Cutting through limestone and hard shale: AQ-5 maximized productivity on urban foundation project in New England

October 22, 2025

Project Overview

Major northeastern contractor faced the challenge of excavating an underground parking garage in a confined, urban setting. Surrounded by existing structures and working in hard limestone and shale, the team needed a method that combined precision, control, and efficiency, with no option for blasting. The Antraquip AQ-5 hydraulic drum cutter  provided maximum productivity and the precision needed to shape the footings.

Project Challenges

• Tight work zone: Limited space and restricted movement near existing structures
• No blasting permitted: This job required a low-vibration alternative to maintain site safety
• Limestone and Hard shale excavation: The dense rock called for steady torque and control that could hold up against the hard rock commonly found in southern New England

The Antraquip Solution

The contractor paired the Antraquip AQ-5 drum cutter with a Cat 352 excavator. The AQ-5 provided the cutting power and precision needed to shape foundation footings accurately while maintaining steady production in hard rock conditions.

Key advantages included:

• Higher productivity compared to conventional methods
• Smooth, low-vibration cutting ideal for sensitive urban areas
• Precision for detailed footing and foundation shaping
• Consistent performance in dense, abrasive shale

The combination of the AQ-5’s torque and reliability made it possible to excavate efficiently while protecting nearby structures with the confined environment.

The Outcome

The AQ-5 kept production on pace, cutting through the dense limestone and shale efficiently with minimal disturbance in the urban area. Crews have been able to shape the footings precisely, leaving a clean finish that set a solid base for the next phase of construction. The project proved how the AQ-5 can maintain precision and control while keeping production moving in tough conditions.

Bring the same precision and performance to your next project. Connect with our team of experts to learn which cutter is best suited for your job.