The Ace™ bit lineup is one of the most popular and high-value drill bit families offered at Vermeer. It’s available in Standard, Pro, Pro Extreme and Premium styles that give you options when you are tackling diverse ground conditions. All four styles are a plug-style tooth design that allows the bit to be positioned closer to each other to maximize carbide coverage for extended wear life. Even better, you can easily order drill bits for HDD — and other tooling — online from BORESTORE® or through your local Vermeer dealer.
A new improvement to the Ace bit family is the addition of Bit Boss™ retention system features. Bit Boss system components were developed to help HDD crews confidently tackle challenging ground conditions with minimal interruptions. This is done by adding Bit Boss shoulder screws on Ace bits to help decrease force that can lead to shearing off bolts downhole. With the added durability, crews can experience decreased tool replacements. The Bit Boss retention system is tried and proven — internal tests showed higher rotational cycles to failure than the leading competitor.
If you’re an HDD owner or operator and have used Ace bits in the past or are hearing about them for the first time — you can now get to know each piece in the lineup and see what bit will work best for your crews.
Ace Premium bit
The Ace Premium bit is the superior bit in the Ace bit family. It’s designed for HDD operators who need a drill bit that can tackle high risk, aggressive ground conditions. The Ace Premium bit family is offered in three size options: 4 in, 4.5 in and 5 in (10.2 cm, 11.4 cm and 12.7 cm).
If you are working in hard soil, the Ace Premium bit is the ideal option for your drill. For cobble and medium soils, the Ace Premium will be sufficient but is not necessarily the ideal bit option. The Ace Premium bit is built to maximize productivity in heavy cemented cobble, hard packed soils and softer shale.
Some of the features that make the Ace Premium a durable drill bit:
- Optimal reliability thanks to additional carbide coverage compared to other HDD bits.
- Improved penetration rates due to an elongated tapered bit front.
- Carbide hardfacing can be added to critical wear zones for even more wear resistance.
Ace Pro bit
If you want an all-around solution to challenging ground conditions, the Ace Pro bit would work well for your crew. Featuring a wide array of cutting sizes, the Ace Pro bits can give you the options you need starting at 3 in, 3.5 in, 4 in, 4.5 in and 5 in (7.62 cm, 8.89 cm, 10.16 cm, 11.43 cm and 12.7 cm).
For medium soils, the Ace Pro will be your crew’s go-to bit. If you encounter hard soil, loam, sandy soil or soft soil, the Ace Pro bit can tackle those ground conditions as well.
Features of the Ace Pro bits to enhance your jobsite productivity:
- Optimal reliability thanks to additional carbide coverage compared to other HDD bits.
- Brazed carbide buttons improve penetration and wear-resistance on the cutting face.
- Improved penetration rates due to an aggressive tapered bit front.
Ace Standard bit
The Ace Standard bit comes in three cutting sizes: 4 in, 4.5 in and 5 in (10.16 cm, 11.43 cm and 12.7 cm).
The Ace Standard bit is versatile by working well in a variety of ground conditions. Although it’s best suited for softer ground conditions that are more abrasive, medium packed soils and light gravel, it can also work in hard soil conditions. Many drillers would consider the Ace Standard bit an all-around ground solution due to its versatility and reliability.
What makes the Ace Standard bit a versatile drill bit for HDD:
- Optimal reliability from more carbide coverage compared to competitive HDD bits.
- Rounded, flat bit face to assist with steering performance.
If you are struggling to determine which bit will work best for the jobs you encounter, an HDD tooling specialist at your local Vermeer dealership can assist you.
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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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