Helms Plumbing install sewer, stormwater, gas and water pipelines across Melbourne and uses horizontal directional drilling for most of its projects, especially when open cut methods aren’t practical.
Trenchless technology has helped Helms become known for completing jobs that are often complex and difficult, a reputation that has attracted major developers and consulting engineers, as well as allowing Helms to become an accredited contractor for Yarra Valley Water, City West Water, Melbourne Water and South East Water.
To continue getting the cost, time and environmental benefits of trenchless technologies, Helms has recently purchased a D23x30 S3 HDD rig from Vermeer Australia. The D23x30 S3 HDD rig aims to minimise as much disruption to project sites as possible by being one of the quietest drills on the market.
Helms Plumbing Director, Helmi Adams, said because the company worked across Metropolitan Melbourne, it was important to have equipment that could work in compact urban environments and commercial job sites, without sacrificing power.
“We chose this rig because it stood out from the competition due to its power, while being able to work within a small footprint,” Mr Adams said.
“We’re also working with Vermeer in particular because they have a great reputation and are known to produce high quality machinery.”
Mr Adams said he had already seen the benefits of the HDD rig in sewer and stormwater main extensions, and water main upgrade projects.
“It’s improved our overall productivity on projects and reduced the reinstatement works needed – anything from asphalt to concrete jobs on small or large surfaces – which in turn reduces costs,” Mr Adams said.
“The HDD rig also minimises the disruption caused to nearby businesses and the general public, as well as saving time by being able to finish the job quicker.”
Ray Cheasley, Construction Equipment Product Specialist at Vermeer, said they had worked with Helms in the past by supplying a mixing system and locating equipment.
“Previously, we were given the opportunity to demonstrate DCI locating equipment and provided them with an F2 Falcon, giving them the capabilities needed to steer pit launch equipment. I was even there on the day to support Helmi on his first steerable bore 30m on grade. The combination of F2 Falcon and the new carve steer function on the D23x30s3 enables the precise grades required for hdd in sewer installations.”
Mr Adams said that Helms and Vermeer were now building on this relationship and that Vermeer had been a supportive presence in projects using the HDD rig, even after the initial sale.
“Their after sales service has been excellent and they have been a great help by providing us with extensive product training on the D23x30 S3 HDD rig and the best practice for our applications.”