This Summer's Top Selling Used HDD Drills

By Renée Lauzon-Martin - General Manager, HDD Broker LLC - November 3, 2016

Daylight savings time is just around the corner, so it's a good time to look back at this summer's best-selling used HDD drills.



Hitting the top spot this summer was the Vermeer D20x22 Series II. Providing 20,000 lbs pullback in a compact footprint, it continues to gain market share over its competitor, the Ditch Witch JT2020 Mach 1. The newer D20x22 Series II models - 2013 & 2014 - were the most sought after, with an average sale price around $78,900 - $84,900, depending on the hours and condition. The JT2020 Mach 1 drill platform was our best seller years ago, likely due to the fact it had no major competitor in its class from 2004 to 2007. Since the introduction of the D20x22 Series II, we are seeing a smaller ratio of JT2020 Mach 1 sales. However, its updated model, the JT20, is currently in high-demand. The average selling price of the JT2020 Mach 1 this summer was $58,000.

We're starting to see the Vermeer D24x40 Series II emerge as the new favored drill in the international marketplace, notably in Southeast Asia and India. Sale prices varied depending on the year and condition, but in the last 100 days the overall average sale price was $91,922 USD. However, those that were exported outside of the USA tended to be older Tier II units, and usually sold in the $55-70,000 range. Domestically, the D24x40 Series II remains desirable, partly due to the fact it's widely-available in several price points and package configurations. But, like its predecessor the D24x40A, it's considered one of the most reliable and easy-to-operate drills on the market.

This summer, demand softened a bit for the typically best-seller Vermeer D24x40A. The global economy slowed down, and the USD was strong against most currencies making it too expense for overseas buyers to purchase US equipment. This was especially true in emerging markets where the D24x40A is most popular. For the first time in a few years, it fell out of the top 3 spot and the average sale price dropped accordingly to under $24,000 USD.

The telecom market continued to drive sales for drills under 30,000 lbs. Our 3rd best-selling drill was the Vermeer D7x11 Series II. This highly coveted model moved off our site quickly; the average days on market this summer was under 2 weeks. Indeed, only 2 units remain on our site.

Selling equally swiftly was Ditch Witch's JT922, averaging 21 days on the market. Perfect in tight spaces, the JT922's maneuverability made it a popular choice for this summer's projects. 10 units are still available on our site, including a couple of newer options. With decent availability and an attractive price point, the Ditch Witch JT520 also made our top 10.

And, after a couple of years hiatus, the Vermeer D100x120 Series II snuck back into our Top 10. Infrastructure work, predictions that oil had bottomed out, and a $50 barrel this summer revitalized interest in big drills. Despite recent activity, however, most drills over 100,000lbs pullback remain somewhat stagnant, though reduced pricing has lured some buyers back.



This commentary is presented for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or detailed statement on any subject and no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made as to its accuracy, timeliness or completeness. Nothing in this commentary is intended to provide financial, legal, accounting or tax advice nor should it be relied upon. Neither HDD Broker LLC nor the author is liable whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by, or resulting from, any use of or any inaccuracies, errors or omissions in the information provided.