The Vermeer D24 horizontal directional drill, launched in late 2024, introduced several major advancements to the utility directional drilling industry.
Intelligent on-rig diagnostics. A patented sliding open-side vise. Class-leading rod capacity.
And the one that had test users buzzing the most — automated rod exchange.
What is automated rod exchange? How does it impact your daily utility installation work?
Hear from test users in their own words below.
What is automated rod exchange?
Automated rod exchange (ARE) technology helps speed up onboarding for new operators, reduces the workload for skilled operators, and maximizes wear part life through controlled processes. With a single button push, ARE completes the entire rod changeout sequence, eliminating up to 19 manual steps. This streamlines operations, improves operator performance and boosts overall efficiency.
First impressions of Vermeer automated rod exchange
Ahead of the D24 launch in November 2024, operators were invited to observe and test the new Vermeer horizontal directional drill. Comments below were captured during those events.
Lucas Langston, Tri County Underground of SC
“Nowadays with the cost of tooling rising and rising, the biggest thing is how can you get more life out of your tooling? Especially with inexperienced operators over-torquing rods, under-torquing rods, spinning rods and vises. I mean, that’s a huge plus. With the rod automation, you get a less inexperienced guy on machine and he can efficiently run it, not tear the tooling up. I see that as a big plus in the future.
… You get your rod back in the vise, you press one button to close the front vise, press the auto button and then just kind of twiddle your thumbs. It’s really cool. It’s really cool.”
Tim Fortson, Complete Underground LLC
“They kept saying it just got the auto function. I’m like, ‘Well, all the other drills got the auto function too. Is it that much different?’ Basically, yeah (it is). … It’s just going to save a lot of wear and tear from where the operators get to slamming the rods together and wearing out the chuck.”
Austin Flippin, Southeast Connections
“It’s crazy. You’re down hole and pulling back, that one button — it does it all.”
Kenny Mashburn, Utility Lines Construction Services
“It takes a while to train an operator these days. With that machine, the way it’s set up, I think you’ll be able to train people faster, and production should increase as well.”
Marco Kelly, East Coast Underground Construction LLC
“I enjoyed operating it. That was impressive, just how quickly and consistently it could make up and break out rods and load them. I’ve been doing this going on a decade and I couldn’t consistently break out or load rods that quickly all day, every day.”
How to buy Vermeer D24
With more underground utility infrastructure each year, operators need reliable machines for maximum productivity. The D24 and Next Generation drills offer advanced technology, innovative features, and a compact design. The D24 is backed by a 3-year, 3,000-hour OEM extended warranty.
Contact your local Vermeer dealer to learn more.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
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