Compact mechanized excavators designed for creating subterranean passages, these devices typically range from a few centimeters to a couple of meters in diameter. They are employed for projects such as installing utility lines, creating drainage systems, or exploring geological formations, offering a less disruptive alternative to open-cut excavation.
These compact excavators offer significant advantages in urban environments and other sensitive areas. Their reduced size minimizes surface disruption, noise pollution, and overall project footprint. Historically, smaller-scale tunneling relied heavily on manual labor, making it time-consuming and costly. The advent of these mechanized solutions has revolutionized small-diameter tunneling, enabling projects to be completed more efficiently, safely, and economically.