Transforming infrastructure is undoubtedly a key to achieving global sustainability goals. In pipeline construction, new technologies and energy concepts require networks to be rebuilt and modernised. The challenge is to make this infrastructure fit for the future in the most environmentally friendly and efficient way possible. Trenchless technology for pipe installation and renewal combines this apparent contradiction between resource conservation, cost-effectiveness and security of supply into a sustainable overall solution. At Bauma 2025, manufacturer TRACTO will demonstrate how the construction and utilities industries can benefit from a complete range of flexible, cutting-edge technology and hands-on expert service for trenchless construction.
System solutions for trenchless construction
There are many benefits to using trenchless technology, including faster construction times, lower construction costs, significantly reduced emissions and less environmental impact. As a full-service provider for trenchless construction, TRACTO offers high-quality technical solutions for all future-relevant infrastructures, whether for energy transition, digitalisation or water supply. The product portfolio covers all phases of pipeline construction: it includes NODIG systems for the construction of power lines and main grids, the installation of house connections and the modernisation of existing networks. The German manufacturer laid the foundations for this complete product range more than 50 years ago with the invention of the first German soil displacement hammer, the "Mole". This innovation was followed by further pioneering developments, so that today TRACTO offers efficient trenchless systems for all pipeline construction tasks, backed by five decades of expertise.
To ensure that NODIG technology can be used safely and profitably, reliable machines and a range of tailor-made services and digital tools are required, which TRACTO offers in addition to its product range to provide complete system solutions for trenchless construction. This overall concept results in a coherent and valuable total solution for the contractor. Personal support at every stage also contributes to the long-term success of TRACTO customers.
Economic solutions for power main line construction
The energy transition cannot be achieved without constructing new transmission lines to bring electricity from renewable sources onto the grid. Just think of all the wind farms on land and at sea. The routes for these "electricity highways" are often several hundred kilometres long and are planned well in advance. Where the route crosses water or roads, for example, the cable is usually installed trenchlessly using horizontal directional drilling (HDD). These long bores must be carefully prepared, accurately drilled and reproducible, becuase they must run parallel. To make them calculable and economical for contractors, robust drilling rigs with precise control and large rod capacity are required for use in a wide variety of geologies. Here, TRACTO's HDD rigs provide efficient and productive solutions.
The GRUNDODRILL JCS300 has been developed for power main line installation in particular and will be presented for the first time as a prototype at BAUMA 2025. The highly automated 300 kN HDD rig is part of the new JCS/ACS generation, the most advanced and productive HDD systems on the market. Designed specifically for long bores, the 300 kN rig enables bores up to 1,000 mm upsizing diameter with 4.5 m long drill rods, of which the magazine holds 70. Also equipped with a fully automatic rod exchange change system for 288 metres of standard rods on board and a 224-kW motor, the GRUNDODRILL 28Nplus is a proven rig for jet drilling, with a mud motor even in rocky ground. Despite its power, the 28Nplus requires little space and is easy to transport. Both HDD rigs have high volume Bentonite pumps and an optional easy to use system for cable-guided drilling. For particularly complex geology, TRACTO offers the perfect solution for bores up to 1,000 upsizing diameter: the powerful GRUNDODRILL ACS300 rock drilling rig with a total of 210 m of twin-tube rods of 3 m each. A GRUNDORAM horizontal rammer from TRACTO can provide dynamic power in the event of difficulties with these complex bores, e.g. to loosen stuck drill rods or to drive in casing pipes (HDD Assist & Rescue).
TRACTO also provides effective support to construction companies for planning, executing and documenting challenging power line construction projects. The services range from tailor-made financing of drilling rigs and accessories, machine instruction and training of drilling crews, project-related rental of drilling tools and rods, digital tools for automatic drilling data capture and fleet management to on-site support.
Flexible solutions for reliable supply networks
Modern distribution networks must increasingly integrate decentralised energy sources, making them more complex. They must be highly reliable to ensure a continuous and secure supply to the population. At the same time, these networks for electricity, gas, water, district heating or wired Internet must be flexible enough to adapt quickly to changing needs. For pipeline construction, this largely means working within the existing pipeline infrastructure, for which there is very little space available, especially in urban areas. But it is not only for reasons of space that trenchless technology is predestined for the construction and expansion of distribution networks. Its low noise and dirt emissions and minimal impact on the environment are increasingly gaining acceptance among the public and clients.
TRACTO offers precise and fast NODIG systems for all areas of distribution network construction: The GRUNDODRILL 15XP HDD drilling rig is ideal for uninterrupted work in urban areas, such as intalling fibre optic cables along streets (Fibre to the Curb). The low-noise GRUNDODRILL JCS130E with electric drive paves the way for zero-emission construction sites and the new edition of the "King of Rock" GRUNDODRILL 20ACS effortlessly masters changing geology, for example in the construction of district heating networks. The compact GRUNDODRILL 5X is ideally suited for the construction of local distribution networks for electricity and/or gas right up to the house. Last but not least, GRUNDOMAT soil rockets can be used to quickly and safely lay short protective conduits, e.g. from the transformer to the distribution box. The low-vibration ramming technology is the ideal solution for crossing heavily travelled roads or railway lines.
TRACTO's services are also designed to give customers maximum flexibility: This can be through project-related equipment for special applications, rental or hire-purchase models, or the trade-in of machines that are no longer required. Customers can also benefit from geotechnical surveys for billing purposes and a digital remote service to analyse machine data. Demonstrations, consulting and training to build knowledge complete the range of services.
Productive solutions for accurate house connections
Service lines connect buildings to basic utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewerage or fibre optics. Correct installation of the cables or pipes is essential to ensure security of supply and avoid hazards. There is usually limited space available for the work, and it must be carried out as quickly and carefully as possible to minimise disruption to enclosed areas and inconvenience to occupants. Particularly on private property, the teams are often under scrutiny and have to explain their approach. Trenchless installation is also a real economic alternative to open construction due to its minimal disruption and fast, cost-saving implementation. TRACTO offers contractors a range of productive and durable NODIG systems for the installation of house connections in all conditions.
The non-steerable GRUNDOMAT is an entry-level machine for trenchless technology and an all-purpose tool for constructing house connections. High striking power and a wide range of accessories allow fast and precise direct pipe installation for connections up to OD 160 as well as subsequent pipe installation of fibre optic speed pipes. The steerable GRUNDOPIT Mini-HDD systems are ideal for complex bore paths. The compact mini drilling rigs are easy to handle and quickly ready for use to quickly and efficiently produce all types of service connections up to OD 200, even in difficult terrain and complex soils. Another TRACTO solution for house connection is the GRUNDOSTEER. This guided bore rod pusher combines soil displacement and correctable drilling one easy-to-use machine for installing pipes up to ND 75.
TRACTO offers full support in the use of NODIG systems to construction companies already active in the house connection sector and to newcomers in the course of fibre optic expansion: used equipment service, trade-in and rental models enable contractors to use the technology flexibly and at a favourable price. Demonstrations and training in the professional handling and maintenance of the equipment, combined with fast after-sales service and rapid spare parts supply from local TRACTO centres, allow customers to work without interruption. Sophisticated tools such as the VAIRA app for digital measurement and documentation of job sites in real time also contribute to productivity and maximum quality assurance.
Long-term solutions for sound infrastructure
The rehabilitation of underground infrastructure is a pressing issue worldwide. Many supply and disposal networks are ageing, leading to leaks, blockages and other damage. This wastes valuable resources, jeopardises security of supply and requires high levels of investment from network operators. While open construction is usually out of the question and repair methods offer only a temporary solution, complete pipe renewal using the bursting method is the most sustainable solution in terms of cost effectiveness, maximum service life and optimum load-bearing capacity of the pipes. As the co-inventor of the bursting technology, TRACTO now offers a complete range of safe and reliable pipe bursting systems.
Users can choose from bursting systems for two methods of pipe replacement in the existing route: The dynamic GRUNDOCRACK method, in which the pulling force of a winch supports the bursting process and the guidance of the bursting machine, enables the effective and simple renewal of gas or sewage pipes made of brittle materials. The static method with GRUNDOBURST renews defective pipes from ND 50 to 1,200 made of brittle or ductile materials with static pulling force. The powerful 400 to 2,500 kN pulling rigs are ideal for projects in densely built-up infrastructure as they work from a compact pit or manhole horizontally in both directions or from manhole to manhole. The special QuickLock bursting rods, with a ratchet connection that does not require screwing, save considerable time and labour. By pulling in new pipes of the same or larger diameter, the hydraulic capacity of the pipeline can even be adjusted to current requirements as part of renewal process. With special accessories, rehabilitation can also be carried out applying calibre bursting, relining and the TIP method.
TRACTO actively supports specialist companies that are or want to become involved in pipe and sewer rehabilitation in the application of technology to carry out these usually very individual projects. To this end, the company has pooled its decades of expertise in a competence centre. The experts at the Pipe Bursting Centre impart technical and practical knowledge in the form of demonstrations, lectures and training courses, and advise contractors on the correct choice of machines and accessories. Flexible financing solutions and machine rental options, as well as a wide range of accessories, provide additional security for contractors.
At Bauma 2025, TRACTO will bring the combination of efficiency and sustainability for the 'construction site of the future' to life with a practical presentation and hands-on demonstrations. From 7 to 13 April 2025, TRACTO's international team of experts from Sales, Product Management, Digital Business and Service will show users and interested parties how to benefit from trenchless solutions for sustainable infrastructures at stand FN 520/1.
System solutions for trenchless construction
There are many benefits to using trenchless technology, including faster construction times, lower construction costs, significantly reduced emissions and less environmental impact. As a full-service provider for trenchless construction, TRACTO offers high-quality technical solutions for all future-relevant infrastructures, whether for energy transition, digitalisation or water supply. The product portfolio covers all phases of pipeline construction: it includes NODIG systems for the construction of power lines and main grids, the installation of house connections and the modernisation of existing networks. The German manufacturer laid the foundations for this complete product range more than 50 years ago with the invention of the first German soil displacement hammer, the "Mole". This innovation was followed by further pioneering developments, so that today TRACTO offers efficient trenchless systems for all pipeline construction tasks, backed by five decades of expertise.
To ensure that NODIG technology can be used safely and profitably, reliable machines and a range of tailor-made services and digital tools are required, which TRACTO offers in addition to its product range to provide complete system solutions for trenchless construction. This overall concept results in a coherent and valuable total solution for the contractor. Personal support at every stage also contributes to the long-term success of TRACTO customers.
Economic solutions for power main line construction
The energy transition cannot be achieved without constructing new transmission lines to bring electricity from renewable sources onto the grid. Just think of all the wind farms on land and at sea. The routes for these "electricity highways" are often several hundred kilometres long and are planned well in advance. Where the route crosses water or roads, for example, the cable is usually installed trenchlessly using horizontal directional drilling (HDD). These long bores must be carefully prepared, accurately drilled and reproducible, becuase they must run parallel. To make them calculable and economical for contractors, robust drilling rigs with precise control and large rod capacity are required for use in a wide variety of geologies. Here, TRACTO's HDD rigs provide efficient and productive solutions.
The GRUNDODRILL JCS300 has been developed for power main line installation in particular and will be presented for the first time as a prototype at BAUMA 2025. The highly automated 300 kN HDD rig is part of the new JCS/ACS generation, the most advanced and productive HDD systems on the market. Designed specifically for long bores, the 300 kN rig enables bores up to 1,000 mm upsizing diameter with 4.5 m long drill rods, of which the magazine holds 70. Also equipped with a fully automatic rod exchange change system for 288 metres of standard rods on board and a 224-kW motor, the GRUNDODRILL 28Nplus is a proven rig for jet drilling, with a mud motor even in rocky ground. Despite its power, the 28Nplus requires little space and is easy to transport. Both HDD rigs have high volume Bentonite pumps and an optional easy to use system for cable-guided drilling. For particularly complex geology, TRACTO offers the perfect solution for bores up to 1,000 upsizing diameter: the powerful GRUNDODRILL ACS300 rock drilling rig with a total of 210 m of twin-tube rods of 3 m each. A GRUNDORAM horizontal rammer from TRACTO can provide dynamic power in the event of difficulties with these complex bores, e.g. to loosen stuck drill rods or to drive in casing pipes (HDD Assist & Rescue).
TRACTO also provides effective support to construction companies for planning, executing and documenting challenging power line construction projects. The services range from tailor-made financing of drilling rigs and accessories, machine instruction and training of drilling crews, project-related rental of drilling tools and rods, digital tools for automatic drilling data capture and fleet management to on-site support.
Flexible solutions for reliable supply networks
Modern distribution networks must increasingly integrate decentralised energy sources, making them more complex. They must be highly reliable to ensure a continuous and secure supply to the population. At the same time, these networks for electricity, gas, water, district heating or wired Internet must be flexible enough to adapt quickly to changing needs. For pipeline construction, this largely means working within the existing pipeline infrastructure, for which there is very little space available, especially in urban areas. But it is not only for reasons of space that trenchless technology is predestined for the construction and expansion of distribution networks. Its low noise and dirt emissions and minimal impact on the environment are increasingly gaining acceptance among the public and clients.
TRACTO offers precise and fast NODIG systems for all areas of distribution network construction: The GRUNDODRILL 15XP HDD drilling rig is ideal for uninterrupted work in urban areas, such as intalling fibre optic cables along streets (Fibre to the Curb). The low-noise GRUNDODRILL JCS130E with electric drive paves the way for zero-emission construction sites and the new edition of the "King of Rock" GRUNDODRILL 20ACS effortlessly masters changing geology, for example in the construction of district heating networks. The compact GRUNDODRILL 5X is ideally suited for the construction of local distribution networks for electricity and/or gas right up to the house. Last but not least, GRUNDOMAT soil rockets can be used to quickly and safely lay short protective conduits, e.g. from the transformer to the distribution box. The low-vibration ramming technology is the ideal solution for crossing heavily travelled roads or railway lines.
TRACTO's services are also designed to give customers maximum flexibility: This can be through project-related equipment for special applications, rental or hire-purchase models, or the trade-in of machines that are no longer required. Customers can also benefit from geotechnical surveys for billing purposes and a digital remote service to analyse machine data. Demonstrations, consulting and training to build knowledge complete the range of services.
Productive solutions for accurate house connections
Service lines connect buildings to basic utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewerage or fibre optics. Correct installation of the cables or pipes is essential to ensure security of supply and avoid hazards. There is usually limited space available for the work, and it must be carried out as quickly and carefully as possible to minimise disruption to enclosed areas and inconvenience to occupants. Particularly on private property, the teams are often under scrutiny and have to explain their approach. Trenchless installation is also a real economic alternative to open construction due to its minimal disruption and fast, cost-saving implementation. TRACTO offers contractors a range of productive and durable NODIG systems for the installation of house connections in all conditions.
The non-steerable GRUNDOMAT is an entry-level machine for trenchless technology and an all-purpose tool for constructing house connections. High striking power and a wide range of accessories allow fast and precise direct pipe installation for connections up to OD 160 as well as subsequent pipe installation of fibre optic speed pipes. The steerable GRUNDOPIT Mini-HDD systems are ideal for complex bore paths. The compact mini drilling rigs are easy to handle and quickly ready for use to quickly and efficiently produce all types of service connections up to OD 200, even in difficult terrain and complex soils. Another TRACTO solution for house connection is the GRUNDOSTEER. This guided bore rod pusher combines soil displacement and correctable drilling one easy-to-use machine for installing pipes up to ND 75.
TRACTO offers full support in the use of NODIG systems to construction companies already active in the house connection sector and to newcomers in the course of fibre optic expansion: used equipment service, trade-in and rental models enable contractors to use the technology flexibly and at a favourable price. Demonstrations and training in the professional handling and maintenance of the equipment, combined with fast after-sales service and rapid spare parts supply from local TRACTO centres, allow customers to work without interruption. Sophisticated tools such as the VAIRA app for digital measurement and documentation of job sites in real time also contribute to productivity and maximum quality assurance.
Long-term solutions for sound infrastructure
The rehabilitation of underground infrastructure is a pressing issue worldwide. Many supply and disposal networks are ageing, leading to leaks, blockages and other damage. This wastes valuable resources, jeopardises security of supply and requires high levels of investment from network operators. While open construction is usually out of the question and repair methods offer only a temporary solution, complete pipe renewal using the bursting method is the most sustainable solution in terms of cost effectiveness, maximum service life and optimum load-bearing capacity of the pipes. As the co-inventor of the bursting technology, TRACTO now offers a complete range of safe and reliable pipe bursting systems.
Users can choose from bursting systems for two methods of pipe replacement in the existing route: The dynamic GRUNDOCRACK method, in which the pulling force of a winch supports the bursting process and the guidance of the bursting machine, enables the effective and simple renewal of gas or sewage pipes made of brittle materials. The static method with GRUNDOBURST renews defective pipes from ND 50 to 1,200 made of brittle or ductile materials with static pulling force. The powerful 400 to 2,500 kN pulling rigs are ideal for projects in densely built-up infrastructure as they work from a compact pit or manhole horizontally in both directions or from manhole to manhole. The special QuickLock bursting rods, with a ratchet connection that does not require screwing, save considerable time and labour. By pulling in new pipes of the same or larger diameter, the hydraulic capacity of the pipeline can even be adjusted to current requirements as part of renewal process. With special accessories, rehabilitation can also be carried out applying calibre bursting, relining and the TIP method.
TRACTO actively supports specialist companies that are or want to become involved in pipe and sewer rehabilitation in the application of technology to carry out these usually very individual projects. To this end, the company has pooled its decades of expertise in a competence centre. The experts at the Pipe Bursting Centre impart technical and practical knowledge in the form of demonstrations, lectures and training courses, and advise contractors on the correct choice of machines and accessories. Flexible financing solutions and machine rental options, as well as a wide range of accessories, provide additional security for contractors.
At Bauma 2025, TRACTO will bring the combination of efficiency and sustainability for the 'construction site of the future' to life with a practical presentation and hands-on demonstrations. From 7 to 13 April 2025, TRACTO's international team of experts from Sales, Product Management, Digital Business and Service will show users and interested parties how to benefit from trenchless solutions for sustainable infrastructures at stand FN 520/1.
