MBW Soil Pick

Models SP80 - SP125 - SP 160

The Soil Pick from MBW is a compressed air operated selective excavator. By fracturing, pulverzing and displacing porous and semi-porous soils, the MBW Soil Pick leaves non-porous objects unaffected. Due to its method of operation the Soil Pick excavates soil without any risk of damage to buried utilities. Featuring three models in the range.

The Soil Pick employs a converging / diverging nozzle technology to accelerate compressed air to supersonic speed of 1475 mph. With such high velocity the air stream travels approximately 4 inches fron the distal end of the Soil Pick - "the cutting edge" - before decompressing to atmospheric pressure with sufficient violence to pulverize and displace soil.

So, what separates the MBW Soil Pick from other excavation tools that employ converging / diverging nozzle techonology?

Safety, MBW holds US and international patents on the combination of dielectric and non-sparking characteristics embodied in the Soil Pick. Non-conductive, non-sparking tools are of obvious benefit to those working in environments that may be gas enriched and/or are in close proximity to live electric lines.

Also for reasons of safety, MBW standardizes the Soil Pick's cutting edge at approximately 4 inches. A 4 inch cutting edge is long enough to facilitate rapid excavation, yet short enough to minimize the potential for personal injury caused by misdirection of the cutting edge. Very importantly, soil aeration beyond the target utility is minimized, thus simplifying and facilitating effective backfilling and compaction of the excavation. The 4 inch cutting edge also provides better control of the air stream while working in the immediate area of a gas leak.

The Soil Pick's non-sparking, brass nozzle weighs 4.2 ounces. It is important that the nozzle does not detach from the barrel to become a high velocity projectile. For this reason, the nozzle is threaded into the Soil Pick's barrel and cemented in place. Some manufacturers promote easily exchanged nozzles. MBW's view is that safety comes first.

The Soil Pick requires no periodic maintenance. A pressure gauge on the handle assembly advises the operator if the tool is working at acceptable pressure. The Soil Pick weighs 6.5 lbs, has zero vibration and can be used for extended periods without fatigue.

MBW Soil Picks SP80 SP125 SP160 models

• Weight - KG: 3
• Length cm: 132
• Barrel Diameter cm: 3
• Airstream Velocity MPH: 1475
• Effective Cutting Depth cm: SP80 & SP125:10 - SP160:20
• Air Volume Litres / min: SP80=2265 - SP125=3540 - SP160= 4531
• Air Inlet Pressure: 100psi
• Claw Type Quick Connector: 3/4in