Vermeer Corp. was awarded the Joseph L. Abbott Jr. Innovative Product Award (New Installation Category) by the North American Society of Trenchless Technology (NASTT) at the 2012 No-Dig Show, held Mar. 12-15, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. Vermeer won the award for its D36x50R Series II Navigator HDD, equipped with the rock-focused MAGnum drilling system.

The MAGnum drilling system uses rapidly rotating magnets of alternating polarity within the carriage assembly, which generates a high-frequency percussive action to fracture and bore through tough formations, including solid rock. This hammer technology was developed in collaboration with FlexiDRILL, a New Zealand-based engineering company, and is licensed for exclusive distribution in the HDD market by Vermeer.

Not a dedicated rock drill, the MAGnum system can be disengaged by the flip of the switch, and the D36x50R Series II will perform as a conventional HDD drill. This versatility qualifies the drill for a range of ground conditions to help boost overall utilization.

“Vermeer is humbled to receive this award from NASTT,” says Dave Wisniewski, vice president of underground solutions for Vermeer. “We spent several years developing this new technology. It is true innovation for tomorrow’s jobsite challenges.”

Each year, NASTT recognizes two companies for state-of-the-art products that help advance trenchless technology. This is the third time Vermeer has won in this category. Vermeer previously has won the Abbott Award for the D20x22FX Series II Navigator flex-angle drill (2011) and the Vermeer the AXIS guided boring system (2009).

NASTT is a multiple disciplinary society of individuals and organizations with professional, utilitarian or environmental interests in trenchless technology. Its mission is to advance trenchless technology and to promote its benefits for the public and the environment by increasing awareness and knowledge through information dissemination; research and development; education and training; and partnerships with organizations and agencies interested in trenchless technology and its benefits.