The Vermeer D23x30DR S3 Navigator® drill is built for contractors who need power and reliability in rocky ground without sacrificing jobsite flexibility. Weighing just under 17,000 pounds, it’s the lightest dual-rod drill in its class, making it easier to haul, maneuver, and set up in tight spaces. Its narrow frame—over two feet slimmer than competing models—lets crews move through residential neighborhoods, busy streets, and tight right-of-ways with less disruption and easier transport. Powered by a 100-horsepower Deutz turbo-diesel engine, the D23x30DR S3 delivers up to 24,000 pounds of thrust and pullback, along with 3,000 ft-lb of torque on the outer rod, giving crews the strength they need to push through tough ground conditions. The proven dual-rod system combines Vermeer’s Firestick® outer rod with a rugged hex-coupled inner rod, which means excellent steering, longer wear life, and less downtime. Operators will also appreciate how quiet the machine runs—just 80.3 decibels at the ear—helping crews communicate better on site while keeping noise levels down in neighborhoods. Controls are designed to feel familiar to anyone who’s run a single-rod drill, so crews can adapt quickly without a steep learning curve. For rock work, the greaseable RH10 drill head with a 2-degree bend gives precise steering, and the unit works with common tooling options like tri-cone or PDC bits. It’s also set up for grapple pullback to speed up pipe recovery. Finally, with VermeerOne™ machine-tracking technology, managers can monitor location, performance, and machine health in real time to improve efficiency and reduce unexpected downtime. Altogether, the D23x30DR S3 delivers a balance of power, precision, and simplicity that makes it a standout choice for utility contractors looking to get more done in tough ground conditions.