Lawn Irrigation Installation: Pipe Pulling vs. Trenching

Pipe Pulling is a popular method of sprinkler pipe installation in some, but not all regions of the country. With labor costs constantly rising and customer demands and expectations increasing, it is a technique worth looking in to. The initial investment in a Pipe Puller is likely to be higher than a walk behind trencher, but the benefits will easily make up the extra initial cost in no time at all.

Pipe pulling with the L2 Line Layer provides the following advantages:

More productivity - Irrigation Pipe can be installed at a rate of up to 60' per minute with no backfilling required.
Less labor - Hours of labor costs for backfilling trenches can quickly add up.
Less lawn damage - Pulling Pipe with the L2 creates only a slit in the ground. It does not create a trench by removing dirt. Restoration typically involves nothing more than running the machine over the cut in the ground to compact any raised turf.
Less lawn restoration - both initially and in future as trench settling occurs over time
Less dangerous - with a massive exposed digging chain, trenchers account for numerous injuries and deaths each year.

To pull pipe, the L2 utilizes a pull blade which has an enlarged "bullet" at the base. This bullet opens a tunnel at the predetermined depth beneath the ground surface. The pipe is attached to this bullet by means of a chain and pulling grip. As the L2 moves forward from a starting hole, the pipe pulls through this underground tunnel. Pipe pulling distance will vary, depending on factors such as size of pipe, ground conditions, and directness of the pulling route.

Pipe pulling is a technique that can be used in other industry applications as well. Cable in Conduit, Electrical Conduit and gas pipeline are also able to be pulled in the same manner. Burial depth codes should be checked and adhered to for electric and gas line installation.