Mity Mite Culvert Puller

The Mity Mite is a hydraulic culvert puller for joining concrete pipe, steel pipe and box culverts with internal pipe diameters from 1067mm to 3658mm (42" to 144"), with pulling capacities up to 30 tonnes. Its low-profile chassis sits in the invert so pipe lasers can shoot line and level through the bore uninterrupted during jointing. Typical work includes river and flood alleviation schemes, highway and rail culverts, outfalls and pumping station connections.

Applications and pipe types

The Mity Mite range covers precast sections across standard to extra-large diameters:

• Box culvert runs on river and flood alleviation schemes
• Highway and rail culverts
• Large-diameter surface water and combined sewers
• Outfalls and headwall connections
• Pumping station and treatment works connections
• Steel pipe runs

How the Mity Mite operates on site

The Mity Mite anchors inside the pipe already laid and draws the next section onto it using a matched pulling beam and heavy-duty wire rope. We supply two models in the range to suit your pipe dimensions: the Model 516 for bores from 1067mm to 2743mm (15 tonnes pull), and the Model 5516 for bores from 1829mm to 3658mm (30 tonnes pull). Because the operator controls the machine through a remote lead from outside the bore, nobody stands between sections or in the trench pinch point as the joint closes.

The incoming section remains supported by site lifting plant while the hydraulic cylinder draws it home, preventing friction from dragging along the trench bed. Sections are lowered into the trench beforehand using pipe grabs or a pipe caddy.

Rigging and joint alignment guidance

Working with 30 tonnes of pulling force inside large pipe or box culverts requires proper rigging setup:

• Correcting out-of-square joints: If a section pulls unevenly, reposition the pulling bridle higher on the trailing side to draw that face home (keeping the bridle within 45 degrees of horizontal).
• Preventing anchor slip: If the laid pipe moves during jointing, shift the puller one or two joints further back into the completed pipeline for greater anchorage.
• Protecting rubber gaskets: Lubricate elastomeric O-rings thoroughly before pulling to ensure seals slide cleanly without pinching under load.
• Maintaining laser line-of-sight: The low-profile chassis sits in the invert so pipe lasers can maintain continuous grade line through the crown or invert.

If you need advice on rigging, beam selection, or pipe alignment for your project, contact our technical team or request familiarisation training with delivery.

Common Questions

Hire the Mity Mite Culvert Puller

We supply the Mity Mite as a complete kit: the machine, remote control box, extensions in 200mm, 300mm, 400mm and 500mm, and pulling beams sized to your bore. Send us the bore, section weight and joint detail, and we will match the right model, extensions and beam before delivery, with familiarisation training available on site. To talk it through, contact your nearest depot.