Why should concrete pipes not be pushed together with an excavator bucket?
Pushing with an excavator bucket creates unnecessary risks of accidents and damage.
According to EN 1610, suitable pipe jointing equipment must be used. The pipes should be joined free of constraint by applying steady axial force, without overloading the components.
German Association for Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Pipes (Fachvereinigung Betonrohre und Stahlbetonrohre e.V., FBS): "Pushing pipes together with an excavator bucket, or pulling them together with asymmetric chain slings attached to the laying anchors and raised by the lifting device, is not permitted due to the uncontrolled application of force and possible damage to the pipe ends. When pulling pipes together with chain slings, there is also a risk that the pipes will be lifted and angled, so that the planned position is not achieved. Pipe pullers that grip the pipe either on the outside or on the inside are recommended."
Güteschutz Kanalbau (German quality assurance association for sewer construction): "Pipes may only be joined using suitable equipment and with an even distribution of load."
What is a pipe pulling device and what is it used for?
A pipe pulling device is a special tool for pulling concrete pipes together in sewer construction. The WIMAG pipe pulling device RZA pulls the pipes together safely and quickly.
Can the WIMAG pipe pulling device RZA be rented?
Yes, the RZA is available for both purchase and rental.
Which pipes and nominal sizes can be pulled together with the RZA?
The WIMAG pipe pulling device RZA is suitable for concrete pipes with bell sockets. The RZA 350-750 is used for pipes with an outside diameter of 350–750 mm, the RZA 600-1,250 for an outside diameter of 600–1,250 mm.
How does the pulling process work?
The RZA is hydraulically clamped behind the bell socket of a pipe that has already been laid. Using 2 chains and a crossbar, the next pipe is pulled in by 2 hydraulic cylinders operated with a hand pump.
How are concrete pipes laid and what role does the pipe pulling device play?
When laying concrete pipes, the pipe pulling device carries out the actual pulling process: once the excavator has positioned the next pipe, the device pulls the pipes together with controlled, defined pressure – instead of doing this in an uncontrolled way by hand or with the excavator bucket. Preparatory work such as trench excavation, bedding and pipe alignment is not part of the device's function, but belongs to the regular civil engineering work.
Do I have to reposition the pipe pulling device after each pulling operation?
No, the pipe pulling device is supplied with 15 m long pulling chains. This means several pipes can be pulled from one position.
What pulling medium does the pipe pulling device use?
2 chains are used as the pulling medium.
The maximum pulling force of the device is 1.5 t. Can I also pull heavier pipes together?
Yes. The pipe to be laid is aligned as close as possible in front of the last pipe, but remains suspended from the lifting gear until the end of the pulling process. This makes it easy to correct the pipe position with the lifting gear. The required pulling force is considerably reduced, as only the frictional resistance of the seal has to be overcome.
How is the pipe pulling device powered?
The device operates hydraulically and is driven by a hand pump. This eliminates the need for obstructive supply lines or cables.
Can the pipe pulling device be adapted to other pipe dimensions?
Yes. It is set to a new outside pipe diameter by adjusting the two clamping arms.
Which safety regulations apply to operating the pipe pulling device?
The pipe pulling device is subject to the German accident prevention regulation DGUV Vorschrift 54. Before commissioning and at least once a year, it must be inspected by a competent person. The operator must ensure that the inspection results are documented. The results must be entered in an inspection log. The device may only be used in accordance with the operating instructions.
Are operating instructions available?
Every device is supplied with operating instructions. If required, they can be requested at any time via www.wimag.de.
What is the difference between the RZE and the RZA?
The pipe puller RZE is used inside the reinforced concrete pipe; the pipe pulling device RZA is clamped from the outside behind the bell socket of the pipe.
