As horizontal directional drilling increases in popularity, drills that can handle a larger workload are populating the market. Vermeer recently unveiled its latest generation of maxi HDD rig drills with the introduction of the 550,000-pound D550.
According to Clint Recker, trenchless product manager at Vermeer, this powerful large drill leads its class with 100,000 ft-lbs of torque, advanced telematics and smart onboard technology and diagnostic information. Loaded with performance features and technology, the D550 crawler-mounted drill can help crews work efficiently installing large-diameter products, including oil and gas pipelines, waterlines and high-voltage electrical transmission lines at long distances.
“This latest generation maxi rig drill delivers more compared to our older Vermeer models,” says Recker. “In addition to the D550 drill’s class-leading torque, it can deliver a steady, ultra-slow speed control for working in challenging hard rock as well as rotation speed for boring in challenging clay conditions.”
Recker says that Vermeer developed and integrated new HDD technology into the Vermeer D550 to deliver an optimal operational and service experience for contractors. The drill’s onboard telematics gives drill operators and service technicians access to important diagnostics information. “It includes smart onboard technology that gives the operator and service technicians greater access to the information they need,” says Recker. Operationally, the D550 controls feature three different auto-drilling modes — rotation, thrust and speed. Ultra-slow speed technology delivers precise thrust control to allow drill operators to regulate weight-on-bit pressure for optimal cutting action and maximum tooling life.
In addition to new technology, the D550 also features several mechanical improvements, including a full travel vise that can be positioned up and down the rack as needed for making/breaking tooling and optimizing efficiency during casing installation. The operator can position it close to the carriage for optimal casing handling on direct installation projects. The unit’s hydraulic circuit delivers the peak amount of torque at high rotational speeds while system pressures remain low to help maximize component life. Also, the drill runs substantially quieter than previous models — 111 dBA — which helps keep job site sound levels down and reduces the need for sound barriers when working in urban areas.
The D550 gets its name from its robust 550,000-pound operational thrust/pullback ability.
641-628-3141; www.vermeer.com
