Horizontal directional drilling has made the once disruptive and time-consuming act of underground utility installation quicker and easier than ever. However, directional drilling units are often awkward and cumbersome, making utility installation in tight urban settings difficult. That’s why Vermeer recently introduced the D24 horizontal directional drill — a unit designed for urban contractors’ evolving needs.
This powerful 24,000-pound class drill boasts a 100 hp Cat 3.6L Tier 4F/Stage V engine, delivering a max peak thrust and pullback of 24,700 pounds and a continuous thrust and pullback of 22,000 pounds. It also features 3,080 ft-lbs of rotational torque and a 45 gpm (170 L/min) mud pump.
“The D24 represents a significant step forward in HDD technology,” says Clint Recker, product manager for utility HDD equipment at Vermeer. “We’ve listened closely to utility contractors and incorporated their feedback into every aspect of this machine, resulting in a drill that sets new standards for ease of operation and maintenance simplicity.”
The D24 is engineered to tackle the unique challenges of urban utility installation. Its compact design allows for efficient operation in confined city spaces while delivering the power and precision needed to handle diverse soil conditions. It also operates at just 88 dBA at the operator’s ear with a guaranteed sound power level of 100 dBA. This low noise output minimizes disturbance in sensitive urban areas, enhances onsite communication and helps contractors meet certain local noise regulations.
The unit’s automated rod exchange system increases onboarding velocity for new operators, reduces workload for skilled operators and maximizes wear part component life through highly controlled processes. With a single button-push completing the entire rod changeout sequence, ARE eliminates up to 19 manual steps, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency. It also features an advanced onboard diagnostic system, accessible via the machine’s touchscreen display. This system offers operators and technicians comprehensive information about any issues and step-by-step troubleshooting guidance. The machine features premium hydraulic components — typically found in larger pipeline equipment — that help protect the hydraulic circuit and extend its life span. These high-quality components improve the machine’s durability and allow consistent performance across various drilling conditions.
“The D24 is the result of extensive research, development and customer input,” says Recker. “We’re confident that contractors will see an impact in their operations when they use this machine in the field. We believe contractors will be impressed when they put this machine to work in the field, as it truly raises the bar for what they can expect from their HDD equipment.”
641-628-3141; www.vermeer.com
