Mechanical Aids

Description	Excavator, Trench No. 1 (Davis)
Manufacturer	Davis
Model	RT-36 and W-36
Type
Use
Fleet Number
Date of picture	1962

EXCAVATOR TRENCH No. 1 (DAVIS W-36 AND RT-36)

Application
For excavating trenches of 3in. width to a depth of 24in. for polythene cable and small diameter duct.

General description
The excavator is of the chain type, mounted on three semi-pneumatic tyred wheels. It is powered by a 6 h.p. air-cooled petrol engine with recoil start. Feed is by means of a wire rope from the excavator winch to a ground stake in advance of the excavator. A six speed self-winching mechanism enables the trenching speed to be adjusted to suit soil conditions. Engine stall due to shock loads is prevented by a torque limiter unit. A V-belt tightener acts as an engine clutch. The digging boom is lowered and raised by a cranked self-locking handle. An earth dispersal auger conveys the excavated soil to one side of the machine. The excavator is supplied with a spare digging chain.

Performance
The excavated soil is finely chopped and ideal for reinstatement. The digging speed of the excavator varies considerably depending on soil conditions and depth of trench required. Typical performance figures for a 12in. depth trench are:-
Good digging conditions 75 yards/hour.
Difficult digging conditions 15 yards/hour.

Dimensions
Length 78in. and Width 31in.

Weight
2.5cwt.

Capital cost
£300 approx.

Remarks
Rate Book Item, Section 5 (T-A). The excavator is of American design and manufacture modified to suit P.O. requirements.

Trenchex Plant Sales, Holly Road, Uttoxeter, Staffs. are the Agents for England and Northern Ireland. The Reekie Plant Co. Ltd., South Road, Cupar, Fife are the Agents for Scotland.

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Taken from the POEE Journal 1967

The Excavator, Trench, No. 1, is provided for cutting trenches 3 in. wide and to a depth of 2ft for polythene cable and small-diameter duct. The machine, of the chain type and mounted on three wheels with semi-pneumatic tyres, is powered by a 6 h.p. air-cooled petrol engine with recoil start. It is 78in. long, 31in. wide and weighs 2.5cwt.

The machine is drawn forward by means of a wire rope from the excavator winch to a ground anchor in advance of the machine. A 6-speed self-winding mechanism enables the trenching speed to be adjusted to suit soil conditions, with engine stall due to shock loads being prevented by a torque-limiter unit. A V-belt tightener acts as an engine clutch.

The digging boom is raised and lowered by a cranked self-locking handle. An earth-disposal auger conveys the spoil to one side of the machine, the excavated soil being finely chopped and ideal for reinstatement. Typical performance figures for a trench 12in. deep are 75yd/ hour under favourable digging conditions and 15yd/hour under difficult digging conditions.