What is a Spider Excavator

Spider Excavators, also called “walking excavators”, are all-terrain machines built for steep, limited-access sites. They can operate on slopes up to 60 degrees in mud, snow, rock, and flood environments, making them ideal for challenging geologic and environmental conditions. Unlike tracked equipment, Spider Excavators “walk” into position and can even work in active streambeds. All GSI rigs are equipped with purpose-built drill attachments to install SuperNails®, rock bolts, SuperMicropiles, or tensioned anchors on slopes up to 70 degrees.

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Eliminating Delays with Fast Mobilization

Traditional access methods often require cutting roads to reach steep or remote sites—a process that can take weeks. Our crews can walk Spider Excavators directly onto the slope, allowing drilling for soil nails or rock bolts to begin immediately.

This approach can reduce project duration by up to 80% with comparable cost savings.

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Spider Excavator
Spider Excavator on Steep Slope Under Bridge
Spider Excavator Drilling
Spider Excavator Drilling
Spider Excavator
Spider Excavator
Spider Excavator on Steep Slope Under Bridge
Spider Excavator Drilling
Spider Excavator Drilling
Spider Excavator
Spider Excavator Bridge

Why Choose GSI’s Spider Excavators?

  • Largest and newest fleet in the industry

  • Operates in extreme terrains and conditions

  • Equipped for scaling, high-angle excavation, and drilling

  • Ideal for emergency landslide repair, rockfall mitigation, and foundation services

  • Operated by the most experienced team in the geohazard industry

Engineered Design Build Solutions

Bid Build
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OUR PROCESS

Design/Build Solutions

Our design/build solutions are customized to the varying demands and site constraints of each geohazard we encounter. Every project that we take on is completed with one goal in mind: always provide the best value.

STEP 1

ASSESSMENT

No-obligation site visit by a qualified geotechnical engineer.

STEP 2

ANALYSIS

Fixed-cost proposal developed from available geotechnical and site visit information.

STEP 3

DESIGN

In-house engineering team assists or completes the design.

STEP 4

INSTALLATION

Crews can mobilize within 24 hours; designs optimized in real time.

WARRANTY

Multi-year performance warranty covers materials, installation, and overall system performance.

WARRANTY

Multi-year performance warranty covers materials, installation, and overall system performance.

Bid Build Process

 

Site Assessment

Detailed analysis of ground conditions, risks, and challenges for accurate planning.

Strategic Planning

Tailored stabilization designs that boost efficiency and reduce risk.

Transparent Communication

Clear updates and open dialogue from start to finish.

Quality Results

Safe, durable solutions built with proven methods and materials.

Client Reviews

Landslide Repair for Homeowner in Colorado

I would like this to be a letter of appreciation and gratitude on a job well done. Our house was first threatened by a landslide back in June, 2017 and it has been a journey that has been both stressful and scary. And yet, every cloud has a silver lining and in this case the support, encouragement and character of everyone we met from GSI has indeed been a gift throughout this journey.

GSI was recommended by Steve Pawlak and we met Nathan Thompson early on. Nathan is a person who inspires trust and our first impression was verified throughout the process that led to a retaining system that has saved our house. As with everyone, and I mean everyone we met, we felt we had a group of people who were on our side.

There were challenges that were overcome; the patience needed along with several visits to get the project underway, a renegotiated plan and bid when the insurance settlement squeezed the payment amount, and a time crunch that led to a change in plans where the panels were poured on the hillside, that allowed for the project to be started as quickly as possible.

The crew that showed up to do the work was respectful, always ready to explain what was happening and was also timely, hard working and ready to go the extra mile. A great group of people with positive attitudes who seemed to genuinely work well together.

Watching Spike work on that excavator was awe inspiring. One of my favorite moments was filming him on my phone to show my office secretaries at the Elementary School. I recorded a "holy shit" without knowing it when he pulled off an amazing stunt coming off a ledge and then being horrified when that came out while I was sharing the video at school. I was able to laugh later.

Thank you again and if I can ever serve as a reference, please let me know.

Rockfall Mitigation in Virginia

I wish I had been smart enough to let you design the rock mitigation. You and your team turned in an excellent performance. The work ethic of your team impressed everyone on our side of the table. Most companies print a slogan on their company clothing. However, your folks demonstrated every hour that they “Work Hard or Go Home”. You sent us a world class construction team – thanks!

Slope Stabilization for Mining Operations in California

Your crew finished up yesterday afternoon, leaving our slope in good shape. They worked safely, were responsive and enthusiastic, and hard-working. I'd be happy to have any of these guys on a future project with [our company].

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Contact Us Today

If you are interested in a no obligation site visit to determine if our services fit your geohazard mitigation needs, call us at 855.579.0536 or fill out our contact form.

855.579.0536

 

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