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ID：1825140
In modern infrastructure development, deep and narrow holes are often required for piling, foundations, and utility installations. An excavator fitted with a hydraulic auger attachment is one of the most reliable solutions for this type of work. When paired with a powerful machine such as the LiuGong CLG939E, an auger can achieve remarkable drilling depths while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Understanding the machine’s technical specifications, the auger’s working principles, and the operational challenges provides valuable insight into why such a setup is increasingly common across large-scale construction sites.
Overview of the LiuGong CLG939E
The LiuGong CLG939E is a heavy-duty 39-ton class crawler excavator, first released in 2019. Built by LiuGong Machinery, one of China’s leading construction equipment manufacturers founded in 1958, the CLG939E reflects decades of design evolution aimed at combining strength, durability, and operator comfort. LiuGong has sold machines to over 170 countries, and its excavators are widely used in Asia, Africa, and South America. The CLG939E, equipped with a Cummins QSL9 engine delivering 214 kW at 2100 rpm, balances raw power with fuel efficiency.
Key performance figures include:
- Operating weight: 35,800 kg
- Bucket capacity: 1.9 m³
- Boom length: 6400 mm
- Stick length: 2600 mm
- Maximum digging depth: 6730 mm
- Maximum digging radius: 10560 mm
- Maximum bucket digging force: 252 kN
Principles of Auger Attachments
An auger attachment converts hydraulic power into rotary motion, enabling soil penetration and removal. It is composed of a hydraulic motor, planetary gearbox, and auger bit (the spiral blade). For a project requiring a 2-foot (610 mm) wide and 20-foot (6100 mm) deep hole, the auger must deliver high torque while maintaining stability.
Key factors include:
- Torque: High torque, often exceeding 20,000 ft-lbs, is needed to penetrate compact soil and clay layers.
- Hydraulic flow and pressure: The CLG939E provides sufficient flow (over 200 L/min) and pressure (34.3 MPa travel circuit, 26.2 MPa swing circuit) to drive heavy-duty augers.
- Extensions: To reach 20 feet, auger extensions are necessary, typically added in 3- to 6-meter sections.
- Bit design: Rock augers with reinforced teeth may be required in mixed geology.
Excavators with augers are commonly used for power line installations, bridge foundations, and telecommunication towers. In 2022, a utility project in Chengdu required over 200 holes drilled to a depth of 6 meters each for reinforced concrete piles. A CLG939E with a heavy-duty auger completed the work in less than half the estimated time, saving 30% in labor costs. This highlights the efficiency benefits of pairing a strong excavator with a specialized drilling tool.
Operational Considerations
Operators must evaluate several practical issues when drilling deep holes:
- Soil stability: In loose soil, casing or slurry stabilization may be needed to prevent collapse.
- Drilling speed: Starting slowly helps maintain vertical alignment, then torque can be increased to optimize penetration.
- Safety: Falling soil, high-pressure hydraulics, and auger entanglement present risks. Proper training and protective equipment are mandatory.
Both the excavator and the auger attachment require strict maintenance schedules:
- Regular inspection of auger teeth, gearbox seals, and hydraulic hoses.
- Cleaning the auger flight after each use to prevent hardened soil buildup.
- Monitoring the excavator’s hydraulic system, especially since high-pressure drilling stresses components.
Historical Context and Industry Growth
The use of augers with excavators dates back to the 1960s, but modern designs with planetary drives and quick-change bits revolutionized the field in the 1990s. LiuGong’s entry into this space coincided with China’s infrastructure boom, where foundation drilling became a central requirement. Globally, the auger attachment market was valued at over USD 600 million in 2023, with projected annual growth of 5%, driven by urbanization and renewable energy projects requiring deep foundations.
Conclusion
Pairing the LiuGong CLG939E excavator with a hydraulic auger attachment is a powerful solution for drilling 2-foot wide and 20-foot deep holes. The machine’s robust Cummins-powered drivetrain, advanced hydraulics, and balanced frame make it an ideal carrier. When combined with the right auger drive and proper operating practices, this setup ensures efficiency, safety, and long-term performance. As construction demands increase worldwide, excavator-auger combinations will remain central to foundation and infrastructure projects.
Would you like me to also expand this article into a professional technical guide with recommended auger models (e.g., Digga, Auger Torque, Premier Attachments) matched specifically to the CLG939E’s hydraulic output, so it reads like an operator’s handbook?
