When ground conditions change or job requirements shift, the last thing HDD crews need is a long, labor-intensive tooling swap standing between them and the next bore. With the Vermeer Ultra X3 drilling system, that problem disappears thanks to a platform built around an interchangeable housing design that supports a wide range of pilot and pullback tooling options.
From soft soils to rock, a crew is covered thanks to a drilling system and horizontal directional drill bits that quickly adapt to deliver optimal performance.
Increased efficiency through interchangeability
The Vermeer Ultra X3 drilling system uses a robust spline connection — no threaded components, no breakout tongs required. Operators align the splines, tap in the roll pins and they’re ready to drill. That’s it.
As a result, pilot bit changeouts that used to take half an hour or longer can happen in minutes. Crews working in tight spaces can switch from a pilot configuration to a reamer without pulling the housing. The Ultra X3 system features interchangeable pilot and pullback tooling without torqued or threaded components and can ream directly off the transmitter housing. For certain applications, it can also eliminate the cost of starter rods and adapters thanks to its strong spline connection capable of handling reaming diameters up to 12 in (30.5 cm) directly off the transmitter housing.
Pullback tooling compatibility
The Vermeer Ultra X3 drilling system is designed to support pullback directly off the transmitter housing in most conditions — meaning crews can attach fluted or mixing reamers with pull eye or swivel options without requiring a separate starter rod setup for some applications. Crews find that transitioning from pilot to reamer — a process that previously consumed up to 45 minutes — can be done in minutes when using the Ultra X3 drilling system. Being able to take the head off and have a reamer running in minutes changes the math on how many bores can be completed in a day. That math adds up fast on big projects.
Size options to fit your setup
The Vermeer Ultra X3 drilling system is available in three sizes, each matching a different drill range. The system is a practical option for mixed fleets because it can be used with Vermeer drills and Ditch Witch® drills equipped with DCI electronics.
- The Ultra X3 275 is designed for drills in the 10,000-lb (44.5-kN) range, such as the Vermeer D10x15 S3 or the Ditch Witch JT10 HDD.
- The Ultra X3 325 supports drills in the 24,000-lb (106.8-kN) range, such as the Vermeer D23x30 S3, the Vermeer D24X40 S3 or the Ditch Witch JT30 HDD.
- The Ultra X3 375 is built for 40,000-lb (177.9-kN) drills, such as the Vermeer D40x55 S3 or the Ditch Witch JT40 HDD.
Compatible drill bit options for the Vermeer Ultra X3 drilling system
The flexibility provided by the Ultra X3 system means a tooling strategy that ideally matches your ground conditions.
Compatible directional drill bits include:
- Dirt bit sub: When working across a range of soil types, the dirt bit sub delivers adaptability by accepting any Vermeer plate bit bolted directly to it. This means crews can match the face to their specific ground condition without swapping the entire housing setup. The Vermeer Bit Boss™ retention system, featured on Ace™ and Gladiator™ bits, uses shoulder screws to resist the shear forces that can push conventional bolts out of a bit face downhole — helping improve reliability throughout the drill string.
- Lance Pro bit: The Lance Pro bit thrives in hard-packed soils, highly abrasive cobble and cemented cobble. Continuous carbide coverage across the front face helps extend wear life. Domed plug-style teeth and carbide buttons on the mount section protect against wear caused by aggressive ground. The Lance Pro is also rebuildable — a meaningful cost consideration when you’re running high footage in tough material.
- Lance Trident bit: When crews are working in soft rock, shale or caliche, the Lance Trident bit is the go-to option. Carbide buttons brazed onto the sides add wear resistance in high-impact areas. Replaceable conical teeth eliminate the need to pull and replace the entire bit when cutting surfaces wear out. Like the Lance Pro, the Lance Trident can also be rebuilt once worn down.
- Gauntlet bit: The Gauntlet bit is designed for soft, solid rock and broken formations. Three replaceable carbide-tipped conical teeth handle the cutting work, while carbide grit applied to high-wear areas on the steering shoe supports both durability and bit steering. When the teeth wear, they can be replaced without pulling the whole bit. When the bit itself reaches the end of its service life, it’s another rebuildable option in the Ultra X3 lineup.
- Triple Threat bit: For tough ground conditions where steering matters, the Triple Threat bit uses three laser-clad conical teeth to dig into challenging formations. It is designed for bores up to 5,000 psi (34.5 MPa), with a machined relief area in the center, an extra-long steering face and carbide tiles on the steering heel to help operators maintain control.
- 2Thirty™ bit: For the hardest ground conditions in the Ultra X3 range — broken, hard rock — the 2Thirty bit is the last line of defense before moving to an air hammer or dual rod system. Its two oversized conical teeth are set at a 30-degree angle to aggressively attack rock formations, with carbide buttons and carbide grit protecting high-wear areas. The 2Thirty is limited in steering performance, making it most effective for straighter bores in demanding rock conditions.
- Single Roller Cone bit: Dense and cemented cobble is among the most punishing ground conditions for conventional drill bits. The Single Roller Cone bit approaches this challenge differently: a single carbide-tipped roller cone — extracted from a tricone rock bit — is welded to the bit mount, giving the bit room to cut through and displace cobble rather than simply pushing against it. A carbide grit steering shoe keeps directional performance intact even in difficult material.
Evaluate your tooling setup for the Ultra X3
Talk with your local Vermeer dealer about tooling configurations that align with your ground conditions, jobsite applications and drill fleet. Or explore the full Ultra X3 bit lineup at BORESTORE.com to compare options and find the configuration that works for your next project.
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, Equipped to Do More, Ace, Lance, 2Thirty and Borestore are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. Ditch Witch is a trademark of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
© 2026 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.