Equipment and technical capability
Good drilling starts with the right kit and the experience to use it well. Here is what we bring to site, what it can do and the ground we work in. For project specific detail, our team is always happy to talk it through.
Capability at a glance
JF Drilling Solutions provides specialist horizontal directional drilling (HDD) services for installing pipes, ducts and cables across a range of diameters and ground conditions throughout the UK.
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Our current capabilities include bore lengths of up to 100 metres per shot for the following product diameters:
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125 mm diameter — Bore lengths of up to 100 metres per shot
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90 mm diameter — Bore lengths of up to 100 metres per shot
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63 mm diameter — Bore lengths of up to 100 metres per shot
Our HDD solutions support the installation of essential utility infrastructure, including:
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Water pipes, pumping mains and rising mains
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Gas pipes and distribution infrastructure
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Electrical ducts and cable routes
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Fibre-optic and telecommunications ducting
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Other underground utility pipes and ducts, subject to project requirements
Horizontal directional drilling provides a trenchless installation method that can help minimise surface disruption while installing underground infrastructure beneath roads, pathways and other obstacles, where ground conditions and project requirements permit.
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Actual drilling capabilities depend on ground conditions, site access, bore profile, product diameter and project-specific requirements.
Our Drilling Rig: Vermeer D8x12 Directional Drill
Our Vermeer D8x12 is a compact, tracked utility drill built for service installations where space is tight and disruption must be kept low. It fits through a narrow garden gate, travels on a small trailer and runs quietly enough for residential streets. That means we can work in gardens, farmyards, footpaths and busy urban sites that larger rigs simply cannot reach.
Maximum Thrust & Pullback
Up to 6,700 lbf (30 kN) thrust / 6,700 lbf (30 kN) pullback
Drill Pipe Diameter
1.5" (38 mm) OD x 1.0" (25 mm) ID
Maximum Pilot Bore Diameter
Up to 18" (457 mm)
Maximum Product Pipe Diameter
Up to 4" (102 mm) (depending on tooling and soil conditions)
Maximum Length per Shot (Standard)
Up to 300 ft (91 m)
Extended Capability
100 metre shots at 125 mm diameter. With the right tooling and ground conditions, the D8x12 can achieve extended shots of up to 100 m using 125 mm (5") product pipe.
Engine
Deutz 74 hp (55 kW) Tier 4 Final / Stage V
Dimensions (L x W x H)
Approx. 5.2 m x 2.0 m x 2.1 m (varies with options and configuration)
Weight
Approx. 7,500 kg (varies with options)
VERSATILE
For utilities, telecoms, water and gas, and more.
COMPACT DESIGN
Ideal for urban and restricted access sites.
RELIABLE & DURABLE
Built for real-world jobsite conditions.
SUPPORT
Backed by Vermeer’s global dealer network.
Why contractors work with us
Specialist tooling
We match drill heads and reamers to the ground and the size of the service, so each bore is cut cleanly and the pipe goes in without stress.
Tracking and locating
Every bore is tracked from entry to exit, so we know the position and depth of the drill head at all times. That protects existing services and puts your pipe or duct exactly where it was designed to go.
Pipe and duct installation
We install water, gas, electrical, telecoms and drainage pipes and ducts, including multiple ducts pulled back together where the job calls for it.