Hydrauli-Flex: Empowering Volusia County's Recovery with Reliable Hydraulic Solutions for ICE Equipment

When Hurricanes Ian and Nicole slammed into Florida's Volusia County in 2022, the devastation was widespread. Over 7,000 homes were affected, close to 1,650 buildings were damaged, and 40 local businesses were completely destroyed. In the aftermath, the community faced an immense challenge: rebuilding not only the physical structures but also the foundations that keep their coastal infrastructure secure. For businesses like East Coast Marine Construction & Design (ECM), a leader in Florida's marine and dock construction industry, the road to recovery was lined with obstacles—many of which could only be overcome with the right equipment and support.

At Hydrauli-Flex, we’re proud to be a part of that rebuilding journey by supplying the hydraulic hoses and components that keep critical construction machinery running smoothly. Specifically, ECM has relied on ICE® equipment, including the ICE® 216D Vibratory Hammer, ICE® 95 Sheeting Clamp, and ICE® 150G Power Unit, for their seawall restoration work in Daytona Beach Shores, and we’re here to ensure that the hydraulic systems powering these machines perform flawlessly.

The Role of Hydrauli-Flex in Post-Hurricane Recovery

The damage caused by the storms was staggering, with millions of dollars in FEMA aid distributed for repairs, rental assistance, and recovery. But for the businesses along Volusia’s coastline, it was clear: protecting the future of the beach area meant rebuilding the critical infrastructure that serves as a defense against future storm surges. The restoration of seawalls was one of the most urgent tasks.

Seawalls are the first line of defense against erosion and flooding from storm surges, so rebuilding them quickly and securely was paramount to restoring the area’s safety and its economy. ECM, based in Central Florida, was entrusted with restoring the seawalls at Daytona Beach Shores, including historic hotels that had been part of the community since the 1960s. Their goal? To replace the old, damaged seawalls with strong, durable, steel-sheet barriers that could withstand the next major storm.

Hydrauli-Flex, as the trusted provider of hydraulic hoses for construction equipment, played a critical role in making this possible. Our products ensure that the hydraulic systems driving the heavy-duty machinery needed for this work—especially the ICE® equipment—operate at peak efficiency in demanding conditions.

ICE® Equipment: Powering the Rebuild

The job of restoring seawalls isn’t simple. It requires precision and strength, and the equipment used must be capable of working in the harsh coastal environment, where factors like saltwater, sand, and wind can cause significant wear and tear. That’s where ICE® equipment—and the hydraulic systems that power it—become indispensable.

ECM selected a combination of ICE® tools to drive steel sheets into the sandy beach to construct the new seawall. Among the equipment used were the ICE® 216D Vibratory Hammer, the ICE® 95 Sheeting Clamp, and the ICE® 150G Power Unit. These machines, with their robust hydraulic systems, made the task much more manageable. For ECM, the ICE® 216D, in particular, was an ideal fit due to its combination of power, maneuverability, and efficiency. As Michael Fletcher, ECM’s Project Manager, noted, “The relatively light-weight hammer combined with the power and driving force needed made the decision to use it easy.”

But for this equipment to work as efficiently as possible, reliable hydraulic hoses are essential. The hydraulic hoses provided by Hydrauli-Flex ensured that the vibratory hammer, power units, and sheeting clamps ran without interruption, even in challenging conditions. We provide durable hoses that can withstand the intense pressure, harsh coastal environments, and frequent movement associated with heavy machinery operations.

Overcoming Environmental and Operational Challenges

ECM faced a variety of challenges in this restoration project, many of which were tied to the unpredictable nature of working on a beach. Tidal patterns severely limited their working hours, while rough onshore winds sometimes halted operations altogether. Despite these challenges, the team pushed forward, knowing that once the old seawalls were demolished, the properties were vulnerable to any incoming storms.

One of the most difficult challenges ECM faced was the presence of a dense layer of cementitious sand beneath the surface, which slowed down their progress and caused a higher blow count when driving the steel sheets into the ground. With only a narrow window to complete their work due to the tides, the team had to be strategic and precise with their movements. Furthermore, ECM had to maintain careful oversight to avoid disturbing the local wildlife, particularly the protected sea turtles nesting along the beach.

Here, the reliability of ICE® equipment, powered by top-of-the-line hydraulic systems, was a key advantage. The ICE® 216D Vibratory Hammer’s efficiency and ability to handle tough conditions allowed ECM to work quickly and effectively, while the expertise and support from the ICE® Florida Branch Sales & Service team ensured the machinery was always in top shape.

Hydrauli-Flex: Your Partner in Construction Excellence

At Hydrauli-Flex, we don’t just manufacture hydraulic hoses—we provide critical support to the companies that rely on heavy-duty machinery for their projects. We understand that when you're working on a major construction job like ECM’s seawall restoration, you need equipment that can handle both the physical demands of the task and the challenges of the environment. We also know that downtime due to equipment failure can be costly, which is why we ensure that every hydraulic hose we provide is built to last, even in the toughest conditions.

We are also proud to be the trusted supplier of hydraulic hoses that keep the ICE® equipment running smoothly, whether it's a vibratory hammer, sheeting clamp, or any other hydraulic-driven tool. The combination of reliable products from Hydrauli-Flex and the rugged, high-performance ICE® machinery gives construction teams like ECM the tools they need to get the job done on time and within budget.

Looking Ahead: A Resilient Future for Volusia County

While the task of rebuilding Volusia County is ongoing, the work being done today—especially the restoration of seawalls—ensures that the region will be better prepared for future storms. The seawalls built by ECM using ICE® equipment will stand strong, protecting businesses, homes, and the local economy. The community can rest easier knowing that the coastline is being reinforced by top-tier machinery, powered by reliable hydraulic systems that continue to perform under pressure.

At Hydrauli-Flex, we’re proud to be part of this recovery process. Our team is committed to providing the hydraulic solutions that keep equipment like ICE® machinery running smoothly, enabling contractors like ECM to continue their essential work.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support projects that help communities recover and rebuild. And as Volusia County moves forward, we’re ready to continue our work, ensuring that the hydraulic systems driving the next phase of recovery will remain as reliable as ever.

Hydrauli-Flex – Supplying the hydraulic solutions that power the machines rebuilding a stronger, safer future for Volusia County.