SINOCOREDRILL presents the THD-280 Horizontal Directional Drilling Machine, a heavy-duty HDD system engineered for large-diameter pipeline installation and long-distance underground crossings.

With a maximum thrust and pullback capacity of 280 tonnes, the THD-280 is designed for demanding trenchless projects beneath roads, rivers, railways and densely developed urban areas. It can be used to install water, gas, oil, drainage, power and telecommunication pipelines while minimizing excavation and surface disruption.

280-Tonne Thrust and Pullback Capacity

The THD-280 uses a rack-and-pinion thrust and pullback system driven through multiple gears. Three continuously adjustable speed ranges—8, 18 and 30 metres per minute—allow operators to balance pulling force and operating speed according to changing ground conditions.

Its rotary power head provides two stepless operating ranges:

• 60,000 N·m at 40 rpm for high-torque drilling
• 25,000 N·m at 100 rpm for faster rotation

This combination enables the rig to handle pilot drilling, borehole enlargement and pipeline pullback across a wide range of project conditions.

Powerful Full-Hydraulic System

A 390 kW Weichai diesel engine supplies the power required for demanding drilling operations. The rotation and thrust-pullback functions use a closed hydraulic circuit, while the auxiliary circuit adopts an open load-sensing system.

This hydraulic configuration provides responsive control and efficient power distribution during drilling, reaming and pullback operations.

Efficient Drill-Rod Handling

The THD-280 accommodates drill rods up to six metres long, reducing the number of connections required during long-distance drilling.

Its automatic-centering clamping system provides up to 70,000 N·m of make-up torque and 140,000 N·m of breakout torque. An onboard three-tonne crane with a six-metre working radius assists with drill-rod handling and other lifting operations.

Intelligent Operator Environment

The double-seat operating cabin incorporates a centralized control console and displays more than ten types of operating data, including pressure, flow and rotation speed. This real-time information helps operators assess machine performance and adjust drilling parameters.

The crawler-mounted undercarriage offers a travel speed of approximately 2.5 km/h and enables the machine to reposition itself around the job site. Wired travel control further supports safe machine movement.

Supporting Modern Trenchless Construction

Horizontal directional drilling allows underground utilities to be installed with substantially less open excavation than conventional trenching. By combining 280-tonne pulling capacity, high rotary torque and intelligent monitoring, the THD-280 provides a practical solution for major infrastructure and utility-crossing projects.