Hydraulic butt fusion machine available for underground market

The McElroy Acrobat — a hydraulic butt fusion machine originally designed for the plumbing and mechanical industry — is now available for the underground/construction market.   

Priced competitively, the Acrobat 180 is ideal for those interested in a reliable, easy-to-use machine. It butt fuses 63mm to 180mm (2” IPS to 6” DIPS) HDPE pipe and fittings with a variety of pressure ratings. With its light weight, it can be carried from joint to joint but still maintains the same rugged reliability expected of any McElroy butt fusion machine. 

The Acrobat 180 is the perfect tool for in-ditch work and tie-in fusions and provides a cost-effective alternative to electrofusion which requires the purchase of additional fittings. It functions in tight work spaces by removing the base and converting the carriage from 4 to 3 jaws. The top jaws can even be removed for easier manipulation around pipe and fittings. 

“The Acrobat 180 is a sophisticated machine that is easy to operate at the same time,” said Jason Lawrence, Director of Product Development. “While the capabilities of the machine are impressive, it is not intimidating. It was engineered from the user’s perspective and what they need to meet the demands of their job.”

Two Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) options are available to provide fusion pressures up to 800 PSI or 1,500 PSI. Both HPUs allow the operator to easily pre-set the carriage, facer and heater pressures — eliminating repetitive adjustments between operations. Both HPUs offer a smart design so that both the heater and facer plug into the HPU, allowing the entire machine to draw power from only one receptacle. 

The Acrobat 180 is also compatible with the DataLogger for joint reporting and quality assurance which is a growing requirement on jobsites today. 

McElroy machines are built to last with hard-anodized aluminum surfaces that prevent corrosion.