From the jobsite

Preventing utility strikes is everyone’s responsibility

With the demand for faster data speeds increasing, more utility lines going from overhead to underground has led to a lot of underground congestion, weaving new lines through crowded utility right-of-ways. Because of this, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews need to spend just as much time planning as they do drilling to prevent utility strikes.

Steps to help prevent a utility strike

Protect your team, your equipment and your productivity with these key steps that will help you prevent a utility strike.

Miller Pipeline helps customers plan for the future

Miller Pipeline has been at the forefront of building and maintaining America’s infrastructure, and with the help of Vermeer productivity tools, they have been able to keep up with the demand and growth of the industry.

Mud matters: using drilling fluids

Drilling fluid or mud is a crucial ingredient to maximize an HDD crew’s efficiency and should be used whenever possible. Read this overview of a few of the issues you may encounter without using mud.

HDD Circuit® training program teaches more than just the basics

An efficient, productive and safe jobsite takes a well-trained workforce with the know-how to operate the specific machines for which each individual on a crew is responsible. Simple training is not enough.

First impressions: Brandon Bird Utilities Construction sees value in D8x12 Navigator® horizontal directional drill

Brandon Bird Utilities Construction, is responsible for installing and rehabbing gas lines throughout the Lubbock, Texas, area, and his team uses a fleet of Vermeer trenchers and a Vermeer D8x12 directional drill on the job.

Texas pipeline contractor expands with horizontal directional drilling

Learn how S & J Contractors use Vermeer pipeline directional drills to expand their business to jobsites across the country.

Choosing the right installation method for underground utilities

Whether your underground crew is installing fiberoptic, conduit, cable, electrical, gas or water lines, choosing the right installation method is imperative to helping maximize productivity.

Making sense of HDD drilling fluids, Part 3

In Part 3 of this series, learn how to determine which drilling fluid additives you should use, based on the soil type you’re working with.

A cutout image of a Vermeer MX300 mixer.

Making sense of HDD drilling fluids, Part 2

In Part 2 of this series, learn how to calculate reamer pullback drill rates, a critical component to determining how much drilling fluid you will need to help have a successful bore.

Category: From the jobsite