Coastal machinery, sometimes referred to as amphibious equipment, is a class of vehicle designed to work on both land and shallow water. These systems combine the mechanical elements of traditional work equipment with the buoyant characteristics of pontoons and other floatation devices to traverse a variety of terrains with relative ease. They are an invaluable tool for many industries and applications, including military, engineering and construction, as well as marine salvage and commercial fishing.
The Engineering That Makes Coastal Machinery Possible
Coastal machinery typically consists of a vehicle, such as a backhoe or an excavator, mounted on pontoons or other floating devices. This allows the vehicle to operate in both water and land, enabling it to travel between land-based worksites and shallow waters. The drivetrain of the vehicle is also modified to allow for operation in both environments, with a transfer case that can switch between forward and reverse gears for land and water travel respectively.
Amphibious Hydraulic Undercarriages
Amphibious hydraulic undercarriages are the driving force behind coastal machinery’s effectiveness. An advanced form of self-propelled system, they’re built to provide a stable, comfortable and efficient ride on land, mud, and water alike.
Amphibious hydraulic undercarriage systems make use of advanced hydraulic components like shock absorbers and other related parts. They work by using the pressure of the water to push or pull the undercarriage along, while a track system ensures that everything moves in an efficient manner without losing grip on wet surfaces.
Getting to Know Your Coastal Machinery
Coastal equipment comes in many forms and varieties, each with its own unique purpose and capabilities. The most common types of machinery employed in coastal regions include:
Amphibious Excavators
Amphibious Excavators are a unique form of heavy machinery that is specifically designed for use in wet, marshy or flooded areas. These excavators feature a specialized design that allows them to operate efficiently in wet conditions, and they can even be used to traverse water in some cases.
They are typically mounted with a long boom arm that can easily extend out into wetlands, rivers or other bodies of water and allow them to access unique areas. This type of excavator is one of the most versatile pieces of heavy equipment on the market, as it can perform a wide range of tasks and dig in even the most difficult of conditions.
Amphibious Dredge Units
Amphibious dredge units are specialized pieces of marine machinery designed to handle a variety of dredging operations in shallow waters and onshore locations. They are equipped with pumps and other attachments that allow them to remove sediment, debris, and other materials from the waterway or land surface.
Some amphibious dredge units can be outfitted with additional equipment to perform additional operations such as desalination of water, bottom cleaning and stabilization, and beach nourishment. The versatility and mobility of these units make them a valuable tool for any project involving the removal or displacement of materials.
Amphibious Personnel Carriers
Amphibious personnel carriers are designed to transport personnel, supplies and other materials over both land and water with ease. These vehicles feature specially designed tracks or wheels that allow them to traverse both terrain types and are often fitted with amphibious equipment for operation in the water. They can also be equipped with additional features and attachments.
Amphibious Cranes and Diggers
Amphibious cranes and diggers are essential pieces of machinery used in the construction and demolition industry. They offer a unique combination of mobility and stability that is ideal for wetter terrain, allowing them to easily navigate through mud, swamps, shallow water, and other difficult terrain.
Amphibious cranes and diggers come in a variety of sizes, from small excavators to high-capacity cranes. They are designed to traverse a variety of terrain and perform various tasks such as excavation, earthmoving, lifting, hauling, dredging and more.
Amphibious Drill Units
Amphibious drilling units are specialized equipment designed to drill both on land and in water. With the ability to traverse through a wide range of terrains, these machines allow for the exploration of both terrestrial and aquatic environments. They are equipped with powerful motors and hydraulics that allow them to achieve deeper drilling depths and can be easily deployed to remote locations.
These machines are essential for industry sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and construction, due to their unique abilities. Companies often use amphibious drill units to explore underwater reserves and build foundations in areas that require more precision than a typical land drill. The use of amphibious drills is also beneficial for environmental assessment, especially in areas where traditional drilling may be too hazardous.
Amphibious Vacuum Tanks
Amphibious Vacuum Tanks (AVTs) have been designed to offer a revolutionary solution for cleaning in hard-to-reach, wet, and uneven surface areas. AVTs are essentially multi-terrain vehicles that are equipped with a pressurized water system and powerful vacuums which enable them to maneuver effortlessly in wet environments.
Like other amphibious vehicles, AVTs are equipped with specially designed tracks, making them capable of navigating on land as well as floating on water. This helps them to easily traverse uneven surfaces without getting stuck or damaged.
Why Not All Pieces of Coastal Machinery Are Made Equal
Not all pieces of coastal machinery are made equal. For all the rough jobs they handle, these machines need to be built with the highest-grade materials and components to ensure they can handle their difficult environment.
The quality of coastal machinery also depends on its purpose. Some machines are designed to work in shallow waters and wetlands, while others are built to handle deeper water. The types of materials and components used in the manufacturing process can greatly affect its performance, lifespan, and efficiency.
Get the Most Out Of Your Coastal Equipment with Wilco Manufacturing
Wilco Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of coastal machinery, with over 100 years of combined experience in the industry. Our company has established itself with quality craftsmanship, customer service and attention to detail. We are committed to providing our customers with some of the most reliable and efficient coastal equipment available on the market, specializing in amphibious vehicles, excavators, dredge units and personnel carriers.
An Amphibious Hydraulic Undercarriage for Every Project
Amphibious hydraulic undercarriages are an integral part of off-road vehicles, recreational vehicles and boats. Not only do they provide a smooth ride on land, but they also allow machinery to transition seamlessly between land and water.
But they also aren’t foolproof. A good amphibious hydraulic undercarriage needs to be built with durability in mind. Its design should also work seamlessly with the make and size of the excavator and other components at hand.
Wilco Manufacturing delivers on both fronts – our company is capable of crafting amphibious hydraulic undercarriages that are built to last and designed to match the profile of your machinery. Our undercarriages come in various sizes to fit a wide range of excavators and other coastal equipment, with capacities ranging from 5 metric tons to 95 metric tons.
A Compact, Modular Unit That’s Built to Last
Coastal machinery operators face unique challenges and their equipment needs to be up to the challenge. That’s why our products come with superior components and features that are designed to handle both land and water operations.
Our amphibious excavators have a compact, modular form factor that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces, while their tempered steel frames and other heavy-duty components ensure they remain durable over the long haul.
Specialty Solutions Other Manufacturers Can’t Beat
We don’t just make amphibious excavators. We also offer custom-made solutions for more specialized applications. Our Marsh Buggy is a specialty tool that can traverse terrain other machines can’t, while our heavy-duty drills and cutters are designed to help operators reach new depths.
Corrosion-Resistant Components For Longer Lifespans
Our coastal machinery is designed to withstand the harsh elements of saltwater and moisture. We use corrosion-resistant materials in the construction of our units to ensure that the machinery remains in top condition for years to come. From extruded aluminum to low alloy, weathering A606-4 steel, our machines are built to stand up to the marsh’s toughest conditions.
Wilco Manufacturing takes great pride in delivering on the highest quality of coastal machinery and components. Our commitment to durability and efficiency has earned us a reputation as one of the leading providers of coastal equipment in Louisiana. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get the most out of your coastal operations.
