Vermeer’s D24 HDD with climate-controlled cab allows operators to work year-round through tough weather conditions

Vermeer is enhancing the D24 horizontal directional drill (HDD) with a factory-installed cab option, bringing a new level of operator comfort and year-round productivity to the 24,000-lb (11,000-kg) drill class. The D24, introduced as the latest utility installation equipment designed for urban contractors' evolving needs, is now the first drill in its class to offer a cab. The fully enclosed, climate-controlled operator station is designed to help utility contractors retain skilled operators and maximize utilization in tough weather conditions.

"Utility work doesn't stop for bad weather, and finding skilled operators is more competitive than ever," said Clint Recker, HDD product manager at Vermeer. "We added the cab option to the D24 to directly address these challenges. It creates a comfortable, climate-controlled workspace that helps contractors keep their best people on the job and stay productive year-round."

Operator comfort is at the forefront of the design 

The new D24 cab option was engineered with features that contribute to operator comfort. The enclosed cab lowers sound exposure at the operator's ear from 88 dB(A) to 72.6 dB(A). Inside, operators will find a high-back Grammer suspension seat and vibration-isolating cab mounts for enhanced comfort during operation. The cab's top-mounted condenser for the temperature control system is strategically placed to reduce debris exposure and improve long-term performance.

Vermeer designed a spacious cab that fits the D24 drill's compact footprint, which is ideal for working in congested urban areas. 

"It was challenging to fit a cab in the available space of the D24, but Vermeer stepped up to the challenge with an interior width that is only a .25-inch (.64 centimetre) narrower than the S3 cab used on the D24x40 S3 and D220x500 S3 HDDs," said Recker.

To help reduce heating inside the cab from sunlight, non-rack facing windows have a 50 percent tint, while the rack-side window remains clear for precise monitoring of the drill pipe. A second windshield wiper on the left side of the cab helps keep sightlines sharp when breaking rods.

"When an operator is more comfortable, they can stay focused on the bore," said Recker. "The D24 cab provides a quiet, climate-controlled workspace that makes it easy for the operator to communicate with the locator. That direct line of communication is vital for hitting tight tolerances and maintaining a safe job site."

To further enhance communication, the D24 with a cab is available with a wireless radio option. 

Other features on Vermeer's D24 HDD

The cab option complements the powerful features of the D24 HDD. The 24,000-lb (110-kN) class drill is powered by a 100-hp (74.6-kW) CAT® 3.6L Tier 4F/Stage V engine and delivers impressive performance with a max peak thrust and pullback of 24,700 lb (110 kN) and a continuous thrust and pullback of 22,000 lb (98 kN). It also features 3,080 ft-lb (4,176 Nm) of rotational torque and a 45-gpm (170-L/min) mud pump.

The D24 is equipped with advanced technology that simplifies operation and maintenance.

Key features include:

• Automated Rod Exchange (ARE): This system streamlines operations by completing an entire rod changeout sequence with a single button push, eliminating up to 19 manual steps.
• Advanced onboard diagnostics: Accessible via a touchscreen display, this system provides step-by-step troubleshooting guidance to maximize operational time.
• Enhanced reliability: The D24 is built with premium hydraulic components typically found in larger pipeline equipment, designed to protect the hydraulic circuit and extend its lifespan.
• Impressive speed capabilities: The D24 boasts a rotation speed of 198 rpm and a carriage speed of 181 fpm (55 m/min), enabling crews to install more feet of product per day.