The 60 kN CPT crawler is a CPT penetrometer rig based on a crawler undercarriage. It is designated as being a “basic” rig, since it lacks the electronically controlled hydraulics and remote control which comes with a “professional” CPT crawler. The rig has been designed to execute soil mechanical research based on static Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) techniques in an efficient manner. By means of the penetrometer pusher, installed in the center of gravity of the CPT crawler, either an electrical or mechanical probe (called a cone) is pushed into the ground and the mechanical resistance and friction of the soil is recorded. The CPT crawler itself has a relatively high own weight and serves as counterweight to provide the required penetrative force.
The CPT crawler is normally used on badly accessible job-sites and is provided with an undercarriage with 320 mm wide track shoes to keep the ground pressure as low as possible. Before the CPT crawler can do a CPT test, it is to be levelled horizontally. This is done by means of the 3 hydraulic levelling jacks. With these the CPT crawler can be levelled exactly horizontally and furthermore they assure also its stability during testing.
All functionalities of the CPT crawler are driven hydraulically. The diesel engine of the rig drives the hydraulic pump that generates the required working pressure and volume for all hydraulic functions.
The CPT penetrometer pusher is located inside the working cabin of the rig. Next to it the operating lever for the up-and-down movement of the penetrometer pusher is located and the electrical cabinet housing all electronics, the engine control panel and control elements.
