Impact moling is an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for underground pipe installations. Instead of removing soil using traditional methods, a pneumatic tool compacts and displaces it, creating a bore for installing pipework. With minimal surface disruption, avoiding the need for extensive excavation, it’s also a far more cost-effective method than outdated, open-trench digging. This makes it popular with utility companies and contractors looking to cut the costs typically associated with the installation of service connections.
Images courtesy: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co KG
The cost of impact moling, of course, can vary depending on the project needs and ground conditions. Various factors come into play that can affect the overall price. At EPS, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for your installation project following a site assessment, including impact moling cost per metre. Our quotations are prepared using a combination of company models, hourly rates and price per metre of pipe to be laid.
As a trenchless technique used for installing small-diameter pipework without the need for extensive digging, impact moling is a popular method when it comes to project cost savings. Due to the non-invasive method of moling, this technique is ideal for installing underground pipework in built-up and busy urban areas. As such, this technology is used for a wide range of applications, including water and gas lines, or ducting for electricity and telecoms cables.
Still, there are various factors that can affect the cost per metre of impact moling.
When assessing the cost per metre of pipe laid, consideration must be given to:
Our expert engineers will undertake a thorough assessment of the site to answer these questions, providing a detailed quote based on the practical and geological data obtained.
Image courtesy: INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY
The cost per metre of pipe laid is just one part of the pricing process when it comes to impact moling in the UK. Consideration also has to be given to the cost of operating the machinery, ie; the impact moling machine price. This includes the type of equipment necessary to meet the project needs, plus the operational and running costs associated with that equipment.
For a free, no-obligation quote, please contact us. When it comes to value for money, we provide cutting-edge equipment and industry-leading expertise at competitive prices.
Moling involves using a pneumatically-powered machine called a mole which creates a tunnel by displacing soil as it moves forward. The mole, also known as a soil displacement hammer, comprises a steel tube with an air-powered piston. This piston strikes the tool’s nose, driving it forward through the soil. The soil is compacted and displaced laterally, forming a borehole.
During the impact moling process, a small pit is dug at the starting point (the launch pit) and another pit is dug at the end point (the reception pit). The mole is then placed in the launch pit and driven through the ground towards the reception pit. Depending on soil stability, the pipework can be towed during the boring process or inserted after the borehole is completed.
Understanding the various moling tools and their capabilities is crucial for selecting the right equipment for your project. With the right equipment to meet your project needs, impact moling can offer an efficient and cost-effective solution. When employing this method of installing pipework, it’s possible to use either a “steerable” or “non-steerable” mole.
Non-steerable moles are used for straightforward, linear installations. They work by creating a straight tunnel between two points, offering precision and reliability. While steerable moles have the added capability of directional control, allowing for more complex installations that can navigate around obstacles, directional drilling is more suitable for curved trajectories.
While non-steerable moles cannot be used to create long, curved bores, they come in various sizes and specifications when it comes to creating precise, straight bores. This includes fixed and moving head moles to replaceable mole heads of different shapes and diameters.
Fixed Head Mole vs Moving Head Mole
Fixed head moles use a simple hammering action. They work well in uniform and stable soil conditions, allowing for quick, efficient tunnelling. With fewer moving parts they’re easy to maintain than moving heads, and cheaper to operate due to their straightforward design.
In contrast, moving head moles employ a two-stage action where the chisel head creates a pilot bore and the main casing expands the borehole to the final diameter. This allows for gradual excavation, making these moles more effective in difficult soils. However, additional moving parts mean more maintenance and higher chances of mechanical failure. These types of moles are also more expensive to maintain and operate due to their advanced mechanics.
Replaceable Heads & Different Diameters
Impact moles can use different tool heads to adapt to various soil conditions. Tapered heads are suitable for loose, wet soils without obstacles, while splined and stepped heads are better for compact soils. Moles are also available in diameters from approximately 45mm for small pipes or cables, to up to 200mm for ducts or larger pipelines. The mole diameter should be 15–25% larger than the pipe diameter to reduce friction and compensate for soil relaxation.
Selecting the Correct Moling Equipment
Impact moling is an efficient method for installing small-diameter pipework with minimal disruption and cost — but only with proper planning, soil evaluation, and tool selection.
When selecting moling equipment, our engineers will carefully consider the project requirements, ground conditions, and capabilities of different mole types. All of these considerations will help them to determine the overall impact moling cost for your project.
Images courtesy: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co KG
As industry leaders in innovative solutions for pipework installation, our pipe moling services will avoid messy trench-digging, reducing labour and restoration costs associated with this outdated method. Equally, our commitment to precision and efficiency ensures that your impact moling project will be completed quickly and cost-effectively, with minimal disruption.
Contact us today to find out more about our impact moling costs.
Primarily designed for installing small-diameter pipes, impact moling excels in navigating through compressible soils over short distances. At EPS, we offer other trenchless techniques to suit various soil conditions and varying project needs, including directional drilling.
Case Studies
HDD Locations
Moling Locations
Website: in.house.media
Skip to content