CRACKERJACK

Breaking out redundant or inserted cast iron mains has always been risky as operatives use a variety of hand-held tools, which can be labour intensive, hazardous to the workforce and even to passers-by.

The alternatives, though effective and well designed, have been expensive; but Steve Vick International (SVI) believe that they have the answer to this longstanding problem with the CRACKERJACK™, a manually operated mains breaker that combines performance and easy handling with low cost.

The major difference between the CRACKERJACK™ and other mechanised crackers on the market is its’ power source. Instead of being battery operated, the CRACKERJACK™ is operated from a standard site compressor via an air over hydraulic pump which delivers 700 bar of hydraulic pressure, plenty of power to break out cast and spun iron mains up to 6” (150mm) in diameter in a couple of minutes. The operator uses a foot pedal on the pump to open and close the jaw of the CRACKERJACK™ enabling the control of pressure applied so that sufficient force is used to crack the metal.

By rotating and moving the CRACKERJACK™ along the main, the pipe can be broken out in several places to facilitate the removal of the redundant section or to gain access to an inserted PE pipe, making it the ideal system for live mains insertion.

Benefits

• Adaptable – fits all diameters from 3" (75mm) to 6" (150mm) with a simple adjustment.
• Quick – 20 tonnes of break-out force cracks main in minutes.
• Cost effective – low cost compared with existing mechanical tools.
• Safety – approved for use on inserted mains and controlled break out avoids damaging internal PE.
• Lightweight – simple to set up and operate.
• Minimum excavation – requires only 75mm (3”) either side of the main.
• Ideal for Live Mains Insertion.