Vermeer launches RH9 drill head for compact rock bores
(UI) — Vermeer has expanded its rock-tooling lineup with the RH9 drill head, a compact option for dual-rod horizontal directional drills (HDD) that target small-diameter utility work such as single-fiber conduit.
The RH9 is compatible with Vermeer’s D23x30DR S3 and D40x55DR S3 rigs and is designed to reduce the footprint of HDD operations without sacrificing rock-drilling capability. Like other Vermeer heads, it carries a two-degree bend at the nose for steering.
“The RH9's compact design is ideal for contractors working with smaller diameter and shallow bore applications,” said Cody Mecham, product manager at Vermeer. “This specialty tool functions like a scalpel for precise rock drilling projects that don't require larger diameter holes. Its lighter weight and shorter profile give crews better handling in the field with less equipment needed, making it particularly valuable for telecom installations in rock conditions.”
Contractors can order the RH9 in two sonde-housing sizes: the standard 15-inch (38.1 cm) configuration common in the United States or an 8-inch (20.3 cm) version aimed at shallower international telecom work. Direct-connect and starter-rod interfaces are available, and the head accepts both tricone and polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits.
The RH9 joins the existing RH10 and RH15 models, giving contractors three Vermeer rock-head options to match formation and bore-size requirements. Additional details are available from Vermeer dealers or at borestore.com.
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