Powered Cutting Heads (PCH / PRH)
Akkerman’s Powered Cutting Heads (PCH) and Powered Reaming Heads (PRH) set the standard for pilot tube microtunneling. These powerful units increase the diameter of the bore to match the final product pipe while reversing the direction of the material discharge of the excavated material to the reception shaft in order to install any standard allowable jacking pipe suitable for the application.
FEATURES:
Powered Cutting Heads (PCH)
- PCHs feature independent hydraulic drive systems allowing the operator to control cutterhead and auger speed and direction independently.
- High‑pressure jetting nozzles assist with material transfer and cutting in cohesive ground.
- Pipe lubrication ports in the tail section promote a stable borehole and reduced pressures.
- Material is discharged and reversed inside the plenum chamber, creating mechanical earth balance during excavation.
- Increase kits are available to adapt to various jacking pipe diameters or types.
Powered Reaming Heads (PRH)
- PRH uses a single bi‑directional hydraulic drive system to turn the cutterhead and auger string simultaneously.
- Augers and casings connect via reaming arms for open transfer of excavated material.
- Material discharge is reversed inside the plenum chamber, sending cuttings to the reception shaft.
- High‑pressure jetting nozzles assist material transfer and cutting in cohesive ground.
- Pipe lubrication ports in the tail section promote a stable borehole and reduced pressures.
- PRH heads use a common drive and gearbox; shield bodies can be built for various jacking pipe diameters or types.
SPECIFICATIONS
Print This Page| Model | Base Diameter | CH HP / Auger Torque | Weight (Drive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCH 20 | 20-in. | 32 hp / 10,500 ft-lbf | 1,800 lbs. |
| PCH 22.5 | 22.5-in. | 48 hp / 10,500 ft-lbf | 2,000 lbs. |
| PCH 30.5 | 30.5-in. | 61 hp / 10,500 ft-lbf | 2,200 lbs. |
| PCH 36 | 36-in. | 79 hp / 26,000 ft-lbf | 4,300 lbs. |
| PCH 44 | 44-in. | 93 hp 26,000 ft-lbf | 6,500 lbs. |
*Skin Kits available on all diameters
Powered Reaming Heads
| Model | Diameter Range | Torque | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRH 10.5 | 14-20 in. | 10,500 ft-lbf | 40 rpm |
| PRH 20 | 20-30 in. | 20,000 ft-lbf | 38 rpm |
| PRH 26 | 30-48 in. | 26,000 ft-lbf | 26 rpm |
Testimonials
I have been working in the underground construction for the past 40 years. In the last 25 years I’ve been involved with all kinds of tunneling operations. Hand mine tunnels using jacking equipment, wood box tunnels dug by hand. But my favorite type of tunneling is MTBM’s. I have been working with and around Akkerman tunnel machines from 120” wheeled machines all the way down to the 48” SC tunnel machine. We’ve done successful runs in ranges from 200’ to 800’ with no problems. In all my years of tunneling we have never had a failure of equipment to cause us any down time. When we have had issues with mechanical parts or service needed Akkerman can usually get you the parts pretty quickly and technicians can get on a plane and help you out also. The team at Akkerman is always ready to answer any questions or problems you may have. They can help you decide on what equipment might work best for your particular job needs. I’ve also been involved with the GBM equipment we have run 32” PCH installing 30” Hobas pipe and also 44” PCH installing 42” Hobas pipe. We have had great success with GBM runs up to 500’ in length. Our last purchase was a new 5200 series jacking frame and 60” series 2 MTBM. We chose Akkerman for this equipment for our past experience and the fact they are made in the USA and can service us quickly. It truly has been great working with Akkerman.