Selecting Tunnel Boring & Microtunneling Machines

• Should you select the machine with: 

  • total availability of machine parameters & operating variables

  • legendary service & responsive machine manufacturer

  • consistent high penetration rates 

  • consistent record breaking excavation advance rates

  • historical record of negligible learning curves

  • worldwide network of parts warehouses

   

• Should you select the machine / manufacturer with: 

  • lowest price (often underpowered)

  • historical record of commissioning problems 

  • manufacturer consistently denying responsibility

  • offsite control of machine operational forces & penetration limits 

  • consistent performance below predictions

  • low productivity over-running schedule voiding great buyback "deal" 

  • threats of support withdrawal upon challenge 

  • a company who will not stand by lease offers and forces purchase

  • a large, aggressive, and righteous "terrorist" legal stable & owned by banks

   

• The costs for machine caused delays on labor can be large 

A cheap TBM above ground =costliest TBM underground!