The second day of The Utility Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, belonged to the drillers. From the roar of live demos on the outdoor lots to the buzz of hands-on simulations indoors, horizontal directional drilling took center stage, drawing crowds of contractors eager to see what’s new.
Across the massive showgrounds, manufacturers Vermeer, Ditch Witch, Universal, and TT Technologies rolled out their latest and most powerful HDD machines, showcasing the performance, precision and innovations that continue to drive the underground utility market forward. For many attendees, it was an opportunity not just to look — but to get behind the controls and feel the machines in action.
Big names, big drills
The HDD sector has always been a major draw at The Utility Expo, and this year’s lineup didn’t disappoint. Vermeer and Ditch Witch anchored large outdoor displays, demonstrating everything from compact drills to high-horsepower units designed for long-distance fiber and pipeline projects.
Contractors gathered as operators in the Ditch With booth showed off automated rod-loading systems and precision control updates designed to streamline bore operations. Vermeer highlighted its next-generation drill models emphasizing efficiency, data connectivity, and operator comfort — areas that have become increasingly critical as the industry faces both skilled labor shortages and rising job site demands.
Nearby, Universal HDD impressed attendees with its focus on versatility and ease of transport, showing models that can adapt to a wide range of ground conditions and bore diameters. TT Technologies rounded out the mix with its proven trenchless equipment, demonstrating both pneumatic and static pipe-bursting tools alongside its drilling line.
For contractors walking the show, it was a chance to compare designs, test new features and talk directly with product managers about what works best for their specific ground conditions and job types.
A battle of skill
If there was one event that captured the spirit of the day, it was the HDD Rodeo — a friendly competition that put both equipment and operators to the test. Four teams faced off in timed challenges that measured speed, accuracy and control as they completed simulated bore paths.
Spectators that lined the perimeter cheered as drill heads broke through their targets with precision. The competition wasn’t just about bragging rights — it highlighted the importance of training, safety, and efficiency in real-world HDD operations.
“Every second counts out there, but accuracy is everything,” says Jake Braune, a show attendee watching. “The rodeo’s a great way to show how much skill it takes to do this work right.”
The event also provided a platform for manufacturers to showcase the responsiveness and ease of use of their controls, further underscoring how much technology such as drills and utility locators have evolved in recent years.
Bringing on the simulations
While the outdoor lots hummed with diesel engines and drilling fluid, at least one indoor exhibit offered a quieter — but equally impressive — glimpse at the future of HDD training. CM Labs drew steady crowds with its HDD simulator, designed to help contractors develop safer, more skilled operators while reducing training costs and downtime.
Using realistic feedback, immersive visuals, and true-to-life machine behavior, the simulator allows trainees to experience the dynamics of steering, thrust, and pullback without setting foot on an active job site. Instructors can monitor performance metrics and guide operators through scenarios that replicate real-world challenges — from difficult soil conditions to tight utility crossings.
For contractors trying to onboard new talent quickly, tools like the simulator could play a major role in bridging the skills gap.
Innovations and energy
HDD is as strong and innovative as ever. The technology continues to evolve, blending mechanical strength with digital precision, all while making life easier and safer for crews in the field.
From Vermeer’s and Ditch Witch’s latest rigs to CM Labs’ virtual training systems, The Utility Expo showed how collaboration between manufacturers, trainers and contractors is shaping the next generation of underground construction.
And for those who spent the day behind the controls — whether in the dirt or in a simulator — the excitement of pushing the boundaries of what HDD can do was evident.
