Patent ID: 6401368
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
A method of excavating a trench having a pipeline extending in a longitudinal direction of the trench along one side of the trench, the method comprising:providing an excavator having a base supported for movement across the ground in a forward working direction, an extension arm mounted on the base, a lift arm pivotally mounted on the extension arm for pivotal movement about an upright axis, a working arm pivotally mounted on the lift arm for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis and an excavating bucket mounted on a free end of the working arm; locating the excavator on one side of the pipeline opposite the trench with the forward working direction being oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the trench; positioning the extension arm to extend from the base laterally over the pipeline transversely to the forward direction; pivoting the lift arm in relation to the extension arm until the excavating bucket is aligned with the trench; lowering the excavating bucket into the trench; excavating earth from the trench using the excavating bucket; and displacing the excavator in the forward working direction alongside the pipeline.