At MTI Equipment, we get excited when a clean D23x30DR rolls into our yard. Yes, it’s engineered to chew through hard formations—but with a few smart tweaks, it becomes a confident dirt driller too. That means more bids, fewer setup headaches, and better ROI from a single machine.
What Makes the D23x30DR Special?
The “dual rod” design pairs an inner rod for bit rotation with an outer rod for torque and steering. Beyond the rods, the platform is beefed up where it matters:
- Heavier carriage system to handle additional torque loads.
- Stronger vise assembly for longevity and fewer rebuilds.
- Overall durability that keeps uptime high in demanding work.
All that over-engineering is why we say it out loud: Think the Vermeer D23x30DR is just for Rock? Think Again! It’s a crossover rig with serious range.
How to Convert a D23x30DR from Rock to Dirt Mode
Switching from dual-rod (rock) to single-rod (dirt) on a D23x30DR is more straightforward than most expect. Below blends hands-on MTI advice with Vermeer’s technical notes for dual-to-single rod changeover. Always consult the official operator’s and maintenance manual for your unit.
1) Prep the Machine
- Have a second drive chuck assembly ready. This lets you install the single-rod sub saver and makes switching back to rock faster—no thread-locking compound hassles each time.
- Confirm torque specs, safety procedures, and lock-out per the operator’s manual.
2) Adjust (or Swap) the Rod Box
- Your D23x30III rod box can be used for dirt by adding spacers so dirt rods sit snug and don’t rattle in the basket; or
- Keep a second rod box pre-set for dirt if you switch frequently.
3) Remove the Outer Sub Saver
Removing the outer sub-saver exposes the inner hex components needed for the conversion.
4) Remove the Inner Rod Hex Connector
- D23x30DR: Remove one roll pin.
- D40x55DR: Remove two roll pins.
- Remove the spring and hex from the inner sub saver.
5) Install the Single-Rod Sub Saver
With the inner hex removed, install the single-rod sub saver. If you pre-built the second-drive chuck, this swap is quick and clean.
6) Update Control Screen Settings
In the control interface, toggle the system to single-rod (dirt) mode. From here, you’ll run the machine much like a standard D23x30 in dirt.
That’s the playbook. It’s one of the reasons we keep saying it: Think the Vermeer D23x30DR is just for Rock? Think Again!
Reference: For the official Vermeer procedure, download the PDF guide here:
Download the Vermeer Dual-to-Single Rod Conversion Guide (PDF).
Why Swap Pipe? The Numbers Make It Obvious
Dual-rod rock pipe is amazing tech—and it’s priced accordingly. A 10-ft piece of DR rock pipe runs about $1,350 per stick. Standard dirt rods? Around $269 per stick at MTI.
- Save thousands by running dirt rod, when you’re not in rock.
- Extend DR rod life by avoiding unnecessary wear.
- Protect uptime with simpler maintenance between jobs.
Compact Setup, Big Performance
One of the main advantages of the D23x30DR’s is its small jobsite footprint. You can arrive with the drill and mud system on a single trailer, drop the trailer in place, and park the truck down the street. No blocking driveways. No convoy of heavy support truck with mud systems on it and huge trailer.
Compare that to larger dual-rod rigs that often require 2,000-gal mud systems and more rolling stock. Those machines have their place—but when agility matters, this is the setup that shines.
Why Contractors Choose the D23x30DR
“I can bid almost anything—rock or dirt—and know I’ve got the right rig on the trailer.”
That’s the confidence you get with a platform that converts quickly and runs efficiently in mixed conditions. One rig. Two modes. Lots of winning bids.
MTI Makes the Conversion Easy
When you see a D23x30DR you like in our directional drill inventory, our team can bundle the whole dirt setup:
- Second drive chuck prepped with the single-rod sub saver.
- Rod box spacers (or a second dirt rod box ready to go).
- Guided walkthrough on the dual-to-single steps and screen settings.
- Backed by MTI’s 80-point inspection on Certified Pre-Owned units.
The Bottom Line
With a D23x30DR set up to switch cleanly between rock and dirt, you’re essentially running two rigs in one—wider job coverage, less downtime, and smarter spending on rods and rebuilds.
Ready to See a D23x30DR in Action?
Call MTI Equipment and we’ll help you choose the right rig, bundle your conversion kit, and walk your crew through the changeover. Show up to the jobsite ready for anything.
MTI Equipment — Certified pre-owned HDD rigs, inspected, refurbished, and ready to drill.