What are Pullers and Pull Heads?
Pullers and pull heads are mechanical devices used to connect the utility pipe that's being installed to the drill tooling during the installation phase of horizontal directional drilling.
Types of Pullers and Pull Heads
There are various types of pullers and pull heads, each designed to perform specific tasks:
- Carrot Pullers: These pullers have a tapered, threaded end that screws into the pipe being pulled for a solid connection.
- Exapanding Pullers: These pullers have an expandable rear connection that grips the inside of the pipe being pulled and exerts more grip on the pipe as pulling force increases to ensure a secure connection.
- Sealed Pullers: These pullers are similar to expanding pullers, but have a bell that covers the outside of the pipe to prevent any unwanted debris or fluids from getting inside the pipe during installation.
- Fusable Pull Heads: These pullers usually consist of a metal front connection with HDPE attached. This allows the contractor to fuse the HDPE pipe being installed to the pull head for installation.
A two-jaw puller has two arms that grip onto the part being removed, making it suitable for smaller or more accessible components. A three-jaw puller uses three arms to evenly distribute force and provide a more stable grip, making it ideal for larger or more complex components.
Yes, pullers and pull heads come in various sizes and configurations, allowing them to be used on a wide range of machinery and equipment. It’s important to select the appropriate size and type of puller for your specific application to ensure efficiency and safety.
Hydraulic pullers use hydraulic force to generate the power needed to extract components. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications where more force is required, providing controlled and precise pulling power.
The right puller depends on the size of the component, the available space for the tool, and the amount of force required. For larger components or tougher tasks, you may need a three-jaw or hydraulic puller. Consult with the manufacturer or a professional to select the best puller for your application.
When used correctly, pullers and pull heads are designed to minimize the risk of damage to the part being removed. Properly selecting and setting up the tool, ensuring it’s aligned correctly, and applying force evenly helps prevent damage.
Regularly inspect your pullers and pull heads for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. Clean them after each use to remove debris, lubricate the moving parts as necessary, and store them properly to prevent rust or corrosion.
Yes, pullers and pull heads come in a variety of sizes and configurations to fit different components and applications. Be sure to select the appropriate size based on the parts you need to remove and the specific requirements of your operation.