A pipe puller system and methods of pipe extraction are shown. In one example a pipe to be replaced is pulled by attaching a pulling force to multiple locations along a length of the pipe. In one example pulling forces can be varied between different attachment locations to better control or eliminate tearing of the pipe. In one example, a pipe loosening device may be used prior to pulling the pipe from the ground.

A pipe puller system and methods of pipe extraction are shown. In one example a pipe to be replaced is pulled by attaching a pulling force to multiple locations along a length of the pipe. In one example pulling forces can be varied between different attachment locations to better control or eliminate tearing of the pipe. In one example, a pipe loosening device may be used prior to pulling the pipe from the ground.

A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.

A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.

A cable puller and a related method of use are provided. The cable puller includes a frame, a winch mounted to the frame, a frame mount and one or more redirection pulleys that guide a cable. The mount is mountable to an arm of a piece of equipment, e.g., excavator, backhoe, loader, etc., and configured to allow manipulation and tilting of the frame to align the redirection pulley at a level and orientation relative to an underground tubing that is to be decommissioned and/or replaced. A deflection plate can be joined with the frame forward of the pulley to protect the pulley if the cable draws a portion of the underground tubing toward it. A splitting wedge can be joined to the frame to fracture underground tubing drawn toward the plate or pulley. Related methods of use also are provided.

A cable puller and a related method of use are provided. The cable puller includes a frame, a winch mounted to the frame, a frame mount and one or more redirection pulleys that guide a cable. The mount is mountable to an arm of a piece of equipment, e.g., excavator, backhoe, loader, etc., and configured to allow manipulation and tilting of the frame to align the redirection pulley at a level and orientation relative to an underground tubing that is to be decommissioned and/or replaced. A deflection plate can be joined with the frame forward of the pulley to protect the pulley if the cable draws a portion of the underground tubing toward it. A splitting wedge can be joined to the frame to fracture underground tubing drawn toward the plate or pulley. Related methods of use also are provided.

Devices and methods are provided for replacing buried utility piping while eliminating the need to perform a complete trench excavation to expose and remove the buried utility piping.

Devices and methods are provided for replacing buried utility piping while eliminating the need to perform a complete trench excavation to expose and remove the buried utility piping.

A method for excavating a ditch and installing an underground pipeline. The method includes excavating a ditch utilizing a predetermined GPS model having grading and alignment requirements for the ditch and the underground pipeline and inserting pipes into the ditch. A laser beam is projected from a laser beam apparatus in association with a first pipe section that utilizes the grading and alignment requirements of the predetermined GPS model to guide excavation and installation of one or more sections of pipes. A remote-controlled vehicle is inserted into the first pipe and is configured to focus the projected laser beam to guide excavation and installation of successive pipe sections. The remote-controlled vehicle is navigated through the pipeline during installation to guide grading of subsequent ditch sections and alignment of additional pipe sections.

A method for excavating a ditch and installing an underground pipeline. The method includes excavating a ditch utilizing a predetermined GPS model having grading and alignment requirements for the ditch and the underground pipeline and inserting pipes into the ditch. A laser beam is projected from a laser beam apparatus in association with a first pipe section that utilizes the grading and alignment requirements of the predetermined GPS model to guide excavation and installation of one or more sections of pipes. A remote-controlled vehicle is inserted into the first pipe and is configured to focus the projected laser beam to guide excavation and installation of successive pipe sections. The remote-controlled vehicle is navigated through the pipeline during installation to guide grading of subsequent ditch sections and alignment of additional pipe sections.