HELUCHAIN energy chains in use at TRACTO
Trenchless drilling is changing how pipes and cables are installed—saving time, cutting costs, and reducing environmental impact. TRACTO, a pioneer in this field, equips its latest GRUNDODRILL machines with heavy-duty steel drag chains from HELUKABEL. Their durability and strength help ensure reliable drilling through even the toughest terrain.
One of TRACTO’s most enduring—and recognizable—team members measures just a few centimeters long. “Mauli,” short for the German word for mole, Maulwurf, has been the company’s official trademark since 1970. Headquartered in Germany’s Sauerland region, TRACTO is a pioneer in trenchless pipeline construction. The company develops, manufactures, and operates equipment and accessories for the efficient, environmentally friendly installation and replacement of pipelines—a method often referred to locally as “Maulwurf technology.”
“Our technology is used globally—in stadiums, in the mountains, in rough terrain, and in environmentally protected areas,” explains R&D Engineer Stefan Hermes with TRACTO. “Trenchless construction saves resources, is less destructive, and generates less noise, CO₂, and particulate emissions. Furthermore, it shortens construction times and saves on costs.”
As a pioneer in the field, TRACTO has achieved international success and now employs 850 people worldwide.
Directional drilling through any terrain
A quick look inside TRACTO’s assembly halls in Lennestadt reveals that Mauli’s mechanical coworkers are significantly larger—and much more powerful. The company’s product lineup ranges from the GRUNDOMAT series of “ground rockets,” which use air pressure to punch through the earth, to the GRUNDODRILL family of directional drilling machines, which are roughly the size of snow groomers. These machines are capable of drilling both straight and curved bores—at large diameters—for electric, gas, communications, or water pipelines, and through virtually any type of ground. This trenchless method is known as horizontal directional drilling, or HDD.
GRUNDODRILL machines are equipped with a directional drill head that’s typically used to create a pilot hole along the planned drilling path. Behind it is a rod magazine, where additional rods are added every three meters to extend the drill string—up to 200 meters or more, depending on the model. A drilling fluid made of water and bentonite, a natural clay mineral, helps prevent debris from clogging the drill bit.
As the rods are pulled back, an expander head enlarges the borehole, allowing a pipe to be attached and pulled into place. “Operators are able to constantly monitor and correct the direction of the drill head using a tracking system and a transmitter located in the drill head,” adds Hermes. “This enables operators to steer the drill over or under obstacles, such as existing pipes.”
Extreme operating conditions are part of the daily routine
Successful collaboration: Stefan Hermes (r.), Engineer at TRACTO, and Karsten Göbel, Sales Manager Solutions at HELUKABEL.
Underground construction firms, utility providers, and network operators are just some of the many professionals who rely on TRACTO’s technology. Harsh conditions like dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, and heavy vibration put constant stress on these drilling machines. That’s why it’s critical for TRACTO to use only high-quality components—to ensure long service life and reliable performance in the field.
Both the massive drill rig—which pushes and pulls the bore head—and the automatic rod magazine are hydraulically driven. The hoses powering these components are enclosed in drag chains, which protect them from external elements and prevent crushing or damage during machine movement. “In the past, we used plastic drag chains,” remembers Hermes. “It turned out that, in practice, they were not robust enough to reliably withstand the high operational demands.”
Frequent downtime and repairs prompted TRACTO’s engineers to search for a more durable solution.
The solution? Replace plastic with steel
They turned to HELUKABEL for the solution. Through its subsidiary HELU Connectivity Solutions, HELUKABEL offers a broad portfolio of high-quality, customizable drag chains in both plastic and steel. For TRACTO’s demanding requirements, the team selected drag chains from the SLP series—rugged steel-link designs built to span long unsupported distances and handle heavy loads, including hydraulic hoses.
Today, four SLP drag chains—ranging from 80 centimeters to 4 meters in length—are installed on the latest generation of GRUNDODRILL machines.
“In our first conversations with TRACTO, we were able to score points by demonstrating the high quality of our drag chains and their cost-effectiveness,” reports Karsten Göbel, Sales Manager Solutions at HELUKABEL. “Our technicians were continuously in contact with TRACTO engineers to ensure that our solutions were optimally tailored to their specific requirements.”
SLP drag chains are fitted with plastic separation bars and offered in widths engineered to guide hydraulic hoses with precision and consistency. Edge protection and rounded bars reduce abrasion and wear—helping extend the service life of the hoses in demanding environments.
Optimal collaboration
TRACTO’s engineering team is fully satisfied with the new steel drag chains from HELUKABEL. “The drag chains effortlessly perform their functions in the machines and significantly improve the robustness and stability of the entire drilling machine,” says Stefan Hermes. “Thanks to HELUKABEL's competent consultation and the direct, uncomplicated collaboration between our two development departments, we were able to quickly and efficiently implement the new solution.”
Unlike the plastic drag chains used previously, the SLP steel chains offer full functionality and flexibility. Their modular design makes them easy to adapt to a variety of installation requirements.
Some of the drag chains were delivered by HELUKABEL pre-assembled with the required hydraulic hoses and electrical cables. “We are able to easily procure everything we needed from a single source which simplifies the installation process,” explains Hermes. “Switching to steel drag chains allowed us to further improve the durability and quality of our machines, which are important criteria for lasting success.”
Given the positive results, it’s no surprise that TRACTO plans to continue its collaboration with HELUKABEL. “We strive to build long-term partnerships with our suppliers and rely on tried and tested solutions,” explains Hermes. “This way of doing business doesn't just benefit us, but also our customers.”
With GRUNDODRILL machines averaging around 10,000 operating hours, the flawless performance of the SLP steel drag chains has proven their long-term reliability. “Together with HELUKABEL, we have definitely found a solution that works,” sums up Hermes. “We see no need to change what just works.”
ABOUT TRACTO
TRACTO has devoted itself to developing solutions for the trenchless installation of pipes and cables for over 60 years. The owner-operated company, headquartered in Lennestadt in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a pioneer in this technology and is globally active with multiple international sister companies.
Learn more at en.tracto.com