Super Drag Boxes

The Super Drag Box system is designed for high-productivity pipe laying in stable, continuous trenches. Pulled along the excavation by an excavator rather than statically placed, these heavy-duty movable shields allow contractors to rapidly progress linear works while maintaining a safe working environment.

Available for sale and hire across the UK, SEL’s Super Drag Boxes are supplied in large 5.0m and 6.0m lengths. They are the ideal choice when long runs of utility or drainage pipes need to be installed quickly in good ground conditions, free from crossing services.

Core capabilities and applications

The "excavate and drag" method. Unlike standard trench boxes, which are installed using a "dig and push" method in unstable ground, a drag box is designed to be pulled through a pre-excavated, self-supporting trench. The excavator digs ahead of the box, drags it forward into the newly excavated section using the heavy-duty front strut, and the pipe is laid within the safe envelope of the rear section.

This system is highly effective for:

• Long, continuous linear pipeline projects
• Cross-country drainage and sewer installations
• High-production utility trenches in cohesive, stable ground

If the ground is unstable, water-bearing, or features crossing services, a drag box is not suitable. In these instances, a Standard Trench Box or a Waler Frame System with trench sheets is required.

Operational mechanics and dimensions

Clearance and capacity. The Super Drag Box provides a front spindle clearance of 450mm to allow the excavator bucket to work efficiently. At the rear, it offers 1490mm of clearance beneath the lowest strut (or up to 2000mm when fitted with a 'Hogs Back' strut), providing ample room for standard and large-diameter pipes.

Working widths. The system uses robust telescopic spindles (Types A, B, and C), allowing the internal working width to be adjusted from 1000mm up to 2500mm depending on the pipe diameter and trench specification.

Temporary Works Design

Although drag boxes are used in stable ground, ensuring the correct equipment is specified for your earth pressure and trench depth remains critical. Site Equipment Limited provides full Temporary Works Design services to guarantee the system is engineered specifically for your site conditions.

Super Drag Box: Common Questions

Sale and Hire of Super Drag Boxes

We supply Super Drag Box systems for sale and hire across the UK, complete with expert technical support. Please contact your nearest SEL depot to discuss your project requirements or to request a competitive quote.