From the layout of the engine compartment, to the “behind-the-scenes” electronic diagnostic systems, significant effort was invested in the new 8040DT machine to make the unit easy to operate, service, and maintain. It’s the solution for balancing a high quality machine and low cost bore holes.

The new 8040DT incorporates a two-speed hydraulic top head for classic auger/drilling methods in addition to the percussion capabilities of the GH80 Hammer.

Taking direct push capabilities to a whole new level!
8040DT... Muscle, Versatility, Speed, Results.

The Geoprobe® 8040DT arrives with exciting new possibilities, increased power, more versatility, and the push you need to stay ahead of the game!

As with all direct push machines, the hammer is critical to how well the machine performs in the field. The GH80 Hammer on the 8040DT is capable of driving 2.25- and 3.25-in. tooling to greater depths in tougher formations. Or if a larger volume soil sample or 2-in. well is needed, the GH80 direct drives the new 4.5-in. tooling completing projects that were previously unthinkable.

Designed into the 8040DT is a long list of features. The machine incorporates a two-speed hydraulic top head for classic auger/drilling methods for lithologies not conducive to direct push techniques. According to Ryan Kejr, Machine Design Engineer,“the head handles the full 80,000 lb. of pullback required for a direct push machine of this magnitude. The 8040DT head also has an integrated hydraulic clamp to safely and quickly pull rods while maintaining an open ID.” All three functions are mounted on a sideshift carriage allowing the operator to work the ID of the rod without moving the foot.

“Having such a durable rotary head,” said Mark Schock, Owner of Glacier Drilling in Durham, CT, and first 8040DT owner, “gives you a feeling of comfort knowing the damaging percussion of a downhole hammer won’t destroy the rotary head or probe hammer. The potential and possibilities for rotary drilling, such as auger, roller cone, mud, or even [competent rock] core, are available here like no other probe machine.”

Glacier’s clients have seen the value of installing 2-in. monitoring wells using direct push. “Being able to grout off a 2-in. prepacked well screen as well as generating zero soil cuttings for disposal is a money saver,” Mark said.

Think about it ... for a borehole of this size, you’ll have no cuttings. At a test site in Tennessee, the 8040DT pushed 4.5 in. tooling through hard clays and dense sands to approximately 42 ft., with no cuttings. Joe Wilkinson, Vice President of M&W Drilling in Knoxville, TN, was on site with the Geoprobe® R&D Engineers during well installation where the field team punched as many as 18 holes (nearly 756 ft.) per day. “We were completing as many holes as a sonic-type machine that was there,” Joe stated.

The adjustable operator control panel is mounted on a swing arm enabling quick and easy movement to the optimum operating position. An integral electronic diagnostic system works to safeguard the unit and help the operator quickly diagnose problems in the field.

“The sonic-type rig was generating close to a drum of IDW (investigation derived waste) per hole because they had to core the material from 20 ft. to approximately 42 ft. We were able to drive the 4.5-in. solid points to depth without generating any IDW at all. The client was impressed."

The 8040DT was also tested at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts. According to Andrew Tingley, Field Services Manager for CH2M HILL, a contractor at the base, their field team liked what they saw. “This rig had the power, maneuverability, and geometry to install prepacked screens up to 200 ft. bgs in a short period of time. We liked what we saw. At one point in my career, I believed that direct push technology would never reach the depths that we can achieve today. That’s a credit to the research and testing done by the Geoprobe® staff.”

Other machine features include an 84-in. stroke, sideshift that allows centerline access of the toolstring, an integrated electronic diagnostic system, a swing-arm adjustable control panel, a rear stabilizing blade compatible with the Geoprobe® drop-rack system, four hydraulic auxiliary circuits, and a scalable control architecture that allows the customer to quickly reconfigure the unit to match project needs.

And for those of you who want more, the 8040DT direct push machine has an optional 140 lb. automatic drop hammer, a high-speed hydraulic coring head, a power washer module (which can be added or removed from the machine in 10 minutes), a hydraulic foot clamp for holding rods; a hydraulic winch for handling augers and tripping sampling tools, and a progressive cavity pump (hydraulic and electronic controls are already in place).

The 8040DT rear stabilizing blade is compatible with the optional Geoprobe® Drop-Rack System and can be used to move up to 3000 lb. of tooling, water, and grout. The drop-rack can also be used as a field work station.

“I’ve predominantly been a rotary drilling contractor for over 20 years,” Mark with Glacier Drilling added. “So when I agreed with Vic Rotonda’s (Geoprobe® Mid-Atlantic Region) suggestion to go to Kansas to see a “new project”, I quickly saw why Vic and the other Geoprobe® engineers were excited. The rotary torque, increased hammer capacity, and pullback capabilities of this new machine were all impressive. Although purchasing the first machine in a new series line can sometimes be risky, the personal relationship I had established with the Geoprobe® team over the past few years never made me doubt the inevitable ... I was going to be a happy customer if I purchased the 8040DT. It was trust that sold me on my investment.”

“Durability and power sum up the whole 8040DT experience for me, from the design to the performance and everything in between” Mark continued.

“We’re really excited about the new capacity this 8040DT machine brings to our industry,” said Tom Omli, Geoprobe® Customer Service. “Although the 8040DT isn’t for everyone, we’re convinced that this new product will impact many of our customers positively, creating numerous economic benefits. This machine is one of those things you just need to see in operation. A spec sheet with diagrams and numbers just doesn’t adequately convey the value engineered into this offering. It’s simply a direct push machine like no other.”

If you have questions about the 8040DT machine, call Tom Omli at Geoprobe Systems® at 1-800-436-7762. Also, check the 2008 Field Days schedule (at geoprobe.com) to see when the 8040DT will be in your area

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation stressed “minimal impact to the pavement” for a soil confirmation project. RI DOT had concerns about the backfill previously used during the reconstruction of Route 1 N near Kingstown. Another contractor had difficulty penetrating the assorted overburden material while trying to collect samples. With the help of two police officers to divert traffic, Glacier Drilling completed nine borings of 315 ft. the first day with the 8040DT.	The 8040DT is powered by a 4-cylinder, 120 hp, liquid-cooled CAT® turbo diesel engine. The heavy-duty undercarriage has a wider track that carries more weight, handles additional tooling, adds more torque, and reduces ground pressure.
Knowledge of the new 8040DT machine and equipment requires extensive training for the Geoprobe® Customer Service Team. (l to r) Victor Rotonda, Dave Ernst, Lee Shaw, Jed Davis, Tom Omli, Todd Courbot, John Brenneman, Greg Johnson, and Jeff Slingerland.	After nearly four years in development, the Geoprobe® 8040DT enters the direct push arena after countless hours of research, design, development, and testing. R&D is a huge investment Geoprobe® Systems commits to daily in order to provide new and better equipment and tooling you use every day.