Auger Boring Machines

Take on the toughest bores with the Robbins ABM

Complete your next bore more efficiently and more safely. Designed to work with Robbins SBUs, Robbins Heavy Duty Auger Boring Machines can take on the some of the toughest bores.

The Robbins Company developed the Heavy Duty Auger Boring Machine to be more reliable and productive. Since we know your crew's safety is important, we have made it a top priority. We match or exceed safety standards that are required by the industry.

What is an ABM?

Motorized Small Boring Machine

An Auger Boring Machine (ABM) is used to bore horizontally through soil or rock with a cutting head and auger. The majority of ABMs are used to install pipe casing under railroads, highways, airport runways, creeks or any area of the surface ground that cannot be open cut or disturbed in any way.

There are many types of cutting attachments for this machine. They range from Backhoe Teeth cutters for cutting through soil to the Robbins Small Boring Unit for boring hard rock.

Initially the ABM is set up in the starting pit on a predetermined length of track. A backing plate, usually steel or reinforced concrete block, is installed in the wall opposite of the boring to withstand the thrust exerted by the boring machine. The machine bores through the earth with a cutting head and the jacking force is provided by the hydraulic thrust. The pipe casing and auger sections are added as the machine advances. Spoil is removed from the auger through the casing to a door located on the side of the machine.

The right machine for your job: Diameters, Lengths and Strengths

Diameter available in sizes ranging from 36" (0.9 m) to 72" (1.8 m)

Several sizes of ABMs are readily available in any bore diameter with standard English (inch) or metric (mm) casing sizes. If it is not in our inventory, we will custom make the machine for your project.

The ABM can bore over 600 ft in length

The majority of the crossings are 175 (53 m) to 225 ft (68m) long; however some drives have been over 600 ft(180 m) in length. The length of the drive depends on the ground conditions. Talk to a Robbins representative to discuss your specific project.

The ABM can bore through a variety of ground conditions

That means the machine can excavate sand, gravel, clay, and rock of any type. Robbins Small Boring Unit excavates rock faster in small diameter drives than any other method available.

Features and Benefits:

  • Hook Roller Safety Locks

    Assures the machine is locked into the track without manual hook up

  • Robbins Rapid Split

    Allows for fast removal of the power unit from the ABM base for shut down or in case of potential flooding of pit. All major components are taken out of pit without disturbing casing alignment or machine set up

  • Hydraulic Clutch

    Ease in operating the clutch and has smooth engage and disengage movement. Note: May be unhooked for manual operation

  • Electronic Anti-tilt Switch

    Aids in the emergency shut down of a potential roll over situation of the ABM. Note: Does not prevent roll over.

  • Pushbar Engagement Indicator

    Enables the operator to see that pushbar dogs are locked into the holes on the track.

  • Proportional Controls

    Ease in operating the hydraulic functions

  • Running Lights

    Allow the operator to see the subject even through the late shifts

  • Tool Box

    Is a large sized storage box mounted on the master pusher for ease and availability of common hand tools used in the bore pit

  • Winch

    Is used for retracting the ABM to original starting position to add another piece of casing Note: This winch is not to be used to pull augers, casing, etc.

  • Vandalism Shield (optional)

    Acts as a cover for the ABM to repel weather and vandals from damaging the ABM when not in use

Acessories:

Soft and Hard soil Cutterheads

Can be utilized for many varieties of soil, sand, clay, cobble, glacial till, soft shale and some sand stone. For harder material use the Robbins SBU with your ABM.

Hex Adapters

Prevents breakage of major components and comes in a variety of forms and sizes

Grade Steering components and kits

Are commonly are used to manually steer an auger bore (please contact Robbins for more information)

Casing and Saddle attachments

Allows the ABM to perform smaller bores than its fitted diameter (for example: 36" ABM can perform 24" bores)

Augers of 24" to 72"

Are available with 3",4",5" hex drives Robbins offers Auger in SAE and Metric sizes.

Your Project – From beginning to end

Robbins also offers complete rental packages of ABMs, augers, cutterheads and/or SBU units with options to purchase:

Please contact our Sales Department for proposal of any of the above mentioned equipment: Call or email a Robbins representative to discuss your project today. Since Robbins has had years of experience with underground projects, we are capable of discussing the details of your project and recommending the right machine for your job.

Purchase or Lease?

Robbins offers individual ABMs or entire packages including ABM, auger, cutting heads, and Robbins Small Boring Units (SBUs) for purchase or lease. ABMs are available in machine diameters ranging from 36" to 72". All of these products are available in our Solon, Ohio or Kent, Washington facilities. The ABM can be leased by the month with a minimum of a two-week lease. If you decide to purchase the machine after leasing, most of the lease paid will be applied to the purchase at project completion.

Process

One of Robbins experienced technical staff will set up your ABM. We will come to your jobsite and teach you and your crew best practices for using your ABM.

Robbins Auger Boring Machine Specifications
Component ABM 36-630 ABM 42-630 ABM 48-950 ABM 54-950 ABM 60-1270 ABM 72-1270
Engine 114 hp @ 2300 rpm Lift Kit Deutz BF6L914C Lift Kit Duetz 6M1013CP Caterpillar 3126B
Net Power Continuous 114 hp @ 2300 rpm   160.5 hp @ 2300 rpm   224 hp @ 2500 rpm 250 hp @ 2100
Peak Torque 295 ft-lbs @ 1500 rpm   516 ft-lbs @ 1600 rpm   573 ft-lbs @ 1500 rpm 860 ft-lbs @ 1350 rpm
Clutch 13"   13"   14" Dual Disc 14" Dual Disc
Transmission Spicer 5 speed   Spicer 5 speed   Eaton 6 speed Eaton 6 speed
Hex Drive 4"   4" (Optional 5")   5" 5"
Gearbox Ratio 54.2:1   54.2:1   40.0:1 35.7:1
Hydraulic Pump 45 gpm @ 5000 psi   45 gpm @ 5000 psi   62.3 gpm @ 5000 psi 62.3 gpm @ 5000 psi
Cylinders 2 x 9"   3 x 9"   4 x 9" 4 x 9"
Thrust 636,000 lbs.   954,000 lbs.   1,270,000 lbs. 1,270,000 lbs.
Master Track Length 12'   13'   13' 15'