PELLA, Iowa — Vermeer Corporation introduces the D9x13 Series II Navigator horizontal directional drill (HDD) designed for confined jobsites and areas where surface disturbance to turf, such as residential and commercial lawns, is a concern. The newly introduced compact model will be especially useful for fiber-to-the-home and other utility installations.

The new D9x13 is designed to accommodate 300 feet (91.4 m) of drill rod, which allows for the completion of long distance bores and the two-speed rotational gearbox helps enhance controllability, allowing the operator to increase backreaming speed when conditions allow.

Contractors will appreciate the compact frame, which measures just 35.5 inches (90.2 cm) wide making it the narrowest machine in its class. An extendable-track feature allows the rod side track to extend an additional 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) to 42.5 inches (108 cm) outward, adding more width at the tracks to increase side-hill stability.

The D9x13 Series II is available with either a 9 gpm (34.1 L/min) at 750 psi (51.7 bar) or 15 gpm (56.8 L/min) at 750 psi (51.7 bar) onboard drilling fluid pump. Customers can select the most appropriate pump size for their application needs and preferences.

A robust undercarriage with oversize tracks helps evenly disperse machine weight. And with just 5.5 psi (0.4 bar) of ground pressure, surface disturbance to turf-sensitive areas, such as lawns and golf courses, is minimal.

The operator’s station has several user-friendly amenities, including dual joysticks and a digital display screen with drilling fluid volume recorder and rod cycle counter — features that can help enhance efficiency and bore-planning accuracy. A rear transport throttle control eliminates the need for the operator to leave the transport control station to adjust the throttle.

Powered by a 47 hp (35 kW) Kubota turbocharged diesel engine, the D9x13 Series II produces 9000 pounds (40 kN) of thrust / pullback force and 1300 ft-lb (1762.6 Nm) of rotational torque.

For more information on Vermeer products and services, visit the company’s Web site at www.vermeer.com or e-mail Vermeer at salesinfo@vermeer.


Vermeer Corporation of Pella, Iowa, U.S.A., manufactures a full line of tub and horizontal grinders, brush chippers, stump cutters and tree spades, as well as horizontal directional drilling systems, mini skid steers, utility and track trenchers and agricultural products. Vermeer offers worldwide sales, support, service and parts through an independent, authorized global dealer network.