2026/2027 Horizontal Directional Drilling Guide

What’s inside…

Tell Us About Telematics & HDD
Is telematics a cool buzz word or critical component to your HDD project? We asked a couple of HDD contractors their thoughts on the telematics topic.
By Sharon M. Bueno

Telematics Made Simple
How to choose the right solution for your fleet.
By Tony Nicoletti

Identifying the Warning Signs of Drill Pipe Failure
Drill pipe failure is an unfortunate event that is both costly and time consuming. Avoiding this is essential for successful implementation of HDD projects. Knowledge about the pipe itself, operational parameters, and storage is crucial. Understanding this information can help identify when drill pipe is about to fail, and more importantly use that information to prevent failure.
By Myca Hailey

The Right Match Drives Production, Tool Life & Uptime
The ground decides what the right tooling is, and the crews that match it hold penetration, steering response and tool life bore after bore. The match starts with the bit, carries through the downhole tooling and ends with the drill rod. 
By Cody Mecham

Mud Technician vs. Mud Engineer: A Risk-Based Approach for HDD Contractors
A common question in project planning is whether to staff a mud technician or a mud engineer. While the roles may appear similar on the surface, the difference in capability can directly impact bore completion, downtime, and overall profitability.
By Bridger Cottle

5 Signs Your Mud Recycling System Is Not Performing Properly
In horizontal directional drilling (HDD), a mud recycling system is often viewed as a support piece of equipment. However, experienced contractors know that the recycling system plays a direct role in drilling efficiency, fluid costs, bore stability, and overall project profitability.
By Emad Babri

Mud Recycling, Mixing and High-Pressure Mud Pump Specs
System specs from the leading manufacturers serving North America.

In the Market for a Locator?
Choosing the right locating system isn’t about finding the one with the longest list of features. It’s about finding a system that fits the work you do today while giving you the confidence to take on the work you’ll be doing tomorrow.
By Braxton Smith

Best Practices for Vacuum Excavation on HDD Projects
By safely exposing underground utilities before drilling begins, contractors can verify utility locations, improve bore planning, and significantly reduce the likelihood of utility strikes. When utility exposure is planned, documented, and communicated effectively, vacuum excavation contributes directly to safer, more efficient, and more successful HDD installations.
By Don Tiskevics

The 2026 Vacuum Excavator Spec Guide
Vacuum excavator specs from North America’s major manufacturers.

2026 Horizontal Directional Drilling Specs
Drill rig specs from North America’s drill rig manufacturers.

Product Directories

Tooling-Drill Rod
Mud Systems-Solids Control-Drilling Fluids
Locators-Tracking and Navigation