Machine for uncovering a pipeline and operating element

Disclosed is a machine for uncovering a pipeline, comprising a crawler-mounted underframe (1), on which is mounted working machinery (2) including a frame (3) with a device (4) for clearing away earth, and an operating element (5), as well as power drives in the form of hydraulic cylinders (15, 17) used to pivot and immobilize the frame (3) on a vertical and horizontal plane. The operating element (5) comprises a chain portion (19) which rotates around the axis of a drive shaft (21) by means of a power drive in the form of hydraulic cylinders (22). The distance between the portions (19) can be adapted to the diameter of the pipelines (7). The contour follower (6) comprises an arm (26), preferably attached to the operating element (5), as well as a power drive in the form of a hydraulic cylinder (38) for pivoting and immobilizing the arm (26) on a vertical plane; the end of this arm is fitted with a support for the pipe (7) with the ability to rotate on two planes, in the form of a sliding block (27). The machine has a device to control the position of the working machinery (2) with respect to the pipe (7), said device preferably comprising a computer (94) with sensors (96, 97, 98, 123) to measure the angles of rotation of the working machinery (2). The hydraulic cylinders (15, 17, 22, 38) are used to move the working machinery into and out of the trench, and to fold it into a compact position for transportation. During maneuvering, the machine is moved across the pipeline and rotated with a back and forth movement of its center of turn.