Construction Coordinator Practice Exam

Which type of vibratory plow is an attachment to a tractor or trencher and requires a ground person to manually guide the conduit into the feed chute as the plow cuts through the ground?

1. Modular vibratory plow

2. Standard vibratory plow

3. Pneumatic vibratory plow

4. Electric vibratory plow

The correct answer is: Modular vibratory plow

The modular vibratory plow is designed as an attachment to a tractor or trencher and incorporates a manual guiding mechanism for the conduit. This setup is specifically created for versatility and adaptability in various excavation tasks, making it useful for installing utilities like conduits. In a modular plow system, the equipment is usually equipped with a feed chute where the conduit must be guided into as the plow creates the trench. The ground person's role is essential here, as their hands-on management ensures that the conduit follows the intended path and is inserted correctly, allowing for efficient installation while minimizing the risk of damaging the conduit during the process. Other types of vibratory plows may not include this specific attachment or the requirement for manual guidance. Standard vibratory plows, for instance, may not have the same features that necessitate a ground person’s intervention as part of the operation. Similarly, pneumatic and electric vibratory plows may utilize air pressure or electric mechanisms for operation, but they typically don't operate with the manual feeding mechanism of a modular system. Thus, the correct identification of a modular vibratory plow highlights its unique operational characteristics compared to other types.