Digging Deeper – May 2024

Akkerman 4800 Series GBM: Versatile & Powerful

Written by: Chris Sivesind

The Akkerman 4800 Series GBM offers contractors incredible versatility from installing pilot tubes to pilot tube microtunneling operations, and as an auger bore machine to install steel casings from 12in-36in.

On a recent project in Sumner, WA contractor Northwest Boring Co, Inc. (NWB) chose to utilize the one machine approach to first install pilot tubes and then auger 36in Permalok steel casing for a new sewer main under a BNSF RR main line. The project required an online on-grade installation of a 36in steel casing about 160’ in length through very soft alluvial soils. The bore-pit and receiving pit both required dewatering.

One of the major challenges of this project was during the pilot tube installation as trains would frequent the rail line, the ground would move and jiggle like jello. The operator on the project noticed train traffic increased in the afternoon so during the first installation phase of the project they elected to pause pilot tube installation one afternoon and wait until morning to install the tubes. The trains passing by were quite disruptive to the pilot tube installation, I had never seen so much shaking just from train traffic. After the pilot tubes were installed, NWB installed a Weld-On Reaming-Head to the lead casing and began the auger bore installation.

The 4800 GBM utilized the optional HTCA (High Torque Casing Attachment), allows for the machine to turn larger diameter augers in various ground conditions over longer distances than the standard installed gearbox. The HTCA gives the 4800 GBM ~35k ft lbs of torque at high speed which generates 21-22 RPM. If a crossing is longer or is tackling more challenging geology, the maximum torque output is 88,000 ft lbs, more than enough to turn 36in augers in most scenarios. On this project, NWB installed three 20’ joints of casing in an 8–9-hour shift, completing the augering portion in 3 days.

Current owners of 4800 GBM’s could benefit and expand trenchless installation offerings when matching the GBM Frame with the HTCA. Other benefits include slightly smaller jacking pits, the ability to mobilize one machine to a project and no engine running in the jacking pit as the GBM is powered by a remote powerpack typically set adjacent to the jacking pit. The 4800 Series GBM with HTCA attachment is a powerful combination of torque and thrust for guided auger bores. This combination is efficient and effective for auger bores from 12in-36in diameter and under 250 feet. For more information about this equipment, please feel free to reach out to your Akkerman Sales Representative.

About the Author

Chris Sivesind, sales manager is located in Seattle, Washington and also provides sales and dealership relations and support in Europe, India and Southeast Asia. He began his career as regional manager for his family’s pipe jacking and auger boring construction business. Following this, he worked as sales representative and specialty shoring installation consultant for a trench box rental group then sales for a pipe jacking equipment manufacturer.

Sivesind is an active participant in many industry associations and is the immediate past chair for the Pacific Northwest Chapter of NASTT. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Washington State University.

Employee of the Month

Luke Farrell, saw cut operator, has been with Akkerman since November 7, 2023. Luke was nominated as May’s Employee of the Month for his outstanding work ethic, determination, and friendliness.

Nominated Because:

“Luke has a great work ethic and puts a lot of pride into his workmanship.”
“He is always friendly and has a smile.”
“Luke has been a good addition to the Initial Processing Department. He is a hard worker and does not need much direction to do his job. I can trust him to get the jobs through IP in a timely fashion. He has a great attitude and comes ready to work.”

10th Akkiversary | Justin Akkerman

AKKiversary Date: May 5

Current Position: President

What did you do before Akkerman?
I started my career as an engineer for a small consultant in Minneapolis. We designed new underground structures, for the City of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Metropolitan Council. We did also did a fair amount of rehab work for the City’s storm and utility tunnels where I got to do field engineering work. On my last project with the firm, we mapped an abandoned cave system in the St. Peter Sandstone that was located under various structures to design stabilization for the system.

What most interested you about Akkerman?
I’m proud to be in the third generation of my family’s business.

What additional positions have you held with Akkerman?
I started at Akkerman as Operations Manager.

What do you like best about your position?
I’m involved with a little bit of everything in the business. I enjoy seeing how people grow within their positions at Akkerman.

What do you like best about working for Akkerman?
Seeing or hearing about a successful project and reflecting on how everyone plays a role.

Do you have any interesting memories or a funny story to share?
The time when the weld shop all dressed as John Flink at our cookout contest. Jared’s words were, “I probably can’t get John Flink to dress up for anything so we’ll all dress like John.” I enjoy things like this that make work fun.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy golfing, ice fishing, working on projects at home, and spending time with my immediate and extended families.

Additional comments:
We make a product that our customers rely upon for their livelihood, and project owners need for their projects. If you really think about it, our products truly do make an impact on many people outside of Akkerman.

35th Akkiversary | Robin Lorenzen

AKKiversary Date: May 15

Current Position: Sales Manager

What did you do before Akkerman?
I worked at Huntting Elevator of Grand Meadow, in the agricultural industry applying fertilizers and grain handling.

What most interested you about Akkerman?
My brother worked here before me and we often discussed what Akkerman was doing. When the opportunity came up to work with D.H. Construction, I jumped on it.

What additional positions have you held with Akkerman?
I’ve also held the positions of laborer for D.H. Construction Company, and mechanic, and field technician for Akkerman.

What do you like best about your position?
The challenges every project brings to get from one side to the other.

What do you like best about working for Akkerman?
You learn something every day. No one knows it all, and sometimes, the lessons are challenging to find an answer.

Do you have any interesting memories or a funny story to share?
On one of the first bores that I was on in Iowa, Red Lowe handed me a jug of used oil that he had from a gen set oil change. He told me to take care of it, so I took it to the spoil pile and dumped it. Shortly afterward a union representative came up to us and asked me if I was in the union. Since I wasn’t, he said we need to take part of your hourly pay while you work here. I went to find D.H. and asked what to do about it. D.H. said you should worry more about where you just dumped that oil. My next paycheck was without any deductions for the union.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my three grandkids, playing golf and fishing.

Additional comments:
It is amazing how far we have come since I’ve been here. To see the changes in the facility and the way we manufacture machines is awesome. My friends away from work often ask what we are up to now as they know its always something interesting to discuss.

20th Akkiversary | Jason Holden

AKKiversary Date: May 17

Current Position: CRO, VP

What did you do before Akkerman?
I was a field service engineer for a major custom vegetable and seed equipment OEM. This experience allowed me to gain a tremendous amount of hands-on experience troubleshooting and optimizing heavy equipment around the globe. It also solidified my drive to advance my career by obtaining a BSME degree.

What most interested you about Akkerman?
When I learned about Akkerman, I was excited that a Minnesota based company produced such unique equipment. Since my background had been primarily supporting customers through technical support in the field, I was impressed that Akkerman acknowledged the importance of customer training and promoted free factory training for its customers with an equipment purchase.

What additional positions have you held with Akkerman?
I have worked in engineering, sales and management.

What do you like best about your position?
Exploring various methods and options with customers for potential projects that are considered to difficult or not feasible for current trenchless methods. These conversations often lead to what is missing in the industry and future innovation potential.

What do you like best about working for Akkerman?
The greatest satisfaction for me is when we can confidently meet customer expectations on a project. This nets Akkerman the best type of customers and strengthens our future as a company.

Do you have any interesting memories or a funny story to share?
On my very first day of work at Akkerman, I accidentally packed a beer in my lunch box in the morning, thinking it was a Diet Coke.

What do you like to do in your free time?
My daughter’s volleyball has become the main sporting event in our house these days. If there is any free time left between mowing and volleyball, I enjoy hunting and golfing.

Additional comments:
I can’t believe that 20-years have passed so quickly. I remember when I first started and how I grateful I felt working with so many people that have devoted their careers to Akkerman. I feel very fortunate to still work with many of those same individuals and am proud to be part of that family.

5th Akkiversary | Matt Beauvais

AKKiversary Date: May 28

Current Position: Machinist

What did you do before Akkerman?
I was a machinist and tool maker for AmesburyTruth in Owatonna.

What most interested you about Akkerman?
The type of company and products that we produce here.

What additional positions have you held with Akkerman?
I have always been a machinist.

What do you like best about your position?
Working here keeps me on my toes. There isn’t any type of normal production here. I have worked at machining job shops that made a high volume of parts at a fast pace. Here you can make a handful of parts for an order, but you may not make them again for a few months or even a year.

What do you like best about working for Akkerman?
The guys are great to work with—it’s like working for a mom and pop type company.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to hunt, fish and work on cars. I also coach trap for the NRHEG school district. I like to watch my youngest son, a high-school sophomore, participate in track, trap and basketball, my middle son, a college freshman, play bass trombone in the Mavericks Machine Band, and visit my oldest son in Steamboat Springs, CO.

5th Akkiversary | Cole Kroneman

AKKiversary Date: May 28

Current Position: Mechanic & Senior Field Technician

What did you do before Akkerman?
I was an auto mechanic at Rochester Ford and Zumbrota Ford.

What most interested you about Akkerman?
Working at Akkerman was something new and unique.

What additional positions have you held with Akkerman?
I started here in the Inventory Control/Parts department.

What do you like best about your position?
I like being able to see the equipment we have built make the customer successful out in the field.

What do you like best about working for Akkerman?
I enjoy being able to see different parts of the country while teaching new equipment operators about Akkerman equipment.

Do you have any interesting memories or a funny story to share?
I came to Akkerman with the intent of moving into a mechanic’s position. Mike Berndt wanted me in TBM Assembly, and Jack Lane wanted me in MTBM Assembly. In the end neither won since Dalton and I switched places—he took my job in parts and I took his in GBM Assembly.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy drag racing and camping with my family.

Boomerang Corporation

New customer Boomerang Corporation used their new 240A system and technical support services on an Iowa DOT project under Interstate 380 in North Liberty, IA. The GBM system will be used to install six bores, with an average length of 200-lf. of 24-36-in steel casing.

D.H. Akkerman Training & Development Grounds

The D.H. Akkerman Training & Development Grounds is a 120-LF long above ground facility located at Akkerman Inc. headquarters in Brownsdale, MN. Constructed in 2023, the facility is designed for controlled management of geotechnical conditions to optimize R&D efforts and increase training opportunities for trenchless operators and technical support personnel.

View Grounds