Select either bit or backreamer, choose one of seven types of soil and the machine model. “You can have the most powerful machine, and if you don’t have the proper tools, you can’t cut a hole,” Richie says.ĭitch Witch’s Web-based Downhole Tool Selector will suggest the proper tooling needed based on the information you provide. Tooling is an integral part of the drill selection process. “Ideally, the operator should be able to see the spindle when the carriage is retracted for easier pipe changes, the rod loader during pipe changes and the positioning of the tool joints in the wrenches,” he says. Richie says there are three things to consider when spec’ing a directional drill: What do you want to do with the machine? How much power is needed to pull the product in the ground? What rotary torque is needed based on the type of ground material? “You need to know that so you can go to the dealer and say, ‘This is what I’m looking for.'”ĭon Cary, president of StraightLine, says a rarely discussed key feature of directional drills is operator visibility of all drilling functions. “Research the products, know what type of soil you’ll be dealing with and let that guide you more than size because sometimes size will get you in serious trouble,” Levings says. Potential buyers need to talk to contractors in their area who have been successful and know what works. While smaller drills costs less money, they won’t do the job in every soil condition.
In rural settings, machine size might not be as big of an issue, but you want more power in the machine to accomplish longer bores.” “The machine’s power is still important because it relates to how quickly you can get the bore done. “When doing urban projects, it is important to have a small machine so you can easily access backyards and congested areas,” Savage says. cable, electric) in your area, how many people you are going to need and how fast you expect or want to grow.Īccording to Ed Savage, trenchless segment manager for Vermeer, power-to-size ratio and getting the most torque should be considered when selecting a directional drill. “Then get a drill that is going to efficiently do that.”Īs for a business plan, it is important to know the industry you are getting into, the various needs of the industry (i.e. To establish and maintain a profitable business, understand what you want to achieve, Richie says. “So many have gotten into this business and been successful,” Levings concludes, “But a lot more have failed because they didn’t do their research and didn’t have a business plan.” The most important aspect of selecting a directional drill is determining what type of work will be done. “Directional drilling is still in its infancy, but every year the machines improve and you can use them for any type of underground installation in any type of soil,” Richie says.
The operator also has the ability to steer the machine, making it easier to avoid existing utilities underground.
Most drills are rated by pullback, and contractors should choose a machine based on the length of the bore and the diameter and type of product being installed.ĭirectional drills can work without damaging the topsoil or ground, making them a popular choice for work in residential yards, marshes and wetlands.
“If they are doing various utility jobs, however, they may have to use something more universal.”Īccording to Gaylord Richie, territory manager for Astec Undergound, all directional drills do the same things: push, pull, turn and pump. “Contractors typically own machines in the 20,000- to 30,000-pound range because they can do both smaller jobs and the occasional larger jobs,” Levings says. The type and size of jobs you usually do will dictate the directional drill you choose, says Richard Levings, senior product manager for HDD equipment at Ditch Witch. Factors to consider include size of work area, the type of work being done, the size of bore needed and the type of soil the crew will encounter on the jobsite.ĭirectional drills are used in various applications from burying cable from the curb to a house, to installing a larger-diameter product over several thousand feet. With all the machine options available to contractors, choosing a directional drill can be tricky.