Leading trenchless technology manufacturer, TRACTO, is launching its new 20ACS in Australia and New Zealand at this year’s No-Dig Down Under. Built off the foundations of the revolutionary 18ACS, the 20 tonne HDD rock drilling rig is equipped with a range of technical and engineering enhancements, making it ideally suited to the unique challenges facing local drilling contractors.
German manufacturer of trenchless technology solutions, TRACTO is renowned for its innovative, high-quality no-dig solutions. Over the decades, the company has consistently advanced no-dig technology, particularly in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) with steerable drilling rigs.
The latest development in the company’s range of all condition systems is the GRUNDODRILL 20ACS. Following its debut as the successor to the King of Rock 18ACS at bauma 2025, the company’s local subsidiary, TRACTO Australia, will launch the new ‘rockstar’ at No-Dig Down Under in Melbourne on 16-18 September.
Evolution of rock drilling
HDD is one of the most versatile and flexible trenchless methods, but is also technically demanding. TRACTO was the first German company to explore underground drilling control in the 1970s, launching the first steerable drilling rigs from a pit by the late 1980s.
These early HDD systems featured a percussion mechanism, which would later become a defining feature of GRUNDODRILL rigs.
Since then, successive generations have become more powerful, efficient and aligned with evolving technical standards and user needs. A key milestone was the 18ACS all condition system, which was the first machine that facilitated jet and rock drilling with a single rig.
One of the greatest challenges in HDD rock drilling lies in navigating mixed or complex ground conditions. Unlike uniform soil, variable layers demand far more from the equipment.
TRACTO addressed this with the GRUNDODRILL 18ACS, featuring a flexible drill rod concept. This system uses standard rods for jet drilling and ELICON twin-tube rods with a rock drill head (roller chisel or PDC bit) for more challenging geological conditions.
The twin-tube design allows the inner rod to drive the drill head while the outer rod steers it, reducing wear and ensuring optimal flushing over long distances. As a result, less bentonite is required, lowering the costs of purchasing, processing and disposal.
Incorporating a fully automatic rod handling system, the 18ACS offered reduced downtime and greater operator ease. Its advanced design, with stepless torque and speed adjustment and no power loss, helped establish the ‘King of Rock’ as TRACTO’s most successful rock rig, used in complex geologies around the world.
This scalable rod system has since been adopted in the latest generation of JCS/ACS equipment, including the efficient 13 tonne ACS130 and 30 tonne ACS300 rock drilling rigs.
Mastering any terrain
With the GRUNDODRILL 20ACS, TRACTO has responded to increasing demands in HDD rock drilling while staying committed to delivering best-in-class solutions. Built on the foundation of the 18ACS, the 20ACS combines the versatility of rock and jet drilling modes with even greater performance, safety and operator comfort.
Improvements in serviceability, automation and digital integration allow operators more flexibility on site. Increased thrust and pulling force, a refined rod system, and high torque enable the 20ACS to handle complex bores up to 200 with confidence and efficiency.
The 20ACS delivers 200kN of thrust and pulling force, along with a torque output of 9000Nm on the outer rods and 2500Nm on the inner rods. It features a powerful 400l/min bentonite pump and a 123kW diesel engine with stepless torque adjustment, allowing high-performance drilling across a range of profiles.
The fully automatic system covers drilling, rod changing and lubrication in rock mode, reducing operational time and simplifying handling. The rig is also convertible for cable-guided bores using ELICON rods, ideal for challenging conditions and deep installations.
Its rod capacity has been increased, carrying up to 144m of ELICON DL101 twin-tube rods on board. Operators can easily select from multiple rod types via the operating menu and switch between them without needing a service technician, while jet drilling with the inner rods remains seamless.
Safety and operator comfort have also been enhanced. The undercarriage offers a secure setup in difficult terrain, while optional features such as two support plates and an anchor drilling rig with improved auger profiles ensure maximum stability during demanding operations.
A steep inclination angle allows minimal setback in confined areas, and an automatic lubrication system further supports reliable performance.
The 20ACS can be driven and operated via radio remote control, and the swivel cabin has been upgraded with air conditioning, tinted windows, a heated Grammer comfort seat, expanded storage, USB ports, cup holders and more – maximising ergonomics and comfort on site.
Drilling data is easily recorded using the BORE DATA app and can be retrieved via cloud or USB connection. Additionally, the rig integrates freely with the COMMANDER fleet management app, allowing real-time tracking of rig location, performance and consumption.
TRACTO Australia sales manager Dan Toms said these enhancements, combined with the manufacturer’s reputation for robust engineering, make the GRUNDODRILL 20ACS ideally suited to Australia and New Zealand’s complex geologies.
“We were at bauma earlier this year to see the launch of the 20ACS and have been lucky enough to see the machine perform in the field,” he said.
“It delivers a powerful, efficient solution for demanding trenchless projects. We can’t wait to start delivering them to Australasian contractors and seeing them perform in local conditions.”
TRACTO Australia provides more than just equipment, with the local team offering expert advice, training, and tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of Australian contractors. This extends to guidance on financing options when purchasing a new rig, to hands-on training and service support.
Toms said the company – supported by the factory in Germany – was committed to helping customers maximise the success of their trenchless projects.
“Delivering the machine to the client is the first step in a partnership that can last decades,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on supporting the end user for the lifetime of the product, as well as being available for any training, spare parts or any other after sales support. While the 20ACS is a brand new machine, nothing changes in terms of the value we have been adding to local contractors since we setup in Australia almost three decades ago.
“We invite all delegates and visitors to No-Dig Down Under to stop by and see us at stand D14, check out the new machine and have a chat with how we can partner with you to take your drilling to the next level.”
For more information, visit tracto.com/au
This article was featured in the August edition of Trenchless Australasia.
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