Brochure

Sensitive underground pipes and cables can often be punctured or damaged by traditional digging methods.
Utility AirSpade offers a safe non-damaging alternative method of soil excavation. Ideal for digging holes or shallow trenches
for pipes or cables, Utility AirSpade is used in the following applications:
• Utility locating and repair • Keyholing • Potholing • Valve box cleaning • Cable trenching
UTILITY APPLICATIONS
SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE BUILT IN
EXCAVATION USING THE POWER OF COMPRESSED AIR
PATENTED SUPERSONIC NOZZLE
Soil is an unconsolidated assemblage of solid particles including clay, sand, and rock and sometimes organic matter.
Voids between the particles are occupied by air and/or water. When compressed air is directed into soil at close range,
air enters the voids where it expands, thereby fracturing the soil. Stronger, non-porous materials such as metal or plastic
pipes, cables, or even tree roots are unaffected.
Utility AirSpade’s patented supersonic nozzle turns
compressed air into a high-speed, laser-like jet moving
at twice the speed of sound – Mach 2. All of the energy
and momentum of air moving at approximately 1,200
mph is focused into the soil – dislodging it in a fraction of
a second.
Air exiting from an improperly designed nozzle diffuses
outward rapidly to 3 to 4 times the area versus the
focused air-jet from the patented AIRSPADE supersonic
nozzle. The result is faster, safer, more efcient soil
excavation.
High strength aluminum handle with plastic
coated ergonomic grip. Engineered to
accommodate linesman’s gloves.
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone] www.airspade.comPHONE 413-594-4400 FAX [phone] www.airspade.com
Patented, supersonic nozzle.
Non-sparking brass construction.
105 and 150 cfm
sizes available.
Adjustable dirt shield protects operator from
ying debris.
Non-sparking brass sleeves
with threaded connections.
Rugged, lightweight, non-conductive,
berglass construction, designed to protect
both electrically and thermally. Extensions
available in 2, 3, 4 and
5 feet lengths.
Retractable stabilizer bar provides
superior operator control.
45 degree brass
angled adapter
aids digging in tight
spaces.
Pressure gauge
ensures optimal
digging performance.
Trigger guard prevents
accidental activation.
Comfortable dead-man trigger.
Chicago style swivel connector.
3/4” FNPT inlet.
THE NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD
Utility AirSpade
®
sets a new standard for air-excavation tools. Engineered with safety in mind, Utility AirSpade features
AirSpade’s patented supersonic nozzle for rapid digging in the toughest of soils. Combined with a high-voltage insulated
barrel and non-sparking components, the rugged Utility AirSpade provides the highest degree of protection when working
around underground electric, gas and other utility lines.
INNER AIR HOSE rated to 75kV per ft. for 5 minutes per SAE 100R7
OUTER FIBERGLASS TUBE rated to 100kV per ft. for 5 minutes per ASTM F711
UNFOCUSED AIR FLOW FROM
IMPROPERLY DESIGNED NOZZLE
FOCUSED AIR FLOW FROM
AIRSPADE SUPERSONIC NOZZLE
Electric Power Lines Gas Pipes Water and Sewer Lines Telecommunication Lines
and Fiber Optics
Utility AirSpade
®
4000 KIT includes:
•
Utility AirSpade
®
4000 handle with Chicago style connector
•
4 ft barrel with dirt shield
•
45 degree brass angled adapter
•
105 cfm or 150 cfm brass nozzle
•
10 ft x 1” ID lightweight air hose with Chicago style connectors
•
Heavy duty locking storage case
Working around underground gas and electric lines demands the safest equipment. Constructed from high-pressure,
insulated inner air hose surrounded by non-conductive, berglass outer barrel, a Utility AirSpade with a 4 ft. barrel
is rated up to 300kV.
Non-sparking brass nozzle and brass barrel sleeves provide protection when digging in and around utility lines.