Vermeer Introduces its D24 Next Generation Directional Drill
Through a livestream event across its social media platforms Nov. 12, Vermeer unveiled its NextGen Utility Directional Drills — the Vermeer D24 — to meet the needs of today’s thirst for high-speed, high-powered wireless networks.
The drill introduction also was made to Vermeer’s dealers and customers onsite at its Pella, Iowa-facility.
This powerful and innovative drill replaces the D23x30 S3 Series drill, first introduced in 2015. In its prepared video, Vermeer president and CEO Jason Andringa describes the D24 as a result of today’s demand for high-speed Internet access at an all-time high.
“Today, the demand for high-speed data access is greater than ever before, reshaping how we work, communicate and live.” Andringa says. “Every Google search, every download, every notification started at a job site where you, utility contractors, work tirelessly to connect our world.”
What does the Vermeer D24 bring to the HDD table? The drill is a 24,000-lb class drill that boasts a 100-hp Cat 3.6L Tier 4F/Stage V engine.
The D24 delivers its performance with a max peak thrust and pullback of 24,700 lbs and a continuous thrust and pullback of 22,000 lbs; it also features 3,080 ft-lb of rotational torque and a 45-gpm mud pump. Packed with advanced features and technology, the Vermeer D24 HDD enables crews to efficiently install utilities — including fiber, power cables and water infrastructure in congested urban areas.
“The D24 represents a significant step forward in HDD technology,” said Clint Recker, product manager for utility HDD equipment at Vermeer. “We’ve listened closely to utility contractors and incorporated their feedback into every aspect of this machine, resulting in a drill that sets new standards for ease of operation and maintenance simplicity.”
The Vermeer team points to several key areas that this new drill offers, including an automated rod exchange for increased efficiency, enhanced diagnostics for improved productivity, reliability and extended coverage, design for urban work and operator efficiency.
“Customers are the inspiration for this new D24 horizontal directional drill. It all goes back to listening to what they need in the field. The D24 has innovative technology that helps you maximize your job site productivity,” notes Weston Peters, product specialist at Vermeer.
New Features
A standout feature of the D24 is its automated rod exchange (ARE) system. This innovative technology increases onboarding velocity for new operators, reduces workload for skilled operators and maximizes wear part component life through highly controlled processes. With a single button push completing the entire rod changeout sequence, ARE eliminates up to 19 manual steps, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency.
With ARE, each rod change helps reduce wear on components and minimizes the risk of human error. This can potentially extend the life of consumables like sub savers and drill rods.
The D24 also features an advanced onboard diagnostic system, accessible via the machine’s touchscreen display. This system offers operators and technicians comprehensive information about any issues and step-by-step troubleshooting guidance. It enables quick troubleshooting of issues, maximizing operational time.
“Customers have been asking to be able to do more diagnostic time on their own. As such, we’ve included an on-rig diagnostic tool. It basically is like having the dealer technician come out and plug a laptop into your machine. It empowers the customer to better understand what’s happening with their machine if an issue arises,” Recker says.
The machine features premium hydraulic components — typically found in larger pipeline equipment — that help protect the hydraulic circuit and extend its lifespan. These high-quality components improve the machine’s durability and allow consistent performance across various drilling conditions.
The demand for working in urban areas, where jobsites are tight and footprints need to be, the D24 is engineered to tackle these unique challenges. Its compact design allows for efficient operation in confined city spaces while delivering the power and precision needed to handle diverse soil conditions. This balance of size and capability makes the D24 an ideal choice for contractors working in densely populated areas.
The Vermeer D24 operates at just 88 dB(A) at the operator’s ear with a guaranteed sound power level of 100 dB(A). This low noise output minimizes disturbance in sensitive urban areas, enhances onsite communication, and helps contractors meet certain local noise regulations. The D24’s operational sound levels contribute to a comfortable work environment, which can positively impact crew productivity and job satisfaction.
Another critical feature is the ease of operator usability and training on this machine, Recker says. Operators can choose between 400 ft or 480 ft (122 m or 146 m) of 2.375-in drill rod for the D24, selecting the configuration that best suits their typical job requirements. The redesigned vise system features sliding open-side vises, enabling easy cleaning and clear joint visibility. This sliding mechanism streamlines the breakout process compared to fixed open-top vises. With enhanced clamp force, the vises help extend the life of the vise die.
The D24’s stakedowns feature tiered shark teeth and a rotation speed of up to 60 rpm — nearly triple that of its predecessors. This upgrade improves setup efficiency, especially in harder soils, allowing crews to begin drilling faster. This quicker setup is particularly valuable in urban areas, where minimizing disruption is crucial.
Contributing to its efficiency on the jobsite, the D24 boasts impressive speed capabilities. With a rotation speed of 198 rpm and a carriage speed of 181 fpm (55 m/min), crews can install more feet of product per day. The drill’s 3.3 mph (5.3 km/hr) tracking speed enables quick relocation between work areas, helping further enhancing productivity.
“This new generation of Vermeer drills is focused on helping customers overcome the industry’s most common challenges. First, we see the need to get operators trained and working productively as quickly as possible. We know productivity is important. You need high levels of dependability, and if there’s an issue, you need to troubleshoot the problem quickly,” says Doug Hundt, president of industrial solutions at Vermeer. “Today’s work is happening in congested and tight job sites, but still requires long bores and challenging ground conditions. You need a machine that can deliver the appropriate rotational torque and thrust while maintaining a small footprint, and that drill has to run quietly to keep everyone in the area happy. Our team was up to the task of addressing all of these challenges, but they actually came up with a new generation of drill that delivers even more.”
For more information about the Vermeer D24 horizontal directional drill, visit vermeer.com.
Sharon M. Bueno is editor of Trenchless Technology.
