United Rentals carries a large selection of manhole boxes for rent. Manhole boxes, also known as utility shields, help to reduce the amount of excavation required by surrounding the square pit with heavy steel panels. Adding necessary protection for jobs such as sewer pipe or manhole installation, repairs and tie-ins, manhole boxes ensure your workers will be able to perform effectively with peace of mind. Choose between lightweight boxes for shallow trenches and larger manhole braces for deeper pits. Our manhole box rentals are rated for deeper jobs and are available in single-walled or double-walled models to help keep your crew both productive and safe.

FAQs About Manhole Boxes and Shields

What are manhole braces?

• Not to be confused with manhole boxes or manhole shields, manhole braces work with hydraulic shoring systems. Combining the benefits of aluminum hydraulic shoring with the ruggedness of steel box tubing, excavation braces are specifically designed for shoring square and rectangular excavations.

Why should you use a manhole shield?

• Manhole shields help protect workers and maintain a safe working environment. They are designed to be used in various configurations and height options meant to protect workers in certain types of trench work, like pipework or junction box installations.

How do you use a manhole box?

• To use a manhole box, you must first assemble the shield above ground. Once the manhole box is built, use heavy-rated lifting machinery to place the box inside the trench area and push it down until there is a snug fit. Begin to excavate any remaining undesired material to create the complete depth of your trench, being careful not to damage the integrity of your shield or collide with any overhead powerlines.