A horizontal directional drilling machine is designed for underground pipe and cable installation with limited surface excavation. It creates a controlled bore along a planned underground route and is widely used in trenchless construction.
Unlike open trench construction, this method does not require a long excavation across the surface. The drilling unit creates an underground path and allows the pipe or cable to be installed after the bore is prepared. This can reduce surface disturbance and make underground work more suitable for developed areas.
The drilling process is planned before construction starts. The operator follows the required route and controls the drilling direction during the work. This allows the underground passage to be created according to the project design.
A horizontal drill rig can be used for different utility and pipeline projects. Its trenchless working method is useful when surface excavation needs to be kept limited.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Machine Specifications
| Parameter | YG-160A | YG-180 | YG-280 | YG-320 | YG-320A |
| Engine rated power | 100KW | 97KW | 160KW | 140KW/160KW | 160KW |
| Push and pull system | Cylinder | Motor | Motor | Cylinder | Motor |
| Max reaming hole diameter | Φ600mm | Φ600mm | Φ750mm | Φ800mm | Φ800mm |
| Drill rod length (single) | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m |
| Drill pipe diameter | Φ60mm | Φ60mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm |
| Drill angle | 10-23° | 10-22° | 10-23° | 10-20° | 10-20° |
| Max mud flow | 160L/min | 250L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min |
| Max mud pressure | 100bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar |
| Overall weight | 6700kg | 8500kg | 12500kg | 11500kg | 11200kg |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 5.7×1.82×2.4m | 6.4×2.27×2.34m | 7.1×2.26×2.45m | 7.1×2.25×2.45m | 7.1×2.25×2.45m |
Horizontal Directional Drilling Machine Working Process
The drilling operation normally follows three main stages. Each stage has a different purpose in the installation process.
- Pilot Drilling.The drill head enters the ground and creates the initial bore along the planned route. The operator controls the drilling direction to keep the pilot hole on the required path. This stage forms the base for the later installation.
- Hole Reaming.When the pilot hole reaches the required endpoint, a reamer is used to enlarge the bore. The reaming process prepares the underground passage for the pipe or cable. Depending on the project, more than one reaming step may be used to reach the required bore size.
- Pipe Pullback.After the bore is ready, the pipe or cable is connected to the drilling system. It is then pulled through the prepared underground passage. The operator needs to keep the pullback movement controlled during installation.
Drilling fluid is normally used during the drilling and reaming stages. It helps carry soil cuttings out of the bore and supports smoother drilling.
Applications Of Horizontal Directional Drilling Equipment
Horizontal Directional Drilling Equipment is mainly used for underground installation where traditional trench excavation is difficult, disruptive, or unsuitable.
- Water and drainage pipelines:The horizontal drilling machine can be used to create underground passages for water supply and drainage lines. It is suitable for projects where the surface needs to remain largely undisturbed.
- Gas pipeline projects:Underground gas lines can be installed along planned routes without opening a continuous surface trench. This is useful for utility construction in developed areas.
- Power and communication cables:Electric power cables, fiber optic cables, and other communication lines can be installed below the ground with limited excavation.
- Road and highway crossings:The drilling route can pass beneath roads and highways. This reduces the need for long open cuts through paved areas.
- Railway crossings:Trenchless drilling can be considered for utility installation below railway lines where open excavation may interfere with railway facilities.
- River and canal crossings:The underground route can pass beneath waterways, providing an alternative to direct surface excavation.
These projects make an HDD Machine useful for contractors involved in municipal construction, pipeline installation, utility work, and infrastructure projects.
About YG Machinery
YG Machinery is a machinery manufacturer with more than 20 years of industry experience and sales to more than 200 countries and regions. We provide factory direct supply, configuration support, and overseas technical service for international customers.
For customers looking for an HDD Drill Rig for sale, YG Machinery can provide model selection and configuration support based on project requirements. Technical communication is available before purchase to help customers choose suitable equipment for their planned work.
In addition to the Horizontal Directional Drilling Rig series, YG Machinery supplies Fully Hydraulic Core Exploration Rig and Hydraulic Diamond Core Drill Rig for geological drilling and exploration projects.
Send your project requirements to YG Machinery to discuss a suitable drilling solution.【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone/Skype】+86 13937183602
