

Traditional pipeline installation means tearing up roads, disrupting traffic, and disturbing communities. Rivers and railways create even bigger obstacles. What if you could install pipes without any surface excavation? An HDD rig machine makes this possible. Horizontal directional drilling installs pipelines beneath obstacles rather than through them. Roads stay open. Trains keep running. Rivers remain undisturbed. The YG series horizontal drilling rig delivers reliable performance across five popular models. While we manufacture a full range of horizontal drilling equipment, these five configurations represent our most frequently requested machines. They cover pipeline diameters from 300mm to 800mm with installation lengths reaching up to 1500 meters.
What Is an HDD Rig Machine?
An HDD rig machine is a drilling system that installs underground pipelines without digging trenches. It combines directional drilling technology with traditional pipeline construction methods. The process works in three stages. First, the drill head follows a predetermined path beneath obstacles. Second, the operator enlarges the hole using a reamer. Third, the pipeline gets pulled back through the enlarged hole. This underground directional drilling machine works in clay, sand, gravel, and rock. It operates effectively in temperatures from -15°C to +45°C. Most non-hard-rock formations are suitable for HDD installation. For contractors looking at HDD rigs for sale, the YG series offers reliable, proven equipment with practical features.
HDD Rig Machine Technical Specifications
| 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 the 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 | 7662*2162*2450mm |


Where Does an HDD Rig Machine Excel?
- Urban Utility Installation: City streets present major challenges for pipeline work. Traffic disruption costs time and money. A horizontal drilling rig works below the surface while traffic continues above. This makes it perfect for water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications lines in built-up areas.
- Railway Crossings: Railway authorities rarely allow open trenching across tracks. An underground directional drilling machine passes beneath railway lines without disrupting operations. Trains continue running while the pipeline installation proceeds below.
- River Crossings: Rivers create obvious obstacles for pipelines. Traditional methods require expensive bridges or dredging. An underground directional drilling machine drills beneath the riverbed, keeping the waterway clear and protecting the pipeline.
- Protected Areas: Historical sites, farmland, and conservation areas often prohibit surface excavation. A horizontal drilling rig preserves the surface while installing essential infrastructure underneath.
- Highway Crossings: Major roads and highways cannot be closed for pipeline installation. Directional drilling passes beneath them without affecting traffic flow.
5 Components of an HDD Rig Machine
An HDD rig machine integrates multiple systems that work together for successful installation.
- Drilling System: The main rig and rotary table provide the foundation. The rig generates thrust and pullback force for drilling and pipe installation. The rotary table mounts at the front of the rig, connecting to the drill pipe. By adjusting speed and torque, the operator matches output to ground conditions.
- Power System: Hydraulic power units supply high-pressure oil that drives rig movements. Generators supply electricity for control systems and site lighting. The YG series uses engines ranging from 97KW to 160KW, providing ample power for demanding conditions.
- Steering and Guidance System: The guidance system monitors and controls the drill head’s position underground. Computers calculate location, depth, and orientation. The operator uses this information to steer the drill along the planned path. The YG series supports both wireless and cable-based guidance options.
- Mud System: Mud is essential for HDD operations. The system includes mixing tanks, pumps, and hoses that deliver drilling fluid to the drill head. The fluid lubricates the drill, carries cuttings to the surface, and stabilizes the borehole. The YG series offers mud flow from 160 to 320 L/min and pressures up to 100 bar, handling a wide range of ground conditions.
- Drill Tools and Accessories: A complete range of drill tools supports different ground conditions. These include drill bits, reamers, mud motors, and cutting tools. Accessories such as swivel joints, pull heads, and protective caps complete the package.


Frequently Asked Questions About HDD Rig Machine
A: The YG series handles diameters from 300mm to 800mm. The larger models (YG-320 and YG-320A) ream up to Φ800mm.
A: Maximum installation lengths reach 1500 meters, depending on ground conditions and pipe diameter.
A: The system works in clay, sand, gravel, and rock. Most non-hard-rock formations are suitable.
A: Entry angles range from 10-23° depending on the model. This provides flexibility for different site conditions.
A: Mud flow ranges from 160 L/min on the YG-160A to 320 L/min on the larger models. Mud pressure reaches 80-100 bar depending on the model.


For contractors looking for HDD rigs for sale, the YG series delivers practical, reliable equipment. Our machines combine proven technology with features that reduce setup time and improve production. Contact us with your project requirements. We will recommend the right machine for your application. Get a free quote today.


