Global infrastructure construction is accelerating in 2026, with industry data showing construction machinery exports surging 208% year-on-year, reflecting extremely strong international demand for efficient construction solutions. An underground horizontal drilling machine is a proven trenchless construction equipment that installs underground utilities without excavating the ground surface. It combines directional technology from the petroleum industry with traditional pipeline construction methods to create precise underground boreholes, making it the preferred choice for modern urban and rural infrastructure projects. This technology allows contractors to lay pipes under roads, railways, rivers and buildings without disrupting surface activities.
YG offers a complete line of reliable and high-performance underground horizontal drilling machines designed for diverse project requirements. Our equipment delivers excellent drilling accuracy, fast construction speed and low operational costs. It features advanced automation systems including self-anchoring, automatic drill rod handling and automatic lubrication, which reduce labor requirements and improve job site safety. All models can handle various soil conditions from soft clay to hard rock, making them suitable for projects in different regions worldwide.
Underground Horizontal Drilling Machine Parameters
| Model | YG-160A | YG-180 | YG-280 | YG-320 | YG-320A |
| Engine rated power | 100KW | 97KW | 160KW | 140KW/160KW | 160KW |
| Push and pull | Cylinder | Motor | Motor | Cylinder | Motor |
| Maximum drag/feed force | 160/100KN | 180/180KN | 280/280KN | 320/320KN | 320/320KN |
| The maximum torque of the powerhead | 5000N.n | 6000N.n | 10000N.n | 12000N.n | 12000N.n |
| Powerhead speed | 0-180r/min | 0-140r/min | 0-120r/min | 0-140r/min | 0-140r/min |
| Moving speed of powerhead | 30m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min | 20m/min |
| Maximum reaming hole diameter | Φ600mm | Φ600mm | Φ750mm | Φ800mm | Φ800mm |
| Drill rod length (single) | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m | 3m |
| Drill pipe diameter | Φ60mm | Φ60mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm | Φ73mm |
| Drill pipe diameter | 10-23° | 10-22° | 10-23° | 10-20° | 10-20° |
| Maximum mudflow | 160L/min | 250L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min | 320L/min |
| Maximum mud pressure | 100bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar | 80bar |
| Overall quality | 6700kg | 8500kg | 12500kg | 11500kg | 11200kg |
| Dimension(length*width*height) | 5700*1820*2400mm | 6400*2270*2340mm | 7100*2260*2450mm | 7100*2250*2450mm | 7100*2250*2550mm |
Underground Horizontal Drilling Machine Application Fields
- Municipal Utility Installation: Installs water, sewage, electricity, telecommunications and natural gas pipelines in urban areas. It avoids road closure, traffic disruption and damage to existing infrastructure, making it ideal for busy city centers and residential neighborhoods.
- Crossing Obstacles: Safely crosses highways, railways, rivers and environmentally sensitive areas. It can drill up to 18 meters deep under rivers and 3 meters deep under urban roads, ensuring pipelines are protected from external damage.
- Energy Infrastructure: Lays oil and gas pipelines in both urban and rural areas. Its precision ensures pipelines are installed at the correct depth and alignment, reducing the risk of leaks and extending service life.
- Special Projects: Works in cultural heritage protection zones and agricultural areas where excavation is prohibited. It preserves historical sites and protects crops from damage, allowing infrastructure development without environmental harm.
Trenchless vs Traditional Excavation: Real-World Cost Savings
Many contractors underestimate the true cost of traditional open-cut excavation. When you factor in road repair, traffic management, environmental restoration and project delays, open-cut methods often cost significantly more than trenchless technology.
An underground horizontal drilling machine eliminates most of these costs by working entirely below the surface. It requires no road demolition and no large excavation pits, reducing material waste and cleanup time. On average, trenchless construction reduces project costs by 20-40% and shortens project duration by 30-50% compared to traditional methods.
Additionally, pipelines installed using trenchless technology have a longer service life. When buried 6-18 meters deep, they are protected from surface traffic, corrosion and temperature changes, which can double their operational lifespan. This results in even greater long-term savings for project owners.
Case 1: Urban Water Pipeline Project in Bolivia
Client Background and Requirements: A construction company in Bolivia needed to install a new water supply pipeline under a busy multi-lane highway in a major city. Traditional open-cut excavation would have required closing the highway for an extended period, causing significant traffic disruption and economic losses. They needed a solution that would allow them to complete the project without interrupting daily traffic.
YG’s Solution: Our team recommended the YG-280 HDD drill rig, which provided the perfect balance of power and maneuverability for the project. The machine successfully drilled a 120-meter-long borehole under the highway in just 3 days, with no impact on traffic flow. The pipeline was installed accurately and passed all pressure tests on the first attempt.
Customer Feedback: The customer was extremely satisfied with the results. They reported that the project was completed 10 days ahead of schedule and cost 35% less than the original open-cut estimate. They also noted that the machine was easy to operate and required minimal maintenance throughout the project.
Case 2: Rural Natural Gas Pipeline Project in Bangladesh
Client Background and Requirements: A gas distribution company in Bangladesh needed to extend its network to several rural villages. The project required crossing a wide river that was prone to flooding during the monsoon season. Traditional dredging methods would have been expensive, time-consuming and harmful to the river ecosystem. They needed a solution that would protect the environment and ensure the pipeline would last for decades.
YG’s Solution: We provided the YG-320A HDD drill rig, which delivered the power and precision needed to complete the project on schedule. The directional drilling equipment drilled a 120-meter-long borehole 12 meters below the riverbed, ensuring the pipeline would be protected from flooding and erosion. The entire crossing was completed in 5 days without any environmental damage.
Customer Feedback: The customer provided detailed positive feedback on the machine’s performance. They stated that, compared to the originally planned dredging method, this project was completed 65% faster and reduced total project costs by approximately 40%. The automation features allowed their 3-person team to operate the equipment efficiently without additional specialized training. Since the pipeline was put into operation 8 months ago, it has performed flawlessly with no signs of leakage or structural issues.
HDD Rigs For Sale-Get your free quote today
If you are looking for high-quality HDD rigs for sale, we offer a complete range of models to suit every project scale. Our technical team will work with you to select the perfect machine for your specific requirements and provide comprehensive support throughout the purchase process. Contact us today to get your customized quote for directional drilling equipment and detailed technical specifications. We are committed to helping you complete your projects on time and within budget.
