Vermeer
Vermeer’s new AutoTension optional feature enhances the capabilities of D220x500 S3 and D550 horizontal directional drills (HDDs), simplifying the connection of two drill rigs working on intersect bores.
After completing a pilot bore, a drill outfitted with AutoTension allows HDDs on both sides of the bore to work together to increase the efficiency of reamer passes and the process of adding or removing drill rods to the tail string. When activated, AutoTension maintains a steady tension force on the drill string, helping to streamline large diameter and long-distance bores.
“The HDD industry is witnessing a growing trend of employing a drill rig on each side of a large-diameter or long bore,” explained Marv Klein, application specialist for Vermeer. “With Vermeer AutoTension on the D220x500 S3 and D550, crews on the entry and exit side of the bore can work together while reaming and swabbing a bore hole.
“This leads to more efficient and accurate reamer passes without the need for a mechanical locking swivel or breakout tongs for rod handling. Also, AutoTension helps optimize fluid management on the job because the need to transport fluids using vacs or pumps from one side to the other is reduced because crews can pull ream and pump fluids from either side.”
The AutoTension feature, engaged from the control station, maintains a desired tension on the tail string throughout the drilling process. It allows for temporary disengagement, when necessary – such as during rod additions or removals – without halting operations. This flexibility extends to directional changes, enabling the driving machine to switch between pushing and pulling without requiring action from the operator in the other drill.
AutoTension also includes a lack of operator presence safety system. When the operator leaves the seat, certain controls are locked out and an audible alert sounds at the AutoTension machine.
This innovative feature offers several key benefits to HDD crews. It optimizes reamer penetration through consistent tension application and improves positioning and control of the reamer within the bore hole. Moreover, AutoTension helps maintain the intended bore path and reduces potential complications during the drilling process.
Contractors can match different Vermeer HDDs with the D220x500 S3 or D550 using AutoTension. Also, people who already own a D220x500 S3 or D550 can add this feature to their units. An authorized Vermeer dealer will need to help execute these upgrades.
Bit Boss
Vermeer also introduced the Bit Boss shoulder screw retention system, an innovative upgrade designed to enhance bit security in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. The Bit Boss system adds three strategically located shoulder screws to the existing 6-bolt design, helping to significantly increase the bit's resistance to shearing off during operation. This advancement offers HDD crews optimal bit security in changing and challenging soil conditions.
"This innovation helps HDD crews to confidently tackle more challenging ground conditions, knowing their tooling is secure and their operations can proceed with minimal interruptions," said Cody Mecham, Vermeer Cutting Edge product manager.
The Bit Boss system offers versatility through its compatibility with various Vermeer drilling systems, including the Vermeer Ultra X3. This flexibility allows operators to utilize the Bit Boss system across different equipment in their fleet.
Vermeer will integrate Bit Boss on many popular HDD tooling bits and housing options. All 6-bolt Vermeer Ace and Gladiator bits now include Bit Boss features. Additionally, most Vermeer premium housings, Ultra X3 bit adapters and universal bit adapters have been updated with Bit Boss features, providing customers with a comprehensive solution for their drilling needs.
The Bit Boss system is designed with compatibility in mind. Any Bit Boss compatible housing will accept legacy 6-bolt bits, allowing contractors to use their existing inventory while offering the option to upgrade to the enhanced retention system.
GMP
The AccelAir 3 Blown Fiber Machine is the latest complement to the range of fiber optic blowing equipment available from GMP. It features two times the pushing force as the Accelair 2, with an increased range of cable sizes and microducts.
Designed to suit the smaller end of fiber range, AccelAir 3 completes the range of Tornado, JetSteam, Hurricane, AirStream, Whisper, and Microdrive blowing installation systems, all from one company.
A compact integrated fiber-blowing machine, AccelAir 3 benefits from full automation and fiber management. Its sophisticated fiber protection is designed to ensure that the blown fiber’s mechanical and optical integrity is maintained. The machine is self-contained and only requires a single electrical supply and compressed air to operate.
Main features of AccelAir 3 include:
Installs cable diameters of 0.8 to 1.6 mm with buckle protection and up to 5 mm without buckle protection
Accommodates microduct sizes of 3 to 12 mm, larger cable and duct sizes vs Accelair 2
Two times the pushing force vs Accelair 2
Powered directly by the supplied 120/240v universal power supply
Lightweight, durable construction with precision machined parts
Single-person operation
Digital cable speed & length monitoring
Low maintenance
Subsite
New Subsite UtiliView App Simplifies Utility Locating and Mapping
Contractors can now locate and map utilities more quickly and with fewer steps using the new Subsite UtiliView utility mapping app. The free app allows users of the UtiliGuard 2 RTK locator to send utility data directly to their Esri map, which requires an annual subscription, without needing to download data transfer or convert files – steps that until now have been required to map utilities. This streamlining of the mapping will save significant time on locate jobs.
Using the UtiliGuard 2 RTK locator, technicians can get survey-grade, centimeter-accuracy of utility locations. The utility data they capture can then be instantly transferred to an Esri map via the UtiliView app with the single push of a button on the locator.
Once utility data is collected, it can be accessed from anywhere – by a locate technician in the field or a GIS administrator in a back office – all while being securely stored in a private environment. Photos can also easily be added to log points in the UtiliView app for visual documentation and to create clearer, more complete records. And instant distance measurements can be generated to save time and improve record accuracy.
“The UtiliView app makes locate jobs easier and simpler to complete than ever, allowing users to add utility data to maps with one push of a button,” said Rodolfo Cabello, product manager for Subsite. “The app eliminates much of the hassle that can come with locating and mapping utilities, requiring fewer steps than any other solution on the market, so both administrators and those at the job site can work more efficiently.”
Subsite’s patent-pending Point Navigation feature allows UtiliView app users to effortlessly access and navigate to previously located points. This reduces guesswork and improves field efficiency. Historically, users have been required to connect their locate equipment to a PC and then manually find historical points and load them into the receiver. Now, they can retrieve those points in the field with just a few taps on their mobile device screen.
GIS administrators can set up the UtiliView app with a quick, one-time process. They can also add layers for gas, water, electric utilities and more. And they can make maps accessible with QR codes to promote uniformity across devices. Additionally, while some utility locators must be connected to a PC to be set up, the UtiliGuard RTK 2 locator can be ready to use as soon as the UtiliView app is downloaded on a mobile device.
John Deere
John Deere is enhancing the digital customer experience with new features in its Operations Center. These customer-focused updates allow users to access comprehensive job-site data and machine health information, empowering them to make real-time decisions that drive profitability.
Using feedback from John Deere customers, the added features and enhancements directly address challenges industry professionals face every day.
“Our customers voiced their needs for solutions that help provide additional job-site monitoring and analysis to manage costs, optimize productivity and ultimately increase profits,” said Katie Voelliger, product marketing manager, John Deere.
Recently added features/enhancements:
Custom Alerts: Customers can be alerted when idle time, speed or fuel levels exceed limits. These alerts enable proactive planning, ensuring fuel usage and maximizing job site productivity.
Jobsites with Summary Cards: Monitors job sites in near real-time. Customers can easily create, track, and optimize job sites to improve productivity and efficiency. Paired with Summary Cards, customers can monitor progress, fuel consumption, and machine locations, driving profitability and enhancing operational performance. Job sites can also be automatically created when the automatic toggle is on.
Machine Analyzer Updates: Provides default customer reports to track operator use of grade control and its impact on productivity as well as payload weighing.
Remote Display Access: Facilitates remote monitoring and operator support, allowing control of the display and adjustment of settings to enhance productivity and maximize machine uptime.
Regarding maintenance, there are a variety of new solutions available to customers to help keep the job site running smoothly. Maintenance Plan Auto Assignment, within Equipment Mobile, empowers dealers to proactively plan and provide maintenance solutions with seamless communication to ensure customers’ equipment is readily available. With this feature, customers can add factory maintenance plans to their machines, see specific parts needed for service, streamline maintenance set up and empower customers to manage their machines efficiently. UI
