According to the manufacturer, the new LST1G+HD offers enhanced power and capabilities when compared to its smaller LST1G+ geotechnical drill. The company has added a planetary reduction gearbox for more torque and a reduction mechanism for increased push/pull-back force over its standard geotechnical drill rig. It gives engineers and soil technicians an efficient, robust and dependable drill for standard penetration tests (SPT) and sampling soils for academic testing, Little Beaver claimed.

Joe Haynes, Lone Star Drills' president, commented: "Last year, a New Zealand university needed a quality drill with enough torque to reach depths of 100ft for academic soil testing.

"Power and durability were a must to take on this kind of challenge time and time again. We saw this as an opportunity not only to help one customer, but to open up opportunities for future customers in new applications."

The new heavy-duty geotechnical rig's torque increased from 500 with the standard model to 1,100 foot-pounds (1,490Nm), doubling the drill depth to 100ft. In addition, it provides users with 8,500 pounds (37,810N) of push/pull-back force for tackling challenging soil conditions, as opposed to 5,000 pounds on the standard model. Little Beaver accommodated for the additional force by increasing the unit's pull capacity with a double-row 80 drive chain. The strength of the steel frames on the unit was also increased by 50% for enhanced durability.

The heavy-duty rig comes with Little Beaver's SSK1 kit, which includes a tower, pulley, third hydraulic valve and a steel cathead. The kit allows users to perform standard penetration tests with Little Beaver's optional 140lb (64kg) safety hammer, split spoon samplers and AWJ drilling rod. Solid-stem augers are available in 3in to 8in diameters, and the unit is capable of drilling 6in boreholes down to 100ft. Little Beaver also offers two sizes of hollow stem augers, one for drilling to 50ft and one for 100ft.