Cutting/Drilling Category Winner
Bolt-on Rock Head (BoRH)
Pengo
Key Innovation: Ability to convert Pengo’s Aggressor Auger into a rock auger.
Pengo introduces the Bolt-on Rock Head (BoRH), which transforms the general purpose Aggressor into a rock-ready auger. The BoRH’s innovative wear caps provide a smooth transition and protection when fastened to the general purpose head. The BoRH locks into place using the wear caps and existing pilot bit. The wear caps' lugs interface with the existing recesses in the Aggressor head, which allow for unobstructed removal of spoils from the hole. The BoRH features the new P21-RR carbide tooth. This tooth has an enlarged shoulder that increases holder protection during drilling.
RER: What makes the Bolt-on Rock Head (BoRH) innovative?
Eric Matthias, engineering manager, Pengo: Pengo’s patent pending BoRH system allows our customers to convert their general purpose Pengo Aggressor auger into a rock auger eliminating the need and cost of a separate rock auger. The BoRH system consists of a primary one piece heat treated cast alloy head outfitted with rotating carbide teeth that can withstand harsh drilling applications. Also included are two specifically designed wear caps that protect the original auger so that it can be easily transformed back into a dirt auger. The rotating carbide teeth are also a new design exclusive to the BoRH system. This new tooth is compact in size and has an enlarged shoulder feature to decrease the amount of wear on the BoRH head. The patented tooth pattern from Pengo’s popular Rock Ripper series auger was incorporated into the BoRH system making it a very effective rock drilling attachment.
RER: What are the benefits of the Bolt-on Rock Head (BoRH)? How does it make jobs more effective and efficient for rental professionals and their contractor customers?
Matthias: The BoRH system focuses on three key areas we feel are important to rental professionals: cost, quick installation and functionality.
Cost: the BoRH system can be installed on most Aggressor augers at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated rock auger, yet can deliver the same performance. This is not only a cost savings for the rental professionals, but to their customers as well.
Installation: installing the BoRH system takes only minutes regardless of the size and was designed specifically to be easy to install on the job site with only a ½” wrench. The BoRH system uses a series of positive locking features that self align during installation which customers will appreciate when trying to get the job done quickly and correctly.
Functionality: the BoRH system allows the customer to use the right tool for the job. Many times the customer will find that when drilling they will start in dirt or clay, but after a few feet they can encounter abrasive ground conditions and in most cases rock. If the customer does not have a rock auger available they would simply continue to drill with the general purpose auger. This causes excessive wear and damage to the auger and will likely not complete the job as intended. The BoRH permits the customer to outfit the standard auger with rock drilling capability and complete the job effectively and with the right tool for the job.
Overall this new attachment will be an attractive solution for those in the rental industry as this can help keep costs and inventory to a minimum.
RER: Describe the development process of the Bolt-on Rock Head (BoRH). Where did the idea come from and who was responsible for its engineering and development?
Matthias: The idea was a combination of customer demand and a challenge from our General Manager to develop a system that would compliment and convert Pengo’s widely popular general purpose Aggressor auger into a resilient cost effective rock auger. The Pengo Aggressor auger has always been a popular general purpose earth auger, but has never been used as a harsh environment “rock” auger. The Aggressor’s already sturdy design proved to be the perfect platform in which to develop a bolt on rock attachment.
The BoRH project was in development for roughly one year including initial concepts and field testing. Justin Reese, Project Designer and I were the principal designers entrusted in bringing the patent pending BoRH project to market.
