Before You Launch: Set the Alarms That Protect Your Drive by Robin Lorenzen I’ve been on quite a few MTBM projects over the years, and one of the most intimidating moments for a new operator is sitting down in the MCC and seeing the operating screen for the first time. There’s a lot happening — […]
Because it doesn’t look important until it’s too late. Most crews don’t get excited about bentonite. It’s not a cutterhead, it’s not a jacking frame, and it’s not the TBM hogging through the ground. It’s just “mud,” right? That mindset is part of the problem. As explained in Lubrication Tips & Tricks, bentonite does more […]
Adapting HDD Steering for Unpredictable Ground by Nathan Lindeman Challenges in trenchless pipe installation are unavoidable and will always be part of the work. Meeting those challenges often requires thinking beyond conventional solutions—an approach Akkerman continues to embrace by integrating proven HDD technology with traditional GBM methods. For several years, we have used the TRIHAWK® […]
Keep Your Pumps Running: Why Oil Quality Matters Maintaining oil quality in your 5200 pump units is critical for system performance and longevity. These units operate with an open hydraulic system, which means contamination—including water—can enter when adding tunnel oil lines. Water intrusion is a leading cause of premature pump failure. What can you do […]
Akkerman Shines at NUCA 2025 Convention – Congratulations to Jason Holden! Akkerman was proud to attend the 2025 NUCA National Convention, held March 18–21 at the beautiful Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. The annual event brought together leaders and innovators across the utility construction industry for several days of education, networking, and celebration. The week […]
Pilot Tube Precision By Terry Fisher Every contractor’s goal when installing pilot tubes is to complete the bore the first time. Imagine this project scenario. An operator is installing pilot tubes on a road crossing project. The operating pressure looks good, and they are advancing with 30% of the pilot tubes installed, moving toward 50% […]
Preventative Maintenance Strategy Tips Every professional understands the value of selecting the right trenchless equipment to perform the job effectively. We’ve all heard the idiom, “You don’t bring a knife to a gun fight.” Nobody wants to start a difficult project with a huge disadvantage because they’re not prepared or don’t have enough resources. Project […]
If you are wondering, why do I need a new TBM vs an old one that I already own? One of the key benefits of owning an Akkerman TBM Series 2, is the interchangeable cutter heads feature that can rock up to 15,000 psi and the ability to tackle different ground conditions with the high […]
By: Jason Holden As we look ahead into 2023, Akkerman will be celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of North America’s premier manufacturers of trenchless equipment. The first Akkerman TBM was developed in 1963 by Don (D.H.) Akkerman out of necessity to install road crossings safely and efficiently. For the next decade, D.H. continued to […]
The following excerpt features an interview with Jason Holden recently featured in an article from Tunnel Business Magazine. Continued Advancement Drives Growth in New Installation Projects The microtunneling market is steady and healthy in North America, according to experts in the field. As larger and more complex projects have been completed, project owners are becoming […]
The following excerpt features an interview with Jason Holden recently featured in an article from Underground Construction. Akkerman Guided auger boring is probably the most popular trenchless method of construction, said Jason Holden, vice president and chief revenue officer for Akkerman. Technology for exact line and grade trenchless installations is gaining more acceptance in the […]
