July 2019 Vol.74 No. 7
New Products
Vermeer D23x30DR S3 Delivers in Rocky, Congested Environments
Vermeer’s new D23x30DR S3 Navigator horizontal directional drill (HDD) integrates dual rod technology into a compact machine design to efficiently maneuver through rock in congested cities, busy neighborhoods or tight job sites. Featuring a class-leading narrow footprint and a weight of 16,500 pounds, the D23x30DR S3 is the lightest rock drill on the market. It is well-suited for fiber, electrical, gas and water installation in hard rock, as well as other challenging ground conditions.
The Vermeer Firestick drill rod dual system onboard the D23x30DR S3 gives operators a 7 percent downhole steerability. The unit’s threaded outer rod has a rotational torque of 3,000 foot-pounds, while its hex inner rod delivers up to 800 foot-pounds. The D23x30DR S3 is powered by a Deutz TCD3.6L4 diesel engine and a thrust/pullback of 24,000 pounds.
New rock tooling further enhances D23x30DR S’s performance and productivity in rocky ground conditions. The Vermeer RH10 drill head provides responsive downhole steering with a two-degree bend located in its forward section. The drill head can be fitted with a 5.5-inch tricone bit or polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit that is greaseable and can be rebuilt in the field. Vermeer also offers a PG5 quick pullback grapple mounted over the top of the RH10 and tricone bit to help reduce the need to remove the drill head after the pilot bore when installing small-diameter pipes.
“For utility installation work in rocky soil conditions, HDD contractors traditionally had to choose between using a larger HDD, bringing in more equipment so they could use an air hammer, or go slowly and potentially sacrifice productivity,” said Tod Michael, product manager of trenchless products for Vermeer. “The new D23x30DR S3 is a better option for doing small-diameter installation bores in rocky ground conditions."
As part of the Vermeer S3 Navigator HDD series, the new D23x30DR S3 delivers on speed, simplicity and sound. The drill has a carriage speed of 175 feet per minute and a rotational speed of 200 rpm. The operator’s station combines familiar, convenient-to-use controls with the latest dual rod advancements through the use of controller area network (CAN) technology, which also provides onboard diagnostics and a reduced amount of wiring and fuses. Additionally, with an operator ear noise level of 83 db(A), the D23x30DR S3 has a quiet working environment for the crew and surrounding neighborhood.
The D23x30DR S3 is Vermeer Fleet-ready and easy to service. When activated, Vermeer Fleet provides contractors with even more productivity features, including fault recognition, geofencing, fuel usage and more. When it is time to service the machine, a large rear hood offers convenient access to the mud pumps and other service points, while the open-top vice makes it easy to change out die with rod in vice and have visibility of the joint.
Comments