HDD
Choosing the right large-diameter HDD for your next project Selecting the right horizontal directional drill (HDD) is critical to help maximize performance on large-diameter bores over long distances. It must have the proper torque for the ground conditions and thrust/pullback power to handle the weight of the pipe being installed. It must deliver efficient results — from transport and setup to project completion — job after job.
P
roject considerations
According to Tod Michael, product manager for trenchless products at Vermeer Corporation, choosing the right drill for large-diameter bores starts with having a good understanding of the bore requirements, such as the bore plan, ground conditions, jobsite space and details about the product being installed. “On many of these projects, a contractor can likely complete the job using several different drill models, but their goal should be doing it as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible,” says Michael. “Details in the bore plan, like the shape of the bore and the product being installed, will help provide a lot of details about bend allowances on
the job. Drills with a smaller footprint provide more flexibility when space is limited. However, using a larger-sized drill with a longer drill pipe on long bores can help reduce the number of connects that need to be made and broken, which can have a substantial impact on how long a project will take.” Michael also says contractors should consider the size of the machine, ease of transport and setup speed of the pilot bore versus the overall productivity and costs to operate. It may make sense to choose a slightly smaller drill and take a little longer to complete a bore to help reduce overall project costs. “Drills like the Vermeer D60x90 and the
The Vermeer D100x140 S3 drilling rig.
BORE DIAMETER TO 1000MM. THRUST UP TO 1.36M LBS. With loads of power, Vermeer HDD drills give you the bore diameters and lengths you need for the big jobs. And, with intuitive, common control systems across the range, operators can easily switch between models. Rugged and precise, they’re Australia’s #1 choice in trenchless.
Call your local RDO Vermeer HDD specialist today on 1300 VERMEER.
