Vermeer Corporation

10/08/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2025 14:45

Enhanced Vermeer D20x22 S3 horizontal directional drill delivers improved reliability for utility contractors

PELLA, Iowa / Oct 8, 2025
The proven Vermeer D20x22 S3 HDD receives targeted model year updates focused on enhanced reliability and uptime for utility contractors working in demanding urban environments.

Vermeer has enhanced its D20x22 S3 horizontal directional drill (HDD) with model year updates featuring improved hydraulic circuit protection, redesigned component routing and enhanced hood design to further boost reliability for utility contractors. These enhancements come as utility contractors seek to maximize productivity while working in congested urban environments.

The updated D20x22 S3 builds on its proven track record in the field, with engineering improvements designed to help further optimize performance and extend equipment life.

"Utility contractors depend on equipment that delivers consistent performance, day after day," said Clint Recker, HDD product manager at Vermeer. "The D20x22 S3 has proven itself as a reliable workhorse, and these enhancements make it even better. We've listened to contractors about what would help them be most productive and engineered improvements that deliver exactly that."

Targeted improvements address contractor needs

The updated hood design offers convenient maintenance access while providing enhanced protection for internal components. A new rotation circuit accumulator helps protect the hydraulic system from pressure spikes, while redesigned hose and harness routing better shield critical components from damage and help reduce service interruptions. These improvements build on the drill's existing strengths, including a 167 fpm (50.9 m/min) carriage speed, a 257 rpm rotational speed and a compact 48-in (122-cm) width that excels in tight urban jobsites.

"Equipment reliability directly supports contractor productivity and project efficiency," Recker said. "These enhancements build on the D20x22 S3's already strong foundation to help contractors maintain peak performance and keep projects moving forward smoothly."

Proven performance, enhanced reliability

The D20x22 S3 remains the ideal solution for contractors installing fiber, gas lines and other small-diameter utilities in urban environments. The drill delivers 19,500 lb (86.7 kN) of thrust/pullback with 2,250 ft-lb (3,050 Nm) of rotational torque, powered by a 74-hp (55-kW) Deutz Tier 4 Final engine.

Advanced features like AutoDrill allow operators to set rotation and thrust/pullback pressure while drilling in changing soil conditions, with the patented Auto Resume function allowing slurry and cuttings to mix before thrust/pullback resumes. The drill's narrow footprint and 3.3-mph (5.3-km/h) tracking speed make it particularly well-suited for the fiber-to-the-home installations and urban utility work that drive demand in this market segment.

The VermeerOneā„¢ digital platform enhances fleet management with free real-time machine tracking, status updates, and fault code reporting. For contractors with multiple machines, the optional Premium Fleet subscription offers comprehensive analytics and performance insights that help optimize equipment use and drive productivity through data-informed decisions.

For more information about the updated D20x22 S3 HDD, contact your local Vermeer dealer.

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region.

Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.

Vermeer, VermeerOne and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. Ā© 2025 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Vermeer Corporation published this content on October 08, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 08, 2025 at 20:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]