High-Tech Work Drives Healthy HDD Market

摘要

The horizontal directional drill market has been healthy in recent years, as utility contractors and their fleet managers have seen this country's dependence on new technology lead to additional work. "Whether we're talking about advanced technology in energy sources like natural gas, wind and solar, or connectivity technology like telecommunications, DSL and fiber optic installations, directional drills have become an extremely popular solution in connecting infrastructure where excavation or trenching isn't practical or cost effective due to rehabilitation requirements," says Josh Beddow, marketing manager, Toro. "Overall, HDD unit sales have been increasing over the past three years, with an average increase last year of about 10 percent," says Seth Matthesen, senior product manager, HDDs, for Ditch Witch. "Smaller, more compact rigs are driving the improved sales, while larger rigs that were popular during the oil and gas boom are seeing less overall unit sales."