Percussion Driven Earth Anchors

DUCKBILL® percussion-driven earth anchors are lightweight, driven soil anchors used to resist tensile loads up to 5,000 lbs. This fast, economical, and versatile system installs with minimal equipment and requires no excavation — making it the go-to anchor for landscape, erosion control, utility, and low-load civil applications.

Hammer it in. Pull back to activate. Done.

The DUCKBILL® Anchor System delivers reliable holding power with one of the simplest installations in the industry. A standard drive rod and any handheld hammer — pneumatic, electric, or gas — is all it takes. The anchor is driven to depth in the locked position, then loaded to rotate 90° into a bearing plate orientation, locking against undisturbed soil for immediate holding power.

How to Install DUCKBILL® Earth Anchors

Purpose-Built for Light-Load Applications.

Where MANTA RAY® handles moderate to heavy tensile loads, DUCKBILL® anchors are engineered for applications under 5,000 lbs — tree guying, erosion mat anchoring, landscape structures, utility guy wire, and temporary installations. Each anchor is a compact, galvanized steel assembly with a slotted drive tip that transitions from a penetrating profile to a locked bearing plate with a single load pull. Models DB-40 through DB-138 use the same basic drive rod system.

DUCKBILL® Anchor Sizes

*In normal soils. Capacities can vary in different soil conditions. Always check with an authorized seller to confirm project 

Application-specific kits available for tree guying, erosion control, and modular structures. Additional accessories and drive steel configurations available.

For applications requiring capacities above 5,000 lbs, consider MANTA RAY® anchors (up to 20 tons). For large-scale structural and infrastructure foundations, ask us about PileWorks™ large-diameter helical piles.

Benefits of DUCKBILL® Anchors

• Installs with any handheld pneumatic, electric, or gas hammer
• No excavation, no spoils, no cure time
• Immediate holding power upon load application
• Works in a wide range of soil types
• Compact and lightweight — ideal for remote or restricted access sites
• Galvanized steel construction for corrosion resistance
• Available in application-specific kits
• Low cost per anchor; fast crew deployment

DUCKBILL® Anchor Applications

• Tree Guying and Root Ball Anchoring
• Erosion Control — Slope Mat and Geotextile Anchoring
• DOT Roadway Slope and Revetment Stabilization
• Landscape and Hardscape Structures
• Utility and Telecom Guy Wire Anchoring
• Bulkhead and Seawall Tiebacks (light load)
• Pipeline Buoyancy Control
• Modular and Manufactured Home Anchoring
• Vineyard Trellis and Orchard Netting Systems
• Temporary Structures — Tents, Signage, Barriers
• Marine and Shoreline Revetment

Installation Methods

• Handheld pneumatic hammer
• Electric demolition hammer
• Gas-powered hammer
• Skid steer demolition attachment (larger models)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the DUCKBILL® anchor lock in place?

The anchor is driven to depth in a streamlined, penetrating position. Once at depth, tension applied to the drive rod causes the anchor to rotate 90°, presenting its full bearing plate perpendicular to the pull direction and locking against undisturbed soil. This self-activating toggle action provides immediate, reliable holding power without excavation or grouting.

What soils does DUCKBILL® work in?

DUCKBILL® anchors perform well in most natural soils — clay, sand, silt, and mixed conditions. They are not recommended for loose fill, highly organic soils, or rock. When soil conditions are uncertain, field testing with a pull test is recommended to verify holding capacity.

Can DUCKBILL® anchors be removed after installation?

No. Once loaded and locked, DUCKBILL® anchors are not designed for removal. They are intended as permanent or semi-permanent anchors. For temporary applications, the anchor can be cut off below grade at end of use.

What is the difference between DUCKBILL® and MANTA RAY®?

Both are percussion-driven anchors, but they are designed for different load ranges. DUCKBILL® is purpose-built for light-load applications up to 5,000 lbs — tree guying, erosion control, landscape, and utility work. MANTA RAY® handles moderate to heavy tensile loads up to 20 tons — bulkheads, seawalls, tiebacks, and civil construction. Both use the same installation concept; the right choice depends on your required holding capacity.

Are application-specific kits available?

Yes. DUCKBILL® kits are available for tree guying (including root ball configurations), erosion control mat anchoring, and modular home anchoring. Kits include the anchor, drive rod, and hardware appropriate for the application. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.

Request a Quote

Have questions about DUCKBILL® Earth Anchors? Request a quote to discuss model selection, kits, pricing, and recommendations. We’ll respond within one business day.