Versa-Drill Proves Its V-12 Drilling Rig’s Power With A Demo Day

---

The Versa-Drill V-12 can go where other rigs can’t and doesn’t require a CDL to operate. (Photo courtesy of Versa-Drill.)

Versa-Drill’s V-12, its most compact drilling rig, is intriguing to a lot of water well and geothermal drillers because it can fit into tight quarters. And yet, “some have been skeptical that a rig mounted on a Dodge truck frame could actually have the power that they need to get the job done,” says Versa-Drill, “So we offered to prove it.”

The First V-12 Demo Day

In June, 25 people from nine companies accepted Versa-Drill’s invitation to come to its headquarters to see the rig in action. It’s rated at up to 12,000 pounds (53.4 kilonewtons) of pullback and 7,000 pounds (31 kilonewtons) of pulldown, but for many buyers on the fence, seeing is believing. Three companies bought a V-12 that same day.

“Several drillers commented that it was a big deal that the rig had this much power,” Versa-Drill explains. “They talked about the work that could be done with a rig as small as the V-12 that other rigs just couldn’t get to.” One driller mentioned that the V-12 would be perfect for the lake areas, smaller homes, and 50-foot (15-meter) lots he works on.

A geothermal driller noted the V-12’s quietness relative to his bigger rigs, and mentioned that it would be less disruptive in noise-sensitive environments. Another customer praised the productivity level that the rig’s pipe handling carousel delivers.

Attendees were also quite impressed that driving the V-12 from site to site doesn’t require a CDL (commercial driver’s license).

---

Versa-Drill designed the V-12 to be low-maintenance and light in weight. (Photo courtesy of Versa-Drill.)

Features & Options

The V-12 comes mounted on a Ram 5500 Tradesman 4x4 truck chassis with 360 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic Aisin HD transmission. Overall, the unit is 7.5 feet wide (2.3 meters) and 28.5 feet long (8.7 meters). It has a derrick height of 30 feet up (9.1 meters) and 9 feet, 4 inches down (2.8 meters).

Versa-Drill says that its signature Inverted Direct Drive feed system is patent pending. This simple feed system has no cables, pulleys, or rack and pinion, reducing weight on the derrick assembly as well as maintenance requirements. The V-12 also has an axial piston motor on its top head instead of a gearbox, which reduces the cost along with the weight. A digital inclinometer helps to level the rig with independently controlled leveling jacks.

Versa-Drill chose to simplify the operator’s panel with electronic over hydraulic controls. This makes the system easier to learn, but it also allows for the programming of custom features. Options for the V-12 include mud pumps, winches, and air compressors. The rigs are manufactured by Laibe Corporation of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Source: Versa-Drill