Just because you use Ditch Witch® or Vermeer® directional drills doesn’t mean you’ll be forced into using their parts. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are great at producing the standard equipment for the HDD industry, but are they the best choice for your ongoing HDD tooling needs?
Freedom to choose
Many HDD drillers mistakenly believe that because they’ve got a Vermeer or Ditch Witch drill, they need Vermeer or Ditch Witch tooling—and OEM distributors aren’t going out of their way to discourage that idea. Makes sense for the OEM business model, but it’s not necessarily the best choice for drillers. In many cases, using third-party equipment won’t void your warranty, provided the tools are tested and proven by reputable aftermarket HDD tooling manufacturers.
Versatility for multiple rigs
Every OEM dealer is focused on their particular brand. They’re experts in their own line but can’t provide much help when it comes to tools for other rigs. Meanwhile, Aftermarket HDD tooling suppliers are set up to accommodate any rig brand.
Aftermarket HDD tool manufacturers can produce accessories that help drillers standardize tooling with the same threads or bolt-pattern across same-power rigs from any OEM. This is a huge time and money saver if you need to share tools between multiple rigs or borrow a backreamer from a buddy.
Laser focus and expertise.
HDD specialists are not bogged down trying to provide support for trenchers, excavators, and all the other types of ground moving equipment. As Experts on the HDD industry and product line, aftermarket HDD tooling manufacturers and distributors have the ability to hone their focus on the complexities that are unique to HDD.
Easy ordering
If you’re tired of keeping track of different catalogs, part numbers and distributor contacts, working with an aftermarket HDD tooling manufacturer can save you the hassle. Because they make parts for every rig brand, you can save time by working with a single tooling distributor. This releases you from the feeling of being locked into one supplier.
To get the benefit of Aftermarket HDD tooling, you must overcome the mentality that once you buy a drill rig, your tools must “match.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
For questions about which tooling will work best for your job, contact QDS today at 07 55371 366.
Editors Note: This post was originally published by Melfred Borzall on August 3, 2018
