The new, compact drill is designed for working in tight spaces, features straightforward controls and delivers quiet operation. With two drill rod options for added versatility, the Vermeer D8x12 is well suited for small service installations, including gas distribution, power, water and telecommunication networks.

Tod Michael, product manager of trenchless products at Vermeer, commented: "From fibre-to-the-home projects to residential utility upgrades, there is a growing demand for compact horizontal directional drills that can easily access residential backyards, are lightweight to help reduce turf damage and quiet to minimise neighbour disturbances.

"With the D8x12, we were able to exceed contractors' expectations in all of those areas and more. It's an affordable service-oriented machine that is over 29% more powerful than similarly sized drills on the market today."

The Vermeer D8x12 is equipped with a 48hp (35.8kW) Kohler diesel engine and offers 1,000ft-lb (1,355.8Nm) of spindle torque and 7,850lb (34.9kN) of thrust/pullback. It features basic hydraulic pilot joystick controls with only essential electrical components, simplifying operation and routine maintenance.

With a low noise emission level of 85dBA at the operator's ear and guaranteed sound power of 104dBA, the D8x12 is suitable for work in urban environments. It can fit through a 36in (91.4cm) gate or onto a trailer with other jobsite essentials.

According to Vermeer, while on the job, the D8x12 drill's tracks provide optimised traction for operations with little ground disturbance. With a forward travel speed of 2.8mph (4.5km/h), this compact drill can quickly be repositioned between bores.

The Vermeer D8x12 also gives contractors multiple drill rod options, including a 1.31in-diameter Firestick drill rod when tight steering is required, or 1.66in-diameter drill rod for more demanding ground conditions and longer drill shots. In addition, it can share tooling with several current and previous Vermeer drill models, including the D6x6, D7x11 Series II, D9x13 S3 and D10x15 S3 Navigator horizontal directional drills.