Excavation with water - GIF

[ToolTalkBot]

Excavation with water.




Previously:

Asphalt excavation machine - GIF
Dual bobcat tight quarters excavation - GIF
Grand Central Station excavation - photo
Subterranean ant city excavation - GIF

[sossol]

I've heard these called water spades in videos where they excavated around tree roots, though I don't know whether it's just a slang term or the pressure washer nozzle on the pole. I used mine to edge my sidewalks once, but it was too messy for my preference.

Neil

[desbromilow]

these are predominantly used when excavating near known services (underground pipes, electrical conduits, etc) since the water jet can't damage the services, and the service can be exposed safely (as opposed to dropping an excavator bucket through a conduit)
I believe this practise started due to fibre optic cables - can't be traced via inductive tone generators, and very expensive if contacted with a power tool... but now I see it used for all services due to the safety to people element.