Location: Chicago, IL
Equipment: AQ-2
Application: Trenching
On a trenching project in Chicago, IL, the crew encountered multiple obstacles that made the traditional method of using a hammer ineffective and inefficient:
Even with two Volvo 470 excavators equipped with hammers, phase one quickly ran into problems. The percussive force caused delays, increased the risk of damaging surrounding infrastructure, and left behind rough, uneven trench walls. Crews spent extra time on cleanup and rework instead of progressing the job.
A Smarter Excavation Method with the AQ-2 Drum Cutter
For the next phase, the contractor turned to a Deere 135G paired with an Antraquip AQ-2 drum cutter. This combination provided a solution specifically suited for low-vibration, high-production excavation in tight or sensitive areas.
Replacing the hammer with the AQ-2 delivered several key advantages:
This approach was ideal for trenching in mixed ground conditions where precision and safety were just as critical as production speed.
The Result: More Than Double the Production
The impact of the AQ-2 was immediate. The team completed trench sections faster and more efficiently. With cleaner cuts and less need for rework, overall productivity more than doubled.
“We’ll never need another hammer,” said the jobsite foreman.
“I wish we had these on phase one. It would have saved us a ton of time.”
Why Choose Antraquip for Confined Space Excavation?
Antraquip drum cutters are engineered for performance, control, and reliability across a wide range of applications.
Key benefits include:
Contact an Antraquip expert today to find the right solution for your next project.
