Updated Vermeer D20x22 S3 directional drill drives big opportunities in urban areas

Vermeer D20x22 S3 directional drill

A growing 5G infrastructure is fueling demand for fiber installation and directional drills for urban areas. However, margins continue to tighten, and profitability hinges on maximizing the amount of product that can be installed every day.

Because it can quickly install utilities in congested, urban areas without frequent stops for maintenance, the proven Vermeer D20x22 S3 horizontal directional drill has earned a dominant market share.

Boost daily footage with the D20x22 S3

“Contractors who are faced with decreasing footage-rate concerns turn to Vermeer directional drills that help them get more footage completed in a day,” said Clint Recker, HDD product manager at Vermeer.

Every foot on the job counts. You want to spend less time on setup and more on quickly completing bores. The compact, lightweight D20x22 S3 delivers.

  • Install more linear feet per day with a 167-fpm (50.9-m/min) carriage speed and rotational speeds of 257 rpm.
  • Waste less time tracking between shots and put more product underground with a class-leading 3.3-mph (5.3-km/hr) tracking speed.

The updated D20x22 S3 raises the standard of durability

Building on a legacy of continual improvement, Vermeer made several updates to the proven D20x22 S3 that further enhance durability.

  • Redesigned harness and hose routing: CAD-designed routing and properly secured hoses prevent damage caused by movement, vibration and external factors. This helps minimize the risk of leaks and possible failures.
  • Enhanced hydraulic system: The hydraulic rotation accumulator helps protect the rotation circuit, including the pump, when operating in tough ground conditions. It also maximizes durability when the operator opts to carve steer or pull a reamer.
  • Updated hydraulic filtration: Clean fluid helps extend the life of the hydraulic system.
  • Flip-up metal hood: Access key components quickly for smoother routine service and maintenance.

A perfect directional drill for urban areas

Directional drills for urban areas must work in tight spaces. But you know small-diameter projects don’t come with small expectations. The D20x22 S3 is the ideal drill for short shots on crowded jobsites in congested environments:

  • Lightweight but powerful
  • Compact — minimum 48 in (121.9 cm) wide
  • Sits securely on a trailer with a mix system

Auto features maximize flexibility and efficiency

With the AutoDrill feature, you can set the rotation and thrust/pullback pressure while drilling in changing soil conditions for maximum flexibility during operation. Plus, the patented AutoResume function allows cuttings and slurry to mix before the thrust/pullback starts again.

Because the D20x22 S3 shares a common control platform with other directional drills in the Vermeer lineup, it’s efficient for operators to switch between drills and minimizes training. Plus, its digital display with onboard diagnostics keeps you informed and features minimal wiring for improved reliability.

VermeerOne™ drives productivity

The VermeerOne platform puts data from the D20x22 S3 to work, allowing you to simplify equipment management and make smarter decisions.

Vermeer offers two telematics data plans that help D20x22 S3 owners leverage productivity.

  • A base telematics package makes it easier for you and your dealer to stay connected to ensure timely service with hour, location and fault code data.
  • The premium telematics offering adds work and idle time, fuel usage and rod-by-rod data to track production productivity to help you identify where operations can be improved for increased profitability.

A directional drill for urban areas backed by trusted Vermeer dealer support

Durability and reliability help you do more when success is measured by the amount of product installed. Building on the Vermeer HDD legacy, improvements to the D20x22 S3 will help you work more efficiently. And your machine is backed by support from your Vermeer dealer.

With proven reliability, hydraulic circuit protection and carve steer capabilities, these drills will continue to lead the industry to bore more every day.

To learn more about the D20x22 S3, contact your Vermeer dealer.

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. Vermeer the Vermeer logo, and VermeerOne are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.

© 2025 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Explore the D20x22 S3

The D20x22 S3 horizontal directional drill is lightweight, compact and powerful, making it the ideal drill for short shots on crowded jobsites in congested urban areas. Spend less time on setup and more on quickly completing bores.

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