3′ x 5′ Utility Max Lightweight Aluminum Shield – Pacific Shoring

Description

3′ x 5′ Pacific Shoring Utility Max Aluminum Trench Shield

The Pacific Shoring Utility Max 3′ x 5′ Aluminum Trench Shield is a lightweight, modular protective-system component designed for localized utility excavation, maintenance, repair, and restricted-access work.

Model 26.0 PS-UMS-35-PANELS includes two 2-inch-thick aluminum side panels measuring 3 feet high by 5 feet long. The two-panel set weighs approximately 132 lbs before connection pins, and accessories.

The 3-foot panel height provides more vertical coverage than the 2-foot-high Utility Max configurations, while the 5-foot length supplies additional working room compared with the shorter 3′ x 4′ model. This combination can be useful for utility connections, repairs, crossings, and component installations where a longer shield would be unnecessarily difficult to position.

This configuration provides a 1,368 PSF panel capacity, 16 inches of vertical clearance, 36.5 inches of horizontal clearance between spreader locations, and a maximum internal shield width of 96 inches. Two compatible fixed or adjustable spreaders are required for operation and are selected separately according to the required trench width.

Key Benefits & Crew Efficiency

• Three-Foot Panel Height: Provides more vertical coverage than the 2-foot-high Utility Max panels.

• Versatile Five-Foot Length: Offers additional longitudinal working room compared with the 3′ x 4′ configuration without the handling requirements of a substantially longer shield.

• Lightweight Two-Panel Set: The two aluminum panels weigh approximately 132 lbs.

• Modular Aluminum Construction: Compatible panels, spreaders, end panels, connection components, leg kits, and wheel kits can be configured for different applications.

• Two-Inch-Thick Panels: Provides a published panel capacity of 1,368 PSF.

• 36.5-Inch Horizontal Clearance: Supplies approximately 3′0.5″ of clear distance between spreader locations.

• 16-Inch Vertical Clearance: Provides working clearance between the upper and lower spreader positions.

• Two-Spreader Assembly: The 3-foot-high panel set requires two compatible spreaders for operation.

• Maximum 96-Inch Internal Width: Supports fixed and adjustable configurations for compatible excavation widths within the manufacturer’s tabulated limits.

• Stackable System: Compatible Utility Max shields may be stacked when securely connected with the appropriate pins.

• Published Depth Ratings: Listed for allowable depths up to 12 feet in A-25, B-45, C-60, and C-80 soil under the applicable tabulated conditions.

Product Specifications

Pricing & Logistics

Panel-Set Price: $3,312.00

The listed price is for the two-panel Utility Max set. Spreaders, connection pins, end panels, leg kits, wheel kits, and other accessories are selected and priced separately where applicable.

Contact us to confirm current pricing, availability, compatible spreader options, accessory requirements, and shipping rates.

Freight & Delivery Coordination

The two-panel set weighs approximately 132 lbs before. The complete assembled weight depends on the selected spreaders, connection hardware, and any additional Utility Max components included with the system.

The aluminum construction helps reduce transportation and handling demands compared with substantially heavier trench-shield configurations. Contractors must still use properly rated lifting equipment and calculate the complete assembled weight before loading, unloading, assembly, placement, or removal.

The 5-foot panel length can be practical for contractor yards, municipal operations, service vehicles, and jobsites where storage or positioning space is limited. Adequate room must still be available for assembly, rotation, lifting, placement, and removal.

We can coordinate delivery to your contractor yard, municipal facility, equipment location, or active jobsite and provide pricing for multiple shields or mixed-equipment orders.

Target Applications

The 3′ x 5′ Utility Max aluminum trench shield is intended for compatible excavation work requiring a modular protective-system configuration with more height than the 2-foot panels and more working length than the 3′ x 4′ model.

Potential applications may include:

• localized water and sewer repairs;

• utility service connections;

• gas, electrical, and telecommunications work;

• pipe and conduit repairs;

• utility tie-ins, tees, crosses, and fittings;

• valve and utility-component work where dimensions are compatible;

• crossing-utility excavation;

• utility exposure and inspection;

• localized utility replacement;

• street and easement excavation;

• municipal and public works maintenance;

• restricted-access jobsites;

• use independently where appropriate;

• use as part of an approved stacked Utility Max configuration.

The 5-foot exterior length and 36.5-inch horizontal clearance provide more working room than the 3′ x 4′ shield while maintaining a relatively short footprint.

The dimensions of the pipe, fitting, valve, connection, utility component, structure, tools, rigging, and installation equipment must be compared with the available interior working area before selecting this configuration.

Suitability depends on the complete protective-system arrangement, selected spreaders, and actual jobsite requirements. This shield should not be selected solely because its exterior dimensions appear to fit the excavation.

Critical Selection & Safety Factors

Is the 3×5 Utility Max Right for Your Jobsite?

The correct protective system depends on more than panel height and length.

The project’s Competent Person must evaluate:

• excavation depth;

• soil classification;

• surcharge loading;

• trench width;

• pipe and utility-component dimensions;

• required working clearance;

• groundwater and changing soil conditions;

• adjacent structures and existing utilities;

• whether the shield will be used independently or stacked;

• spreader type and internal width;

• lifting and placement equipment;

• safe access and egress;

• jobsite-specific hazards.

The 3′ x 5′ configuration may be a practical choice when the 3′ x 4′ model does not provide enough longitudinal working room but a taller or substantially longer system would be unnecessarily difficult to transport or position.

For work that requires less vertical coverage, a 2′ x 5′ Utility Max may be sufficient. Projects requiring additional panel height may be better suited to the compatible 4′ x 5′ Utility Max configuration.

The 3-foot panel height does not mean this shield is automatically suitable as a standalone protective system for every excavation listed at a 12-foot allowable depth. Shield placement, stacking, sloping or benching above the system, and any additional protective measures must comply with the manufacturer’s tabulated data.

Compatible Utility Max shields may be stacked when securely pinned at the appropriate connection points. Different-height shields may also be stacked when the complete configuration follows the applicable tabulated requirements.

Depth Ratings & Tabulated Data

The Utility Max tabulated data lists the 3′ x 5′ panels for the following maximum allowable depths:

With a 72 PSF Surcharge

• A-25 soil: 12 feet;

• B-45 soil: 12 feet;

• C-60 soil: 12 feet;

• C-80 soil: 12 feet.

Without Surcharge

• A-25 soil: 12 feet;

• B-45 soil: 12 feet;

• C-60 soil: 12 feet;

• C-80 soil: 12 feet.

These published depths are not universal excavation limits. The permitted application depends on the complete Utility Max configuration, soil classification, surcharge conditions, trench geometry, shield placement, installation method, and actual jobsite conditions.

Utility Max systems may be used in C-80 soil only when they are dug into the excavation rather than driven into the soil. Pacific Shoring recommends a site-specific plan prepared by a registered civil engineer for C-80 applications.

Tabulated depths are limited to 12 feet. Any proposed use beyond the published limits requires a site-specific plan prepared and approved in writing by a registered professional engineer.

The Competent Person must classify the soil immediately before installation and continue monitoring for water seepage, surface cracking, soil movement, sloughing, raveling, and other changing conditions.

Spreader Configurations

The 3-foot-high Utility Max panel set requires two spreaders for operation.

Pacific Shoring offers compatible fixed and adjustable spreaders for different internal trench widths.

Available adjustable spreader ranges include:

• 20 to 26 inches;

• 24 to 36 inches;

• 30 to 42 inches;

• 36 to 60 inches;

• 40 to 54 inches;

• 54 to 96 inches.

Available fixed spreader lengths include:

• 20 inches;

• 24 inches;

• 30 inches;

• 42 inches;

• 54 inches;

• 60 inches;

• 72 inches;

• 96 inches.

The selected spreaders establish the internal working width and add weight to the completed system. The maximum tabulated internal shield width is 96 inches.

The correct spreader configuration depends on trench width, pipe or utility-component dimensions, required working clearance, lifting capacity, and installation method.

When requesting a quote, provide:

• required internal shield width;

• excavation depth;

• soil classification;

• expected surcharge conditions;

• pipe or utility-component dimensions;

• required working clearance;

• preferred fixed or adjustable spreaders;

• whether the system will be stacked;

• project location;

• quantity required.

Installation Requirements

Utility Max systems must be assembled and installed according to the manufacturer’s tabulated data.

Important requirements include:

• assemble and rig the shield before lifting;

• inspect all rigging before placement;

• use cables and slings with a minimum 5:1 safety factor;

• have the Competent Person calculate the total lifting weight;

• never permit workers beneath suspended loads;

• keep excavation faces vertical;

• maintain the shoring walls within 6 inches of the excavation walls;

• backfill excessive voids with crushed rock or excavated soil;

• fill at least two-thirds of the shield-wall area when the excavation wall is more than 6 inches from the shield;

• secure stacked shields with the appropriate connection pins;

• restrict lateral or other hazardous movement;

• provide safe worker access and egress.

When a Utility Max system is used with compatible leg kits, it may be positioned up to 2 feet above the excavation bottom when there is no sloughing or raveling and the system rests on a stable bench or is otherwise securely supported.

When an excavation is sloped above the shield, the shield must extend at least 18 inches above the hinge point, and the slopes must comply with the applicable sloping and benching requirements.

Workers must enter, exit, and perform their work within the properly protected area.

Inspection and Safe Handling

A Competent Person must inspect the Utility Max system daily while it is in use and after any event that could affect the excavation or protective system.

Inspection should include:

• lifting hooks and lifting points;

• spreaders and connection pins;

• welded joints;

• panel damage or deformation;

• cracks or signs of component failure;

• proper engagement of lifting equipment;

• soil movement and surface cracking;

• water seepage;

• sloughing or raveling;

• surcharge setback;

• movement of the shield within the excavation.

Workers must remain clear of suspended shields and pinch points during assembly, lifting, placement, adjustment, and removal.

When a shield is being forced out of an excavation, personnel must remain at least 10 feet away. Greater separation may be required when conditions create additional risk from lifting-component failure.

A damaged system must be removed from service immediately. It may only be returned to use after it has been properly evaluated and recertified by a registered civil engineer.

Request a Quote from Iron Lot

We supply Pacific Shoring Utility Max shields, modular aluminum trench boxes, steel trench boxes, manhole boxes, bedding boxes, road plates, and related underground construction equipment.

Contact our team for:

• current pricing and availability;

• fixed or adjustable spreader options;

• complete Utility Max configurations;

• stacking and connection components;

• multiple-unit quotes;

• freight and delivery coordination;

• comparison with larger Utility Max panels;

• equipment financing information.

Warehouse Shipping Location: California

Payment Options:

We accept company check, wire transfer, ACH, and credit card payments. We also offer financing through Ascentium Capital.

Financing: Ascentium Capital offers fast and flexible financing. With their quick and convenient way to purchase equipment, working with Ascentium Capital helps you acquire the funds you need for your equipment purchase. With financing and leasing of up to $2,000,000, Ascentium Capital works with you to make the application process simple and at no obligation.

To learn more about Ascentium Capital and how it can assist you, click image below:

Call Iron Lot at 336-516-8011 or request a quote online for current pricing, availability, and freight information.

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