Piling is quite a specific area of construction with a variety of its own terminology and key phrases – and if you’re relatively new to the whole process, it can be easy for things to get quite confusing. Don’t worry though – as experienced mini piling contractors, our team are always on hand to help answer any quick questions, or provide any clarification you might need. One question that we get asked quite a lot is in relation to the difference between rigs and moles. Both play a pivotal role in the piling process, but their jobs are very distinct. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a rig?

A rig is essentially a specialised machine that’s designed to drive piles directly into the ground, as a crucial step in preparing the foundations for various buildings or structures. There are lots of different types of rigs that encompass a variety of shapes, sizes, and functionalities, all tailored to meet the specific requirements of different construction projects. Most use hydraulic systems and diesel engines – here at Vxcel Piling, we often use a Cobra D500 or D1000 for our own piling projects.

What is a mole?

Now, a “mole” is an equally important element of any construction piling project, but it’s a different type of machinery altogether. Unlike rigs, moles are primarily used for horizontal drilling and installation of underground utilities such as pipes, cables, and conduits. (It’s easy to see the similarities to the animal they were named for, and indeed that can be handy way to remember the difference between them and rigs.)

Also known as horizontal directional drills (HDD), moles are essential for trenchless technology, where the aim is to minimise disruption to the surface and surrounding environment during installation. Their ability to bore tunnels underground means that they can be used for the installation of utilities, without the need for extensive excavation. That saves on both time and costs, and ensures maximum efficiency with minimal delays to any project.

What are the key differences between rigs and moles?

So, let’s recap quickly. Now that we’ve covered the key characteristics of both rigs and moles, let’s look at them side-by-side to see how they compare in key areas – starting with functionality.

1. Functionality: Rigs are primarily designed for vertical piling operations, driving piles into the ground to create foundations. Moles, on the other hand, specialise in horizontal drilling for the installation of underground utilities.
2. Application: Rigs are commonly used in projects that require vertical structural support, such as building foundations, bridges, and retaining walls. Moles on the other hand are typically used in projects involving the installation of underground utilities, including water and sewer lines, fibre optics, and electrical conduits. Lots of construction projects tend to use them in tandem, at different stages of the project.
3. Construction method: Rigs employ pile-driving techniques to insert piles vertically into the ground, relying on downward force to achieve penetration. Moles utilise drilling technology to bore horizontally through the soil, creating pathways for the installation of utilities without excavation.

That’s all the essentials covered! You’ll be happy to hear, though, that you don’t need to know the ins-and-outs of mini piling to an exhaustive degree – that’s exactly what we’re here for. Not only can we provide expert advice regarding your project, but we’ve got all the equipment and expertise we need in-house to get the job done, on time and on budget.

As highly experienced mini piling contractors here at Vxcel, we have well over a decade of delivering exceptional results – encompassing domestic projects, commercial properties, and industrial warehouses. To find out what we’ve achieved for previous customers, feel free to take a look through our case studies! Or, if you have any questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01254 314010, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help!