Adapted from Astec Underground's horizontal directional drills, a dual rack-and-pinion design drives the company's new EarthPro Geothermal 4550 drill rig, available in a truck- or track-mounted version. Three-speed drive motors provide 45,000 pounds of pull up and 22,000 pounds of pull down for quick cycles in the installation of geothermal systems, says Astec Underground. With an automated pipe loading system, a single operator can drill and trip out up to 600 feet of pipe without winch assistance. Dual multi-function joystick controls are mounted on a console.
