

A horizontal drill rig installs underground pipelines and utility lines without opening a continuous trench. Contractors use it for road crossings, water and gas pipelines, power cables, and communication lines. Also searched for as a horizontal boring machine, this equipment drills along a planned underground route, enlarges the bore, and pulls the pipeline into position. YG offers five models with different thrust, torque, and drilling system arrangements for trenchless construction projects.
Horizontal Drill Rig Specifications
| Item | YG-160A | YG-180 | YG-280 | YG-320 | YG-320A |
| Model | YG-160A | YG-180 | YG-280 | YG-320 | YG-320A |
| Engine rated power | 100KW | 97KW | 160KW | 140KW/160KW | 160KW |
| Push and pull | Cylinder | Motor | Motor | Cylinder | Motor |
| Maximum drag/feed force | 160/100KN | 180/180KN | 280/280KN | 320/320KN | 320/320KN |
| The maximum torque of the powerhead | 5000N.n | 6000N.n | 10000N.n | 12000N.n | 12000N.n |
| Powerhead speed | 0-180r/min | 0-140r/min | 0-120r/min | 0-140r/min | 0-140r/min |
| Moving speed of powerhead | 30m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min |
| Maximum reaming hole diameter | Φ600mm | Φ600mm | Φ750mm | Φ800mm | Φ800mm |
| Drill rod length (single) | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m |
| Drill pipe diameter | Φ60mm | Φ60mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm |
| Drill pipe angle | 10-23° | 10-22° | 10-23° | 10-20° | 10-20° |
| Maximum mudflow | 160L/min | 250L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min |
| Maximum mud pressure | 100bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar |
| Overall quality | 6700kg | 8500kg | 12500kg | 11500kg | 11200kg |
| Dimension(lengthwidthheight) | 5700x1820x2400mm | 6400x2270x2340mm | 7100x2260x2450mm | 7100x2250x2450mm | 7100x22502x550mm |
How an HDD Machine Works on Site


An HDD machine completes underground pipeline installation in three main stages:
Pilot drilling: The drill head follows the planned alignment. The crew monitors its direction and adjusts the bore path as ground conditions require.
Hole enlargement: A reamer enlarges the pilot bore to accommodate the pipeline.
Pipeline pullback: The crew connects the pipeline to the drill string and pulls it through the prepared bore.
Drilling fluid carries cuttings away from the bore, supports bore stability, and reduces friction. Correct fluid selection and circulation help limit mud blockage during drilling and reaming.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Rig Applications
A horizontal directional drilling rig suits projects where open-cut excavation would disrupt roads, waterways, or developed areas.
Road Crossing Drilling
Contractors install water pipes, gas lines, and communication ducts beneath roads without excavating the entire pavement. This reduces traffic disruption and limits road reinstatement work.
River Crossing HDD Rig
A river crossing HDD rig installs pipelines beneath riverbeds and waterways. Route planning must account for entry and exit points, ground conditions, bore length, and drilling-fluid control.
Trenchless Pipeline Drilling
Trenchless pipeline drilling supports water supply, gas distribution, and selected drainage projects. The required rig capacity depends on pipe diameter, bore length, ground resistance, and the planned reaming process.
Underground Utility Installation
An underground utility drilling rig installs electrical conduits, fiber-optic ducts, and communication lines beneath pavements and developed sites. This method reduces surface excavation and limits disruption to existing infrastructure.
Choosing the Right HDD Machine for Your Project


Consider these factors when selecting a rig:
- Push and pull force: Match thrust and pullback capacity to the planned bore length, pipeline weight, and expected resistance.
- Drive arrangement: Cylinder drive uses hydraulic cylinders for push-and-pull movement and suits projects that prioritize direct thrust control. Motor drive uses a motor-driven feed system and offers an alternative for smooth, continuous powerhead travel. Actual suitability depends on the rig design and operating conditions.
- Torque and reaming diameter: Match these specifications to the required bore size and ground resistance.
- Mud system: Check mud flow and pressure against the drilling-fluid requirements. Proper circulation helps remove cuttings and reduce blockage risk.
- Site access: Review machine dimensions, weight, and transport access before delivery.
- Drill pipe condition: Inspect pipes, joints, and connections regularly to reduce interruptions during drilling.
Why Consider YG Horizontal Directional Drilling Equipment?
Multiple Model Options: Five models offer different thrust, pullback force, torque, reaming diameter, and mud flow capacity for varied drilling tasks.
Hydraulic System Integration: YG focuses on the coordination of the powerhead, feed system, and mud circulation system to support stable drilling performance.
Factory Quality Control: YG inspects key components and tests machine functions before shipment to reduce the risk of startup issues on site.
Technical Support: YG provides technical documentation, operation guidance, spare parts support, and after-sales assistance for overseas customers.
With decades of machinery manufacturing experience, YG supports customers from model selection through delivery and after-sales service. Share your planned bore length, pipeline diameter, and ground conditions with the YG team to discuss a suitable horizontal drilling solution. In addition to horizontal drilling equipment, YG also supplies a solar pile driver for solar mounting foundation work and a crawler rotary drilling rig for foundation drilling and ground engineering projects.
FAQ
What information is needed for an HDD machine quotation?
Provide the bore length, pipeline diameter and material, ground conditions, project location, and crossing type.
Can YG customize a horizontal directional drilling rig?
Discuss your requirements with YG before ordering. Available customization depends on the selected model and requested changes.
What is the delivery time?
Delivery time depends on the model, order details, and production schedule. Request an estimated delivery date with your quotation.
What warranty and after-sales support are available?
Ask YG to specify the warranty period, covered components, technical support, and spare-parts arrangements in the quotation or sales agreement.





