from clogging the drill bit. When pulling the drill rods back, the diameter of the drill hole is increased using an expander head, to which a pipe is attached and pulled into the hole. "Operators are able to constantly monitor and correct the direction of the drill head using a tracking system and a transmitter located in the drill head," adds Hermes. "This enables operators to steer the drill over or under obstacles, such as existing pipes."Extreme operating conditions are part of the daily routineUnderground construction companies, energy suppliers, and network operators are just a few of those who rely on TRACTO technology. Dust and dirt, moisture, extreme temperatures, and strong vibrations are just some of the often rough operating conditions that create challenges for these drilling machines. For the manufacturer, it is therefore essential that all components are of the highest quality to ensure long service lives for the machines.Both the enormous drill rig, which is responsible for pushing and pulling the bore head, and the automatic rod magazine are hydraulically driven. The hoses that power these parts are enclosed in drag chains, which protect them from external factors and being crushed or damaged when the machine moves. "In the past, we used plastic drag chains," remembers Hermes. "It turned out that, in practice, they were not robust enough to reliably withstand the high operational demands." The resulting frequent downtime and repairs lead the experts at TRACTO to look for a better solution.The solution? Replace plastic with steelThey found what they were looking for at HELUKABEL. With their subsidiary HELU Connectivity Solutions, the specialists in electrical connection technology have an extensive portfolio of high-quality and custom, plastic and steel drag chains. For these demanding applications, the designers decided to go with drag chains from the SLP series. These are extremely robust, steel-link drag chains that are built for traversing extensive unsupported distances, and housing large quantities of cables or, such as with TRACTO, heavy hydraulic hoses. Four of these drag chains with lengths between 80 cm and 4 metres are installed on the new generation of GRUNDODRILL drilling machines."In our first conversations with TRACTO, we were able to score points by demonstrating the high quality of our drag chains and their cost-effectiveness," reports Karsten Göbel, Sales Manager Solutions at HELUKABEL. "Our technicians were continuously in contact with TRACTO engineers to ensure that our solutions were optimally tailored to their specific requirements." The SPL drag chains are fitted with plastic separation bars and come in widths suitable for precisely and reliably guiding hydraulic hoses. Edge-protection profiles and rounded bars prevent abrasion and damage to the hoses, thereby extending their service life.Switching to steel drag chains allowed us to further improve the durability and quality of our machines, which are important criteria for lasting success.Stefan Hermes, R&D Engineer, TRACTOOptimal collaborationTRACTO's engineers are wholly satisfied with the new steel drag chains from HELUKABEL. "The drag chains effortlessly perform their functions in the machines and significantly improve the robustness and stability of the entire drilling machine," says Stefan Hermes. "Thanks to HELUKABEL's competent consultation and the direct, uncomplicated collaboration between our two development departments, we were able to quickly and efficiently implement the new solution." In contrast to the previously used plastic drag chains, the SLP steel drag chains do not limit the functionality and flexibility of the machine in any way, as the steel chain's modular construction allows it to be easily adjusted according to different requirements.Some of the drag chains were delivered by HELUKABEL already filled with the required hydraulic hoses and electrical cables. "We are able to easily procure everything we needed from a single source which simplifies the installation process," explains Hermes. "Switching to steel drag chains allowed us to further improve the durability and quality of our machines, which are important criteria for lasting success."With all of this praise, it's no wonder that TRACTO would like to continue working with HELUKABEL in the future. "We strive to build long-term partnerships with our suppliers and rely on tried and tested solutions," explains Hermes. "This way of doing business doesn't just benefit us, but also our customers." With the average GRUNDODRILL machine's approximately 10,000 operating hours, the flawless performance of the SLP range of drag chains has proven their long-term reliability. "Together with HELUKABEL, we have definitely found a solution that works," sums up Hermes. "We see no need to change what just works."..
