Pipeline contractors know that success on demanding large-diameter, long-distance bores in tough terrain often comes down to having the right horizontal directional drill (HDD). That’s why for 2 Stone Industries, a rapidly growing pipeline contractor based in West Texas, the D220x500 S3 HDD from Vermeer has become a go-to machine for their most demanding projects.
Founded in 2016, 2 Stone Industries quickly evolved from a small startup to a major player capable of handling turnkey pipeline installations. This growth meant tackling bigger bores and tougher rock, which led them to the D220x500 S3.
“We wanted a bigger size,” Oscar Pena, one of the owners of 2 Stone Industries, explained. “Once we got with Vermeer, we just kind of stuck with Vermeer. We were satisfied with their products.”
Their first encounter with the D220x500 S3 was on a demanding 30 in (76.2 cm) pipeline project. After initially renting the drill, the team was impressed enough to purchase one, quickly followed by a second.
“That pipeline project is what pushed us into buying our first D220x500 S3,” Pena confirmed.
Key D220x500 S3 features making a difference in the field
The 2 Stone Industries team highlighted several aspects of the D220x500 S3 that have proven beneficial for their pipeline operations in the often-unforgiving Texas terrain.
Impressive reaming capabilities for large-diameter work
The D220x500 S3 is built for significant pullback and reaming power essential for large pipe installations. Experience from 2 Stone on a 44 mi (70.8 km), 30 in (76.2 cm) NGL pipeline project showcased this.
Joseph Barrera, general superintendent with 2 Stone Industries, explained their approach on tough bores for that project. He said, “For the more challenging bores, we’d often use our D100x140 S3s to drill the pilot holes and do an initial ream up to 24 in (61 cm). Then, the D220x500 S3 would come in with its extra power and pumping capacity to take that hole out to 42 in (106.7 cm) and pull in the pipe. That extra capability on the D220x500 S3 makes a huge difference when you’re dealing with larger reamers in difficult ground, and that two-step process worked really well for us.”
Operator-friendly controls and efficient setup
Transitioning operators between drill sizes can often present a learning curve. However, the 2 Stone team found the common control interface across HDD models from Vermeer including the D220x500 S3 to be a significant advantage. “Oh, absolutely. That makes a huge difference,” Pena stated when discussing the common controls. “Our operators jumped from the D100x140 S3s to the D220x500 S3s, and everything’s so similar. It’s a very easy transition. There’s not a whole lot of training to get them to go from one to the other, and we do train all our guys on how to run both rigs.”
The team also opted for the cabbed version of the D220x500 S3. Peter Scharlau, project manager with 2 Stone Industries, explained, “We decided to go with the cab on. We can get a quicker setup with that. It simplifies a lot of things to move, makes it easier to move around, that kind of thing.” This quicker setup and mobility are crucial on fast-paced pipeline projects.
Productive rod handling with the rod stager
When 2 Stone Industries acquired their second D220x500 S3, they chose the optional rod stager, a feature designed to improve productivity on the jobsite. The team quickly recognized the advantages.
Scharlau noted the efficiency gains. “We really liked the rod stager,” he said. “That’s just a lot more productive than the catwalk, and I’m glad we decided to go with it. It’s been really good.”
Reinforcing this point, Junior Marroquin, general superintendent with 2 Stone, added that the stager “cuts down the labor and our equipment costs.”
While wireline systems are often used on long bores, the rod stager does not hinder this process. The 2 Stone team described their method. They stated, “With the stager, we’ll run the wire down the rod, put the rod in the stager, and then do our connections like we always would when we go to hook up.”
Real-world performance on a challenging project
On the 44 mi (70.8 km) Kinetik pipeline project, the D220x500 S3 drills were instrumental in completing approximately 30-36 bores. One particularly challenging bore involved crossing under Interstate 20 and a parallel railroad.
“That one was certainly challenging because of the railroad,” Barrera recounted. “You have to cross at a precise angle and maintain a straight, level path, not just under the railroad itself, but across their entire right-of-way also.”
The bore was reamed to 42-in (106.7 cm), and the pipe was a 30-in (76.2 cm). This was accomplished at a depth of around 20 ft to 25 ft (6.1 m to 7.6 m), showcasing the drill capability even in demanding situations that require precision and power.
The project was completed in an impressive three and a half months, a testament to the crew skill and the equipment performance.
Value of reliability and support
For 2 Stone Industries, the performance of the D220x500 S3 is complemented by the reliability and support they receive from Vermeer and their local dealer, Vermeer Texas-Louisiana. “Once we got with Vermeer we just kind of stuck with it. We were satisfied with their products,” Scharlau shared.
“Another huge feature is their service quality,” noted Marroquin. “Someone always answers the phone when you call them, and if they don’t have an immediate answer, they’ll research it and get back to us promptly. They never leave us in the dark.” This support is critical, especially when facing tight deadlines. The dealership’s technical specialists are consistently available and knowledgeable, providing quick solutions to any equipment issues.
A drill built for the demands of modern pipeline work
The experience of 2 Stone Industries demonstrates that the D220x500 S3 HDD from Vermeer is more than capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern, large-scale pipeline projects. From its powerful reaming capabilities, efficient rod handling, its operator-friendly design and the backing of a strong dealer network, it is a machine that contractors like 2 Stone Industries can rely on to get the job done even under pressure.
As pipeline projects continue to grow in scale and complexity, having a robust and productive drill like the D220x500 S3 in the fleet can be a significant competitive advantage.
To learn more about the D220x500 S3 HDD from Vermeer, visit the product page on Vermeer.com or contact your local Vermeer dealer.
This article contains third-party observations, advice or experiences that do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Vermeer Corporation, its affiliates or its dealers. Testimonials and/or endorsements by contractors in specific circumstances may not be representative of normal circumstances experienced by all customers.
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