Installing underground utilities traditionally means open trenching. Roads get closed. Landscapes get destroyed. Traffic backs up for blocks. The costs go far beyond the equipment rental – there are permits, restoration, and angry property owners to deal with. For utility contractors, trenchless technology has become the standard for a reason. A directional boring rig changes the game. It drills a pilot hole from a small launch pit, then reams it to size and pulls the pipe back through. The surface above stays untouched. Roads remain open. Lawns stay green. The entire installation happens underground with minimal disruption.
We have built directional drilling equipment for over a decade at our factory in Zhengzhou, China. We produce the YG-160A, YG-180, YG-280, YG-320, and YG-320A models. Each unit undergoes a full factory test before shipping. Buyers receive a test report and video with their machine.
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Directional Boring Rig Product Specifications at a Glance
We offer five models of this equipment. Each one uses a hydraulic power system with either a cylinder or a motor drive. The table below shows the complete specifications.
| Model | YG-160A | YG-180 | YG-280 | YG-320 | YG-320A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 100KW | 97KW | 160KW | 140-160KW | 160KW |
| Push/Pull Drive | Cylinder | Motor | Motor | Cylinder | Motor |
| Max Drag/Feed Force | 160/100KN | 180/180KN | 280/280KN | 320/320KN | 320/320KN |
| Max Torque | 5000N.m | 6000N.m | 10000N.m | 12000N.m | 12000N.m |
| Powerhead Speed | 0-180r/min | 0-140r/min | 0-120r/min | 0-140r/min | 0-140r/min |
| Powerhead Travel Speed | 30m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min |
| Max Reaming Diameter | Φ600mm | Φ600mm | Φ750mm | Φ800mm | Φ800mm |
| Drill Rod Length | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m |
| Drill Rod Diameter | Φ60mm | Φ60mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm |
| Entry Angle Range | 10-23° | 10-22° | 10-23° | 10-20° | 10-20° |
| Max Mud Flow | 160L/min | 250L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min |
| Max Mud Pressure | 100bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar |
| Overall Weight | 6700kg | 8500kg | 12500kg | 11500kg | 11200kg |
| Dimensions | 5700×1820×2400mm | 6400×2270×2340mm | 7100×2260×2450mm | 7100×2250×2450mm | 7662×2162×2450mm |
The YG-160A is the most compact and mobile model. The YG-320 delivers maximum pullback force for long crossings. We provide free application advice based on your pipe diameter, crossing length, and ground conditions.
If you need an electric horizontal directional drilling rig, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone】+86 183 3715 2861
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HDD Machine Price: What Affects the Cost
The price of the HDD machine depends on the model and included features. The YG-160A is the entry-level unit with a cylinder drive system. The YG-320A is the top-tier unit with a motor drive system and maximum torque.
Here is what the base price includes:
- The main rig with powerhead and drill rod rack
- Mud pump and mixing system
- Operator control panel with gauges
- One set of drill rods (quantity varies by model)
- Reaming tools and swivel
- Operator manual and maintenance guide
Optional extras that add value:
- Spare drill rods – add 15% to the price
- Automatic drill rod greasing system – reduces maintenance time
- Auto anchor system – speeds up setup
- Rotating cab with AC – improves operator comfort on long shifts
- Mud recycling system – reduces water consumption on site
We build each unit in-house at our Zhengzhou factory. The engine options include Cummins and other reputable brands. We test every machine before shipping. Each unit runs through a full drilling cycle at the factory. Buyers receive a test video showing their machine drilling a test bore. The warranty covers 12 months from delivery. Spare parts ship from our warehouses in Houston and Rotterdam.
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HDD Drilling Machine for Sale: 8 Key Features
An HDD drilling machine for sale from us comes with features that make it reliable on demanding job sites. We have studied the market and incorporated the best practices from industry leaders.
1. Powerful engine options. Cummins engines power most of our models. These engines are known for reliability and fuel efficiency. The 160KW version delivers consistent power even at high altitudes.
2. Eaton hydraulic components. We use Eaton motors and pumps on key systems. The rotation system uses Eaton’s large torque motors. The push-pull system uses Eaton motors with a one-piece reducer that offers three-speed regulation. These components are proven in the field.
3. Dual-speed track system. The walking system uses a hydraulic drive with steel tracks. The wire-control feature lets operators move the rig from a distance. Two speeds give you fast travel between holes and slow, precise positioning.
4. Large mud flow capacity. The YG-320 model delivers 320L/min at 80bar. This clears cuttings effectively in all soil types. The YG-160A delivers 160L/min at 100bar for smaller jobs.
5. Operator-friendly cab. The rotating cab option provides AC, broad vision, and a comfortable seat. Long shifts become less fatiguing. The cab rotates to give the operator the best view of the work area.
6. Flip-open cover shell. The entire cover shell flips open for maintenance. Access to all components is straightforward. No removing panels or crawling under the machine.
7. Parallel control technology. The powerhead and the hydraulic rotation system use parallel control technology. This means independent operation of functions. Adjust rotation speed without affecting feed pressure.
8. High automation options. We offer automatic drill rod greasing, auto anchor, and auto loading. These reduce operator workload and speed up the drilling process.
Underground Horizontal Boring Machine: 6 Steps to a Successful Bore
An underground horizontal boring machine follows a standard process. Here is how it works.
Step 1: Setup. The rig positions at the entry point. The entry angle ranges from 10-23° depending on the model. The auto anchor system (optional) secures the rig without manual staking.
Step 2: Pilot hole drilling. The drill rod rotates at up to 180r/min while the feed system pushes it forward. The drill head follows a prescribed path. A steering tool sends real-time position data to the operator.
Step 3: Steering adjustments. The operator adjusts the drill head orientation to follow the planned path. The machine can steer around obstacles and follow curves.
Step 4: Reaming. After the pilot hole reaches the exit point, the operator attaches a reamer to the drill string. The reamer pulls back through the hole, expanding it to the required diameter. The YG-320 can ream to 800mm.
Step 5: Pipe pulling. The operator attaches the pipe to the reamer or pull head. The rig pulls the pipe back through the reamed hole. The 320KN pullback force handles long pipe strings.
Step 6: Cleanup. The crew removes the tooling and mobilizes to the next location. The entry and exit pits get backfilled. The surface above remains undisturbed.
A typical 200-meter crossing takes 8-12 hours with our equipment. Open trenching for the same length takes 2-3 weeks and requires road closures.
Where Contractors Use The Directional Boring Rig
- Utility installation. Water, gas, electric, and fiber optic lines all get installed with directional boring. The machine leaves streets and sidewalks intact. No restoration costs.
- Telecom and broadband. Fiber optic networks require thousands of meters of underground conduit. Directional boring lets contractors work in residential areas without digging up lawns.
- Oil and gas pipelines. Gathering lines and distribution pipelines cross roads, rivers, and environmentally sensitive areas. Boring eliminates the need for open cuts.
- Water and sewer lines. Municipalities use directional boring to replace aging water mains and sewer lines. The existing line stays in service during installation.
- Environmental remediation. Groundwater monitoring wells and remediation systems need precise placement. The steering capability lets operators place wells exactly where needed.
- Electrical transmission. Underground power cables get installed without disturbing overhead lines or surface infrastructure.
Real-World Case: Utility Contractor Saves 60% on Road Crossing
A utility contractor in Ohio bought a YG-320 from us in early 2024. They were installing a 12-inch water main under a four-lane highway. The crossing length was 150 meters. Their previous method involved boring under the road with a smaller rig – it took 3 days and required traffic control for 2 lanes. The city charged $2,000 per day for lane closure permits.
The YG-320 arrived with a 73mm drill rod set, a 500mm reamer, and a full mud system. Their crew trained for one day on the parallel control system and the auto greasing feature. They drilled the pilot hole in 4 hours, reamed in 3 hours, and pulled the pipe in 2 hours. The entire crossing finished in a single 9-hour shift.
Permit costs dropped from $6,000 to $2,000. Labor costs dropped from 4 workers for 3 days to 3 workers for 1 day – a 75% reduction. The contractor saved $8,000 on that single crossing. The machine paid for itself in 6 months of similar work.
5 FAQs About Directional Boring Rig（HDD Rig）
The YG-160A and YG-180 install pipes up to 300mm in diameter. The YG-280 and YG-320 install pipes up to 500mm. The maximum reaming diameter of 800mm allows for larger pipes with proper planning. (Please contact me if you need a larger size.)
A 200-meter crossing takes 8-12 hours with a proper crew and ground conditions. This includes pilot hole, reaming, and pipe pulling. Shorter crossings take less time.
The machine handles clay, sand, gravel, and soft rock. Hard rock may require a rock bit. The mud system clears cuttings effectively in all conditions.
The standard package includes 15-20 rods depending on the model. A rod rack on the rig holds 36 rods in a 4×9 configuration. We supply additional rods on request.
Yes. The hydraulic system includes a warm-up mode. The engine starts reliably in cold temperatures. We recommend using winter-grade hydraulic oil below 0°C.
Ready to Choose Your Directional Boring Rig?
We offer free consultation for buyers. Tell us your typical pipe diameter, crossing length, and ground conditions. We will recommend the right model and provide a detailed cost analysis.
Three ways to move forward:
- Request a quote – Send your project specifications. Get pricing within 6 hours.
- Watch a test run – Ask for a video of the machine drilling in your ground type.
- Visit our factory – See production and meet our engineering team in Zhengzhou.
Contact YG Machinery today via WhatsApp, email, or the website form. Every machine includes a warranty and remote support.【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone】+86 183 3715 2861
