Speedplates
Center the Mr. Manhole tool over any manhole frame
The Mr. Manhole system offers a Speedplate for every manhole frame.
Because there are a variety of manhole frames in use, it’s important to have the right speedplate for your manhole cutter and location. We manufacture three different speedplates to ensure you have the correct Speedplate for your manhole frames.
A Speedplate is used to center the cutters within the manhole frame. The Standard Speedplate ships with all cutter packages, however, in certain circumstances you may need a speedplate made for another type of manhole frame.
The Standard Speedplate locks into the manhole frame and centers the cutter during the cutting operation. The Speedplate allows the cutter to pull the frame and road overcut from the road. These features make cutting and removing manhole frames a breeze.
Standard Speedplate
- Used for most applications
- Fits lid seat diameters from 17″ to 25.5″
- Attaches under the lid seat for manhole frame and road material removal
- The Platinum Series Six Shooter, Gold Series, and B52 cutters remove the manhole frame and road material by lifting the speedplate
XL Speedplate
- Used for larger applications such as utility manhole frames
- Fits lid seat diameters from 23″ to 43.5″
- Attaches under the lid seat for manhole frame and road material removal
- All the cutters remove the manhole frame and road material by lifting the speedplate
Smooth Wall Speedplate
- Used with Smooth Walled manhole frames
- Fits lid seat diameters from 18″ to 27″
- Uses lateral force and gripping studs to remove the manhole frame and road material when lifted vertically by the B-52 Cutter or Gold and Platinum Series Six Shooters
Manhole Frame Styles
The Speedplate will engage the manhole frame in seconds and lock firmly in place with a quick twist of the tensioning ratchet handle. The Speedplate has a wide range of size adjustment and works with most frame styles.
Lid Undercut
The “Lid Undercut” style manhole frames are supported by the Standard Speedplate. If you often replace or repair frames with a larger diameter, these frames are also supported by the Speedplate XL.
Smooth Wall
In this type of manhole frame there is no lid undercut, which means the standard speedplate would have nothing to grip. It’s a smooth walled frame from top to bottom. We first came across this frame in California, however, it can also be found in other western states and in coastal areas. Instead of locking onto a lid undercut, the Smooth Wall Speedplate works by tightening laterally as it’s picked up. Once you have made your cut and you begin to pull the manhole up, the speedplate will generate lateral tightening pressure against the hardened studs in the face of the unit. It will push out against the smooth walls, lock-in, and pull the frame from the road.