The drill platform is built upon the proven and reliable Horizontal Rig & Equipment design, acquired earlier this year by Vermeer.
The three maxi drill rigs come in the sizes of D50x500, D750x900 and D1000x900. The drills feature pullback forces of 500,000 pounds (225,000 kg), 750,000 pounds (337,500 kg) and 1,000,000 pounds (450,000 kg). To allow the contractor to focus on performance, the drills feature a simple, proven design that eliminates the number of drive components, including high-speed motors and reduction gearboxes.
High-torque, low-speed hydraulic motors power the rotary and carriage drives. On the rotary drive, a single through shaft motor turns the drill string and downhole tooling.
To help reduce wear and tear on the motor, the thrust box is equipped to include a large bearing pack assembly to absorb the axial load caused by thrust and pullback. Shifting the load off the rotational motors to the thrust box assembly helps eliminate one of the factors that can shorten the life of the motor.
The floating top vise is mounted to the carriage assembly and grips the drill rod directly in front of the quill, helping prevent rod wrap or windup when breaking out of the upper joint. This saves vise carriage travel time and helps enhance productivity. A built-in float prevents premature wear to the drillrod threading during upper joint makeup and breakout.
Each unit also comes equipped with a strike alert, remote lockout and operator presence features. Vermeer offers sales, service and parts support for the maxi drill line through its global network of independent, authorised dealers.
Vermeer Senior Director Dave Wisniewski said “The market for horizontal drill rigs of this size is robust, as gas, oil and major water and sewer projects have a strong global outlook. While there are other competitors in this class of drills, we feel our global dealer network will help distinguish Vermeer in this market.”