Underground Contractor Puts Prototype Drill Through its Paces

by Becky Schultz
Created: January 19, 2012

Push Inc. proves the perfect choice to put Vermeer's new D60x90 directional drill to the test

Push Inc.'s sewer and water boring crew has been using the D60x90 for roughly three months on various projects. Most recently, it was being used to install 15,000 ft. of 8-in. forced sewer main...
Push Inc.'s sewer and water boring crew has been using the D60x90 for roughly three months on various projects. Most recently, it was being used to install 15,000 ft. of 8-in. forced sewer main through DNR wetlands.
The 15,000-ft. forced main installation project is being completed in roughly 1,000-ft. shots due to the sandy soil conditions in the area.
The 15,000-ft. forced main installation project is being completed in roughly 1,000-ft. shots due to the sandy soil conditions in the area.
Push Inc.'s operators have been pleased with the performance of the prototype drill. "If our operators don't like it, they will let us know," says Russell Johnson, operations manager.
Push Inc.'s operators have been pleased with the performance of the prototype drill. "If our operators don't like it, they will let us know," says Russell Johnson, operations manager.
The D60x90 is powered by a 185-hp John Deere Tier4i diesel engine, which delivers 9,000 ft-lb of rotational torque and 60,000 lbs. of thrust/pullback.
The D60x90 is powered by a 185-hp John Deere Tier4i diesel engine, which delivers 9,000 ft-lb of rotational torque and 60,000 lbs. of thrust/pullback.

Fortunately, Push's crews have had little to complain about. "It's actually been a high-performing machine," Johnson comments. "And even on the prototype, I can't find too much that's been wrong with it.

"Put it this way, if our operators don't like it," he states, "they will let us know."