Overcoming the Challenges of Winter Construction
At The Hose Company, we understand that the demands of construction projects can come with a variety of challenges, especially when working in harsh conditions. A prime example of this is a project completed in the winter of 2023 by Prince Marine Construction (PMC) on the frozen Upper Prior Lake in Prior Lake, MN. This project highlights how the right equipment, supported by reliable hydraulic components like our Hydrauli-Flex hoses, can make all the difference in ensuring success.
The Project: Building a Dock on Frozen Ground
During the winter of 2023, PMC was hired to construct a dock on the newly frozen Upper Prior Lake. After 2 to 3 weeks of freezing temperatures, a solid sheet of ice had formed on the lake, but the thickness of the ice needed to be assessed for safety. As the ice began to solidify, it was clear that this would be a challenging project, but one that PMC was prepared for. To build a secure foundation for the dock, PMC needed to drive pipe piles deep into the lakebed, all while ensuring safety for their workers in a hazardous and unpredictable environment.
Safety First: Navigating the Ice
When working on frozen lakes, the thickness of the ice is crucial for determining what is safe to do. Ice thinner than four inches is not safe to walk on, while thicker ice can support various weights, including snowmobiles and vehicles. For this project, PMC took all the necessary precautions. After ensuring the ice was at least four inches thick, they drilled 18-inch-diameter holes through the ice, creating a safe environment to proceed with the pile driving.
The ICE® Model 2 Vibratory Driver: A Perfect Fit
To install the pipe piles—ranging from 6 to 8 inches in diameter and 20 to 30 feet long—PMC turned to the ICE® Model 2 Vibratory Driver. This compact, efficient piece of machinery is perfect for driving piles quickly and safely, even through challenging frozen ground. The ICE® Model 2 has remote capabilities, allowing the team to maintain a safe working distance from the ice while still achieving maximum pile amplitude.
The result was impressive: each pile took only 1 to 2 minutes to fully install into the lakebed, which kept the project on track and helped control labor costs. PMC had previously used the ICE® Model 2 on other projects, so they trusted its reliability, even under difficult winter conditions. With the piles securely driven, the dock foundation was ready for the final touches.
The Role of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses
Behind every successful piece of machinery is a critical component that ensures its smooth operation—hydraulic hoses. Hydraulic hoses are essential for transferring pressurized fluids to power the machinery needed for pile driving. The flexibility and durability of these hoses make them especially important in environments where machinery experiences constant vibration and movement, such as this pile driving process.
At The Hose Company, we offer Hydrauli-Flex hoses, which are designed to perform in high-pressure, harsh conditions. Whether it’s the vibrations from a vibratory driver like the ICE® Model 2 or the cold temperatures of a Minnesota winter, our hoses provide reliable performance when you need it most. With over 10 years of industry experience, we know that the right hydraulic hoses are essential for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of machinery, especially when working in challenging environments.
The Result: A Job Well Done
Thanks to the professionalism of Prince Marine Construction and the support of quality equipment and components, the new dock on Upper Prior Lake was completed successfully. The project stayed on schedule, and the efficient pile driving process allowed the team to meet their timeline and keep labor costs down. By the time summer arrived, families were able to enjoy the dock for their fishing and skiing adventures on the lake.
We at The Hose Company are proud to have played a role in this successful project by supplying the Hydrauli-Flex hoses that powered the machinery used to install the piles. A special thank you goes to Prince Marine Construction for continuing to trust us with their hydraulic hose needs.
Contact Us
At The Hose Company, we offer a wide range of high-quality hydraulic and industrial hoses, fittings, and custom assemblies to meet the demands of the construction and heavy equipment industries. Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses are built to withstand high pressures and harsh environments, ensuring the performance and longevity of your machinery.
If you need a reliable hose solution for your next project, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you keep your equipment running efficiently and safely.
