Most Recent Discussions

American Augers

by Rob Oct 23, 2025 in Auger Boring 1 reply

@Bernie When did you first start working in the Trenchless Industry ?

Recent Replies:

Bernie Oct 24, 2025

I joined American Augers in 1984 as the Executive VP & COO. Leo Barbera, founder of American Augers, convinced me to shut down my management consulting firm and join him. From there, I grew to bec...

Underground Tools

by Rob Oct 23, 2025 in Mini HDD Rigs & Projects 2 replies

@mikeb When and how did Underground Tools begin ?

Recent Replies:

Rob Oct 23, 2025

@jshepker Seems like a long time ago, but not surprised.

Joe Shepker Oct 23, 2025

[attach class="aligncenter"]1[/attach] According to MSHA, They started with the Egyptians and Romans with Copper and Gold

Boring Machine

by Rob Oct 21, 2025 in Auger Boring 0 replies

@jessiebarbco-com What is the biggest Auger Boring Machine Barbco has made ?

Top 50 Trenchless Engineering Firms

by Kelly VanNatten Oct 21, 2025 in Engineering 2 replies

@rdk Check out the Nov/Dec issue of Trenchless Technology magazine for the Top 50 Trenchless Engineering Firm rankings!

Recent Replies:

Rob Nov 7, 2025

@kvannattenbenjaminmedia-com The top 50 is such a great coverage of the market.

Rob Oct 23, 2025

When will the issue be out ? The top 50 trenchless engineering firms is a must read.

PG&E

by Rob Oct 21, 2025 in Mini HDD Rigs & Projects 1 reply

@mike-k Breaking News - PG&E took first the HDD Rodeo. 😎

Recent Replies:

Mike Canada Oct 21, 2025

They sure did, Rob.

Largest Pipe Ram

by Rob Oct 21, 2025 in Pipe Ramming 0 replies

What is the largest diameter pipe ram to date in the USA ?

Best Practices for Pullback During HDD in Sandy Soil Conditions?

by Joe Shepker Oct 13, 2025 in Mid-Size HDD Rigs & Projects 1 reply

We’re running into some challenges during pullback on a 600 ft HDD shot in loose sandy soil. We’ve noticed higher than expected torque and some fluid loss along the bore path. Has anyone dealt with similar conditions? What strategies or additives have worked best to stabilize the hole and reduce pullback resistance? Any tips on managing drill...

Recent Replies:

Joe Shepker Oct 13, 2025

We ran into exactly this on a few long shots — sandy ground can be a real PITA for pullback because the hole tends to cave and the fluid doesn’t support cuttings well. A few practical things that ...

History

by Bernie Sep 29, 2025 in Directional Drilling 2 replies

Does anyone know why Case and Astec got out of the HDD market? They both bought HDD rig manufacturers. Who did they buy?

Recent Replies:

Mike Canada Oct 1, 2025

From what I could research, Tulsa Rig Iron acquired the Ingersoll-Rand's HDD division in 1999 and creating Tulsa Trenchless. In 2005 the company shuttered its other divisions to focus on mud systems. ...

Rob Sep 30, 2025

Not sure why they left the market...but could speculate. Case rigs were at one time Ingersoll-Rand rigs and then Tulsa Rig Iron...unique setup with the drillers seat on the other side. Astec purchased...