Vermeer has enhanced its D20x22 S3 horizontal directional drill (HDD) with model year updates featuring improved hydraulic circuit protection, redesigned component routing and enhanced hood design to further boost reliability for utility contractors.

Equipment reliability directly supports contractor productivity and project efficiency

Vermeer stated that these enhancements arose as utility contractors sought to maximise productivity while working in congested urban environments.

The updated D20x22 S3 builds on its proven track record in the field, with engineering improvements designed to help further optimise performance and extend equipment life.

"Utility contractors depend on equipment that delivers consistent performance, day after day," Clint Recker, HDD product manager at Vermeer, said. "The D20x22 S3 has proven itself as a reliable workhorse, and these enhancements make it even better. We've listened to contractors about what would help them be most productive and engineered improvements that deliver exactly that."

Targeted improvements address contractor needs

The updated hood design offers convenient maintenance access while providing enhanced protection for internal components.

A new rotation circuit accumulator helps protect the hydraulic system from pressure spikes, while redesigned hose and harness routing better shield critical components from damage and help reduce service interruptions.

These improvements build on the drill's existing strengths, including a 167fpm (50.9m/min) carriage speed, a 257rpm rotational speed and a compact 48in (122cm) width that excels in tight urban jobsites.

"Equipment reliability directly supports contractor productivity and project efficiency," Recker said. "These enhancements build on the D20x22 S3's already strong foundation to help contractors maintain peak performance and keep projects moving forward smoothly."

Proven performance, enhanced reliability

Vermeer started that the D20x22 S3 remains the ideal solution for contractors installing fibre, gas lines and other small-diameter utilities in urban environments. The drill delivers 19,500lb (86.7kN) of thrust/pullback with 2250ft-lb (3050Nm) of rotational torque, powered by a 74hp (55kW) Deutz Tier 4 Final engine.

Advanced features, such as AutoDrill, enable operators to set rotation and thrust/pullback pressure while drilling in varying soil conditions. The patented Auto Resume function allows slurry and cuttings to mix before thrust/pullback resumes.

The drill's narrow footprint and 3.3mph (5.3km/h) tracking speed make it particularly well-suited for the fibre-to-the-home installations and urban utility work that drive demand in this market segment.

The VermeerOne digital platform enhances fleet management with free real-time machine tracking, status updates, and fault code reporting. For contractors with multiple machines, the optional Premium Fleet subscription offers comprehensive analytics and performance insights that help optimise equipment use and drive productivity through data-informed decisions.