In a digital world, fast and reliable internet is more important than ever – but providing this service in built-up areas without disturbing local communities can be a challenge.
The rollout of the national broadband network (nbn) continues to bring phone and internet infrastructure up to speed with the needs of modern Australia.
Conducting these works in established areas with busy streets full of homes and businesses, while maintaining safety protocols and minimum disruption, is more than a nice-to-have; how a contractor works and the impact upon the neighbourhood and nearby businesses can mean the difference between a one-off job and ongoing partnerships with asset owners.
Vermeer’s D23x30DR S3 horizontal directional drill (HDD) features a low-profile design and powerful engine that can handle even the toughest ground conditions, all while being one of the quietest options on the market.
With its compact footprint and low machine noise, the D23x30DR S3 is an ideal machine for nbn projects in built-up areas, allowing operators easy access to condensed spaces and the ability to complete works quickly and quietly, minimising disruption to surrounding communities.
HDD success
Skytech Group is a leading nbn works provider, working primarily in established areas to construct the underground infrastructure for the nbn to extend its cable network footprint.
When it came time to invest in a new drill, Skytech Group General Manager, Marc Rodrigues, said the company decided to purchase Vermeer’s D23x30DR S3 for its nbn works after careful consideration of all the options on the market.
“The D23x30DR S3 presented as a highly capable rock drilling machine that still maintains a small enough footprint to ensure an optimised site set up for our clients,” Mr Rodrigues said.
“It can balance capability and power to drill in rock conditions and is nimble enough to set up in typical suburban areas.”
Importantly, Mr Rodrigues said that the D23x30DR S3 allows Skytech Group to continue works in high-density areas with a smaller, quieter machine that keeps disruptions to nearby communities to a minimum.
“Additionally, enabling the site set-up to be as compact and low-impact as possible to surrounding residents and businesses allows us to adapt to the situation and still achieve our desired operational outcome,” he said.
According to Mr Rodrigues, Vermeer Australia’s customer support through sales and maintenance at the local Derrimut branch factored heavily when deciding which machine to purchase.
“Adrian and the team at Vermeer Australia in Derrimut have, on multiple occasions, been on hand to provide quality advice and support and in some instances have personally delivered key items to site to ensure we can continue our operations with minimum downtime,” he said.
“That’s just another reason we’re so happy with our choice.”
Featured image: The D23x30DR S3 is ideal for projects in suburban areas. Image: Vermeer Australia.
