Horizontal Directional Drills

MULTIPURPOSE HDD RIGS

Vermeer horizontal directional drills are designed for several applications, primarily involving underground utility installation. This steerable trenchless method is non-disruptive to the surrounding environment and allows operators to work around existing infrastructure and natural barriers. Vermeer drills can be used to install water, gas, telecommunications, power, and sewer lines.

D10x15 S3 Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD)

Weight: 3515.3 kg
Power: 44.7 kw
Rotational Torque: 1500 ft-lb
Thrust Pullback: 10000 lbs

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D130s Navigator® Horizontal Directional Drill

Weight: 21137.4 kg
Power: 193.9 kw
Rotational Torque: 15000 ft-lb
Thrust Pullback: 130000 lbs

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D20x22 S3 Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD)

Weight: 4921.5 kg
Power: 55.2 kw
Rotational Torque: 2200 ft-lb
Thrust Pullback: 20000 lbs

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D23X30 S3 Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD)

Weight: 6577.1 kg
Power: 74.6 kw
Rotational Torque: 3000 ft-lb
Thrust Pullback: 24000 lbs

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Get the Most with Vermeer

Why Vermeer?

Vermeer is a respected market leader with over 30 years of experience in the HDD industry. We know what a durable and reliable horizontal directional drill looks like, and we supply nothing less. Our machines are also supported by BoreAssist, a leading technology platform that allows operators to design horizontal drill routes and manage productivity with ease. Plan ahead with BoreAssist and complete projects faster so you can take on more jobs.

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Unparalleled support to keep you online

At Vermeer, we understand the critical role your machinery plays in keeping your business active and productive. That’s why we offer unrivalled support to ensure your equipment remains in optimal working condition. With our fast onsite support, we can reach you anywhere in Western Australia and the Northern Territory within 48 hours, and in metropolitan regions.

We recognise that downtime is costly for your business, which is why we maintain a fully stocked parts inventory to swiftly replace any broken parts. Our commitment is to minimise disruptions and keep your operations running smoothly, so you can focus on what you do best. Trust Vermeer to provide the support you need to maximise productivity and minimise downtime.

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Rent to buy options

Looking to invest in a Horizontal Directional Drill without committing to a large upfront cost? Vermeer has the perfect solution with our Rent-to-Buy options.

We understand that acquiring new equipment can be a significant financial decision, which is why we offer flexible rental options that allow you to put our high-quality Horizontal Directional Drills to work immediately.

With our Rent-to-Buy program, you have the opportunity to test the equipment’s capabilities and performance firsthand before making a long-term commitment. Plus, a portion of your rental payments can be applied towards the purchase price if you decide to buy the equipment. Experience the reliability and efficiency of Vermeer’s Horizontal Directional Drills without the initial financial burden.

Contact us today to explore our Rent-to-Buy options and take your business to new depths of success.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DOES THE STEERING SYSTEM OF A HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WORK?

The steering system of a horizontal directional drill is achieved through the use of an orientation-controlled drill head and an electronic guidance system. The drill head is attached to a slightly bent piece of the drill string known as a bent sub. By rotating the drill string, operators can control the direction in which the drill head moves. In addition, the electronic guidance system provides real-time data on the drill head's location, angle, orientation, and temperature. To steer, the drill string rotation is stopped and the assembly is pushed forward, causing the drill head to move in the direction pointed by the bent sub. Adjustments are then continually made during drilling based on feedback from the guidance system.

WHAT TYPES OF GROUND CONDITIONS CAN HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLS HANDLE?

Horizontal directional drills are particularly effective for soils made up of hard, medium, and soft rock, but also loan dirt and clay. Conversely, sand, silt, and gravel soils can be challenging for a HDD and may require the use of appropriate drilling fluids to stabilise the borehole walls.

CAN HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLS BE USED FOR DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS?

Absolutely! Horizontal directional drills are predominantly used for utility installation, facilitating the underground placement of water, gas, electrical, and telecommunication lines without traditional open-cut trenches. In addition, HDD is a great method for crossing under obstacles like rivers, roads, railways, and buildings where traditional excavation isn't feasible. It also allows for underground cable or pipeline installation for infrastructure projects such as wind or solar farms.

HOW DOES THE MUD RECYCLING SYSTEM WORK IN A HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL?

The used drilling mud, filled with borehole cuttings, is directed into the mud recycling system. Here, it first undergoes an initial separation process, often called shale shaking, where large particles are sifted out by a vibrating screen. Following this, smaller sand and silt particles are removed through hydrocyclones that leverage centrifugal force for separation. The fluid then proceeds to a further cleaning stage, typically involving a decanter centrifuge, which spins the fluid at high speeds to eliminate any remaining fine particles. After cleaning, the drilling mud is conditioned and recycled back into the drilling process. This recycling system is essential as it aids in waste reduction, cost savings, minimising environmental impact, and maintaining optimal drilling performance by ensuring a well-conditioned drilling fluid supply.