Amphibious Tracks System
Amphibious Undercarriage
Install our amphibious equipment, including undercarriage and tracks package, and easily be able to dredge and excavate from land, sea, or swamp. The amphibious excavator’s undercarriage includes specialized attachments and features, such as pontoons, to enhance stability and buoyancy for operation in aquatic environments. Our floating excavator is designed to perform dredging tasks in challenging terrains such as swamps and wetlands, where standard heavy machinery fails.
Amphibious Excavator:
Excavate in Inaccessible Places with Amphibious and Marsh Tracks
Install our amphibious equipment, including undercarriage and tracks package, and easily be able to dredge and excavate from land, sea, or swamp. Our floating excavator is designed to perform dredging tasks in challenging terrains such as swamps and wetlands, where standard heavy machinery fails.
What’s more, our equipment is engineered to be more robust and durable than competing undercarriages, backed up by a full one year warranty and an unprecedented 10,000 hour warranty on polymer pads.
And with a patented system—specifically a multi-synchronous direct drive system utilizing multiple hydraulic active drive motors per pontoon—this rear wheel drive setup enhances propulsion and tracking power compared to conventional single moto designs, making this the most stable platform available. Power is sent directly to where it is needed most – at the excavator’s heaviest area.
Our amphibious undercarriages offer ideal solutions for full dredging and amphibious excavating operations in less than ideal environments such as swamps, marshes, and wetlands, and feature custom slewing rings to fit all excavator manufacturers, including CAT, John Deere, Volvo, Komatsu and others. This advanced system delivers increased performance capacity and superior tracking power, resulting in improved maneuverability and efficiency in the toughest conditions.
What Are Amphibious Tracks and Undercarriages?
Amphibious Excavators are a perfect match for hard to reach marsh, swamp, and shallow water dredging projects, making them the ideal amphibious machine for these environments. Pontoon undercarriages, also called amphibious undercarriages, can now make this reality. Selecting the right equipment, such as our amphibious excavators, ensures successful outcomes in tasks that standard machinery cannot handle.
Swap the factory excavator undercarriage with a floating amphibious undercarriage and go further than ever before. Supports hydraulic and mechanical attachments to create a mobile swamp dredger. The amphibious undercarriage features a bolt on sprocket system, with sprocket systems tightly bolt onto hubs to ensure precise track pitch alignment even in difficult terrains. Service manholes are included on each pontoon to facilitate easy access for maintenance and repairs. This powerful combination of equipment is mobile, less expensive to run and creates more ROI for your project.
What are Amphibious Excavators?
Amphibious excavators are specialized heavy machinery designed to operate seamlessly in both land and water environments. Equipped with pontoons or tracks that provide buoyancy and stability, these machines can access and work in areas that conventional excavators cannot reach. This unique capability makes amphibious excavators indispensable for wetland construction, dredging, and environmental conservation projects. Whether it’s navigating through marshes or performing dredging in shallow water, these versatile excavators are engineered to tackle the most challenging terrains with ease.
Amphibious Undercarriage
Complete amphibious undercarriage allowing you to convert your existing excavator into a swamp dredger capable of even more production in harsh areas. The amphibious undercarriage can be equipped with extendable tracks, which improve traction, flotation, and stability for operations in water or soft ground by adapting to different conditions.
Rugged Tracks
Rugged tracks are included with the amphibious frame, designed for maximum traction in the harsh environments found in wetland, swampy areas. These heavy-duty track chain systems are manufactured using advanced laser trim technology, which enhances the strength and overall performance of the tracks. This precision process results in strengthening grip on soft or uneven terrain, improving weight distribution and maneuverability.
Swamp Dredging
Swap and shallow water dredging and construction has never been easier with our amphibious undercarriage package, contact us to learn more. The design of the undercarriage and pontoons allows for greater digging depth and enhanced stability during excavation tasks in water-based environments.
What Are Amphibious Tracks and Undercarriages?
Amphibious Excavators are a perfect match for hard to reach marsh, swamp, and shallow water dredging projects, making them the ideal amphibious machine for these environments. Pontoon undercarriages, also called amphibious undercarriages, can now make this reality. Selecting the right equipment, such as our amphibious excavators, ensures successful outcomes in tasks that standard machinery cannot handle.
Swap the factory excavator undercarriage with a floating amphibious undercarriage and go further than ever before. Supports hydraulic and mechanical attachments to create a mobile swamp dredger. This powerful combination of equipment is mobile, less expensive to run and creates more ROI for your project.
Excavator Undercarriage Conversion
Excavator undercarriage conversion is a transformative process that upgrades a conventional excavator into a high-performance amphibious excavator by replacing its standard undercarriage with a specialized amphibious undercarriage, often referred to as a pontoon undercarriage. This essential modification empowers excavators to tackle construction projects in soft terrain, wetlands, swamps, and shallow waters—environments where traditional heavy machinery simply cannot operate efficiently.
The heart of the amphibious excavator undercarriage lies in its advanced engineering. Featuring robust pontoon undercarriages, these systems are equipped with advanced hydraulic systems, sprocket systems that tightly bolt onto hubs for perfect track pitch alignment, and heavy-duty track chain systems. This combination ensures better weight distribution, improved maneuverability, and enhanced stability, even in the most challenging terrains. The result is an amphibious machine that can operate with extreme precision, reducing ground pressure and minimizing the risk of machine tipping or operator injury.
The conversion process involves the installation of hydraulic extendable pontoons, dual hermetically sealed bulkheads, and dividing pontoons, all designed to maximize buoyancy and stability in aquatic environments. Additional features such as hydraulic spuds and side pontoons further strengthen grip and stability, allowing the excavator to perform wetland construction, waterway maintenance, and wetland restoration with confidence. These enhancements are crucial for projects that demand reliable performance in wet environments and sensitive ecosystems.
Existing excavators from leading brands can often be converted to amphibious excavators, with manufacturers offering customized solutions to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. The process is supported by advanced engineering, including the use of corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings that withstand harsh environments and extend the lifespan of the amphibious equipment. Manufacturers also provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring a guaranteed simple process and safe operation on the job site.
Careful consideration is given to factors such as ground pressure, weight distribution, and environmental impact during the conversion. This attention to detail ensures that the amphibious excavator undercarriage delivers optimal performance while protecting sensitive ecosystems and preventing accidents. With the ability to add spare parts, additional pontoons, and other attachments, the converted excavator is ready to go the extra mile in land reclamation, invasive species removal, and a wide range of construction projects in difficult terrains.
By converting a standard excavator with a pontoon undercarriage and advanced track system, operators gain a versatile, reliable, and efficient solution for amphibious excavation—enabling them to operate efficiently, enhance safety, and achieve outstanding results in even the most demanding terrain conditions.
Design and Features of Amphibious Excavators
Amphibious excavators boast a range of unique design features that enable them to excel in challenging terrain and wet environments. Central to their design is the pontoon or track system, which provides the necessary buoyancy and stability to operate in water. These machines are also equipped with advanced hydraulic systems that facilitate efficient excavating and dredging operations. The engine and control systems are meticulously designed to withstand wet environments, incorporating waterproofing and corrosion-resistant materials. Additionally, amphibious excavators are characterized by their lower ground pressure, which is crucial for preventing sinking or excessive berming on soft terrains and waterlogged areas, allowing them to work in sensitive areas without causing environmental damage. This combination of features ensures that amphibious excavators are the perfect tool for a variety of demanding applications.
Safety Considerations for Amphibious Excavation
Safety is paramount when it comes to amphibious excavation. Operators must be thoroughly trained to handle the equipment in wet environments and be aware of the inherent risks associated with challenging terrain. Key safety considerations include ensuring the stability of the equipment, continuously monitoring water levels and currents, and implementing measures to prevent accidents and injuries. Adhering to safety protocols and regulations, such as wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular maintenance checks, is crucial. By prioritizing safety, operators can effectively mitigate risks and ensure the successful completion of amphibious excavation projects.
Environmental Impact of Amphibious Excavators
The environmental impact of amphibious excavators can be significant if not managed responsibly. These powerful machines have the potential to disrupt wetland ecosystems and natural habitats if operated carelessly. However, when used in a responsible and sustainable manner, amphibious excavators can be invaluable tools for environmental conservation and restoration. They play a crucial role in restoring wetlands, removing invasive species, and improving water quality. To minimize their environmental footprint, it is essential to follow stringent environmental regulations and guidelines during operation. By doing so, amphibious excavators can contribute positively to the preservation and enhancement of natural ecosystems.
Case Studies and Examples
Numerous successful amphibious excavation projects highlight the effectiveness of these machines in challenging terrain and wet environments. For instance, amphibious excavators have been instrumental in wetland restoration projects, where they have been used to remove invasive species and restore natural habitats. In dredging projects, these machines have improved water quality and navigation by efficiently removing sediment and debris. Additionally, amphibious excavators have been deployed in environmental conservation projects to protect and restore sensitive ecosystems. These case studies and examples underscore the versatility and effectiveness of amphibious excavators, demonstrating their value in a wide range of applications.
What’s Included?
The HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage System supports many types of excavators to give you the mobility needed in harsh and wet environments often found in swamps, marshes, wetlands, and rivers. The system includes wear pads specifically designed to protect against wear from the track chains, utilizing wear-resistant materials to prolong the lifespan of critical components.
Amphibious Undercarriage
Amphibious undercarriages replace your existing undercarriage to make it more buoyant in shallow waters, aiding mobility.
Marsh / Swamp Tracks
These hardy tracks can withstand the harsh maneuverability associated with wet environments despite the need to get the job done.
Immediate Results
SWAMP DOMINATION
HAWK Amphibious Excavator Undercarriages completely replace your existing undercarriage to make it completely suitable for dominating the rugged terrain of marshy swamps and wetlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage?
The HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage is a specialized system for amphibious excavators and other heavy machinery. It enables these machines to operate in land and water environments, providing exceptional stability and mobility in various terrain conditions.
How does the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage work?
The undercarriage includes a set of buoyant pontoons and reinforced tracks that allow the machinery to float on water while providing traction on soft, uneven, or submerged surfaces. The pontoons are engineered to ensure optimal buoyancy, while the tracks are designed to minimize ground pressure.
What types of machinery can be fitted with the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage?
The HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage can be adapted to various heavy machinery, primarily hydraulic excavators. It is suitable for machines ranging from 5 to 50 tons, depending on the model and specifications of the undercarriage.
What applications are suitable for machines equipped with this undercarriage?
Machines fitted with the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage are ideal for use in swampy areas, wetlands, shallow water, and soft terrain, making them essential dredging equipment. These machines can perform dredging activities effectively while minimizing ecological impact, showcasing their importance in restoration and conservation efforts in sensitive areas. They are commonly used in dredging, canal cleaning, wetland restoration, and construction projects in challenging environments.
How is maintenance performed on the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage?
Regular maintenance includes checking the integrity and air tightness of the pontoons, inspecting the tracks and mechanical components for wear and tear, and ensuring that all hydraulic systems are functioning correctly. Specific maintenance procedures can vary based on the model and operating conditions.
What are the key benefits, including low ground pressure, of using the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage?
The key benefits include:
- Enhanced Mobility: Allows machines to access and operate in areas otherwise inaccessible to standard undercarriages.
- Increased Productivity: Enables continuous operation in a variety of environmental conditions without the need for additional support equipment.
- Safety and Stability: Provides a stable platform for heavy machinery in unstable and aquatic environments.
- Versatility: Similar to swamp buggies, these machines can traverse difficult terrains such as marshes and shallow waters, enhancing project success rates.
Are there any limitations to the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage?
While the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage significantly enhances the versatility of equipped machinery, it may not be suitable for deep-water operations or extremely rocky and abrasive terrains. It is also generally heavier and may require additional power compared to standard undercarriages.
How can I purchase a HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage?
To purchase a HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage, you can contact the manufacturer directly or contact authorized dealers. Discussing your specific machinery and application needs is advisable to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Is training required to operate machinery with the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage?
Yes, operators should receive training on the specific characteristics and handling requirements of amphibious machinery. This training typically covers operation techniques in aquatic and terrestrial environments, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
Can the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage be customized?
Yes, the undercarriage can often be customized to meet specific operational requirements, including adjustments to pontoon size, track type, and additional attachments. Customization options should be discussed with the manufacturer to ensure safety and performance standards compliance.
Customization options for the HAWK Amphibious Undercarriage can include features similar to those found in a swamp buggy, such as unique pontoon designs and track technology that enhance stability, speed, and maneuverability in challenging terrains.
Other HAWK Products
Explore our fleet of heavy-duty excavator accessories for a range of construction, excavation, and dredging projects.
HAWK Vision
Attach the RTK GPS Positioning system to your excavator's bucket or other attachment to always know where the bucket is under the waterline. Prevent over and under dredging.
Amphibious Undercarriage
Complete amphibious undercarriage allowing you to convert your existing excavator into a swamp dredger capable of even more production in harsh areas.
Sectional Barges
Fully modular barges ready for quick assembly at the job site. Can hold an excavator and long stick for the extended reach your excavation needs.