METHOD AND THENCH-PADDING APPARATUS FOR PIPELINE TRENCH PADDING

摘要

A trench-padding method and apparatus provide a more efficient, cost efficient process of obtaining a maximal amount of padding material from material excavated from a trench, and where selected, provide for trenching. The trench-padding apparatus includes a lead assembly that includes a feeder housing having a front rotating unit with protrusions. The feeder housing may be configured to excavate the trench or alternatively, to scoop up previously excavated material. The front rotating unit is attached to a frame of the trench-padding apparatus immediately in front of an elevator device, and the front rotating unit forces clumps of the excavated material between the front rotating unit and a base of the feeder housing to aid in reducing clump size. The method operates in the manner of the trench-padding apparatus.