Texas-based manufacturer Lone Star Drills has introduced an all-new tracked drill with an automatic standard penetration test (SPT) hammer. The company says the new package improved accuracy for geotechnical and soil sampling applications. The LSGT+HDA drill is based on one of Lone Star Drills’ most popular units, the LST1G+HDA.

“We wanted to provide a solution to customers who were limited by a truck-mounted geotechnical drill,” said Joe Haynes, Little Beaver president. “The LST1G+HDA drill itself is a durable machine, but we wanted to make a more versatile version for all customers.”

Lone Star says that, by adding tracks and a remote-controlled feature to the drill, operators can position the drill in hard-to-reach areas and locations, and while maintaining leveling control with hydraulics. The tracks spread the drill’s weight and lower its ground pressure to 3.8 psi, minimizing the risk of damage while completing soil sampling or geotechnical testing in sensitive areas. Tracks also minimize the risk of the drill getting stuck in soft ground conditions.

Hydraulic leveling new to the LSGT+HDA. Operators can raise the machine and lower the machine using a cylinder and telescoping jack on each corner, allowing for use on uneven ground. Drillers can operate the drill from a safe, line-of-sight distance using a remote control, which is battery powered and includes a 50-foot tether cord in case of battery power loss. The drill comes standard with a 140-pound automatic hammer and is capable of sampling down to 100 feet. The machine can also be used with Little Beaver’s split spoon samplers and AWJ drilling rod for obtaining core samples or conducting geotechnical testing and environmental soil sampling.

The LSGT+HDA can deliver up to 8,500 pounds of pushback with an optional anchor kit. The drill also features an 8,500-pound lifting capacity for the hassle-free removal of augers and extensions.

It features a 27-horsepower Kohler EFI gas engine to power the drill, which includes a powerful 3,000-psi hydraulic system. The drill’s 12.5-gpm hydraulic power pack achieves a rotary speed of 100 rpm. The system provides the drill’s hydraulic winch with 1,500 pounds of pull for raising the automatic hammer and sampling string. A diesel option will also be available.

Lone Star Drills is part of the Little Beaver product family. Little Beaver has been manufacturing drilling equipment for three generations. It offers a full line of equipment, along with a complete line of accessories like augers, extensions, points and blades. Little Beaver serves the needs of end-users, from professional contractors to rental centers. For more information, visit www.littlebeaver.com or www.lonestardrills.com.