Vermeer has enhanced its D20x22 S3 horizontal directional drill (HDD) with improved hydraulic circuit protection, redesigned component routing and enhanced hood design to boost reliability for utility contractors.

The updated D20x22 S3 builds on its proven track record in the field, with engineering improvements designed to help further optimize performance and extend equipment life.

“Utility contractors depend on equipment that delivers consistent performance, day after day,” said Clint Recker, HDD Product Manager at Vermeer.

“The D20x22 S3 has proven itself as a reliable workhorse, and these enhancements make it even better. We’ve listened to contractors about what would help them be most productive and engineered improvements that deliver exactly that.”

The updated hood design offers convenient maintenance access while providing enhanced protection for internal components.

A new rotation circuit accumulator helps protect the hydraulic system from pressure spikes, while redesigned hose and harness routing shield critical components from damage and help reduce service interruptions.

These improvements build on the drill’s existing strengths, including a 50.9 metre per minute carriage speed, a 257 rpm rotational speed and a compact 122-cm width that excels in tight urban jobsites.

“Equipment reliability directly supports contractor productivity and project efficiency,” Recker said. “These enhancements build on the D20x22 S3’s already strong foundation to help contractors maintain peak performance and keep projects moving forward smoothly.”

The D20x22 S3 remains an ideal solution for contractors installing fibre, gas lines and other small-diameter utilities in urban environments. The drill delivers 19,500 pounds of thrust/pullback with 2,250 foot-pounds of rotational torque.

The drill is powered by a 74-hp Deutz Tier 4 Final engine.

Advanced features like AutoDrill allow operators to set rotation and thrust/pullback pressure while drilling in changing soil conditions, with the patented Auto Resume function allowing slurry and cuttings to mix before thrust/pullback resumes.

The drill’s narrow footprint and 5.3-km per hour tracking speed make it particularly well-suited for the fibre-to-the-home installations and urban utility work that drive demand in this market segment.

The VermeerOne digital platform enhances fleet management with free real-time machine tracking, status updates and fault code reporting.