Vermeer has designed the new compact D10x15 S3 Navigator horizontal directional drill (HDD) for utility installation. The D10x15 S3 is built to offer contractors more power and carriage speed, and lower sound levels than its predecessor, the D9x13 S3 Navigator.

“Market feedback indicated that utility contractors who are operating compact-size drills are demanding more performance,” says Tod Michael, product manager at Vermeer. “We listened and responded by optimizing the horsepower, thrust, rotation and carriage speed of the new D10x15 S3 to help utility contractors install more feet per day.”

The D10x15 S3 features a 60-horsepower Deutz TD2.9 Tier 4 Final engine — a 36-percent power boost compared to it’s the D9x13 S3. Vermeer also increased the thrust/pullback to 10,000 pounds, the maximum torque to 1,500 foot-pounds and the maximum spindle speed to 220 rpm.   

With speed, sound and simplicity in mind, the company increased the maximum carriage speed to 208 fpm and reduced operating noise. The drill’s lower sound levels help reduce noise and disturbance on residential jobsites, and enable easier communication among the crew members.

The combination of the drill’s reduced sound levels and compact size, and the drill rod’s tight bend radius, makes it well suited for short curb-to-home fiber and service work —typically less than 300 feet and 4 inches in diameter.  

“Measuring just 12.5 feet long, the D10x15 S3 has one of the smallest footprints in its class,” Michael says. “When a crew is working in a residential area with limited space, they may have to set up in the street. The compact design of the D10x15 S3 helps minimize traffic disruptions in a neighborhood.”

Like other models in the Vermeer S3 product line, the D10x15 S3 has an optional DigiTrakAurora interactive, full-color touch-screen display. The Aurora screen delivers real-time, easy-to-view location information, and can be used in conjunction with the Vermeer Productivity Tools.

The D10x15 is the latest addition to the Vermeer S3 Navigator^® HDD product line, which includes the: D20x22 S3 Navigator HDD, D23x30 S3 Navigator HDD, D24x40 S3 Navigator HDD, D40x55 S3 Navigator HDD and D60x90 S3 Navigator HDD for utility work, plus the larger D100x140 S3 Navigator HDD and D220x300 S3 Navigator HDD for pipeline installation projects.

Vermeer Corporation manufactures underground construction, surface mining, tree care, environmental and agricultural equipment. The equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more, visit www.vermeer.com.