No Dig Equipment manufactures and supplies Australian Made HDD Back Reamers designed for horizontal directional drilling projects across a wide range of ground conditions. Our back reamers are engineered to enlarge pilot bores efficiently, improve bore stability, and prepare the hole for safe pipe and cable installation.
From soft clay and sandy soils through to hard rock formations, our range of HDD reaming tools includes Ripper Reamers, Rock Reamers, Fly Cutters, Compaction Reamers, Easy Reamers and Barrel Reamers to suit different drilling environments.
With decades of experience in trenchless technology, No Dig Equipment provides durable HDD tooling designed for Australian drilling conditions, helping contractors improve productivity, reduce downtime and achieve reliable bore outcomes.
Need help selecting the right HDD reamer? Contact our team for expert advice or request a quote today.
An HDD Back Reamer is a drilling tool used after the pilot hole has been completed during a horizontal directional drilling project. The reamer is attached to the drill string and pulled back through the bore while rotating, enlarging and conditioning the hole before pipe installation.
The correct back reamer helps:
✓ Increase bore diameter
✓ Improve drilling fluid circulation
✓ Remove spoil efficiently
✓ Stabilise the bore hole
✓ Reduce installation risks during pullback
Choosing the correct reamer depends on the ground conditions, bore size, drilling equipment, and the type of product being installed.
Different soil and rock conditions require different reaming solutions. Selecting the correct tool improves drilling performance, reduces wear, and helps achieve a cleaner finished bore.
| Ground Condition | Recommended HDD Reamer |
|---|---|
| Soft clay and compacted soils | Ripper Reamer |
| Hard rock formations | Rock Reamer |
| Mixed ground conditions | Fly Cutter |
| Sandy or loose soils | Compaction Reamer |
| Large diameter installations | Barrel Reamer |
| Small diameter cable and pipe installations | Easy Reamer |
Easy Reamers are designed for smaller diameter HDD applications where a lightweight and efficient reaming solution is required.
Common applications include:
Benefits:
✓ Lightweight design
✓ Easy handling
✓ Efficient bore enlargement
✓ Suitable for smaller HDD rigs
Ripper Reamers are designed to cut through compacted soils, clay and challenging ground conditions where aggressive cutting action is required.
The tooth configuration helps break up difficult material while allowing drilling fluid to circulate through the bore.
Benefits:
✓ Excellent clay performance
✓ Aggressive soil cutting
✓ Improved spoil removal
✓ Durable construction
| Ripper Reamer | Part # |
| Ripper Reamer 200mm Cut Diameter, 2 1/2″ shaft | RR200 |
| Ripper Reamer 250 mm Cut Diameter, 2 1/2″ shaft | RR250 |
| Ripper Reamer 300 mm Cut Diameter, 2 1/2″ Shaft | RR300 |
| Ripper Reamer 350 mm Cut Diameter, 2 1/2″ shaft | RR350 |
| Ripper Reamer 400 mm Cut Dia, 2 3/8 API shaft | RR400 |
| Ripper Reamer 500 mm Cut Dia, 2 3/8 API shaft | RR500 |
Rock Reamers are engineered for demanding HDD projects where strength and durability are essential.
Featuring heavy-duty construction and carbide cutting technology, these reamers are designed to handle abrasive rock formations while maintaining drilling performance.
Suitable for:
Benefits:
✓ Carbide cutting surfaces
✓ High wear resistance
✓ Built for demanding ground conditions
✓ Long service life
| Reamer Diameter | Metric Diameter | Part No. | Connection | Replaceable Cutters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12″ | 305 mm | RHO200 | 2⅜” API Reg Box/Box | 4 × 8.5″ Cutters |
| 14″ | 355 mm | RHO300 | 2⅜” API Reg Box/Box | 4 × 8.5″ Cutters |
| 16″ | 406 mm | RHO400 | 2⅜” API Reg Box/Box | 5 × 8.5″ Cutters |
| 20″ | 508 mm | RHO500 | 3½” API Reg Box/Box | 6 × 9.5″ Cutters |
| 24″ | 610 mm | Custom | 3½” API Reg Box/Box | 6 × 9.5″ Cutters |
Fly Cutters are a versatile HDD reaming solution designed for projects where ground conditions change throughout the bore path.
They provide effective cutting performance while maintaining good drilling fluid flow.
Benefits:
✓ Suitable for mixed ground
✓ Efficient cutting action
✓ Improved mud circulation
✓ Reliable performance across changing conditions
| Fly Cutter | Part # |
| Fly Cutter 300mm Diameter Cut Size | RF300 |
| Fly Cutter 400mm Diameter Cut Size | RF400 |
| Fly Cutter 500mm Diameter Cut Size | RF500 |
| Fly Cutter 600mm Diameter Cut Size | RF600 |
| Fly Cutter 700mm Diameter Cut Size | RF700 |
Compaction Reamers are designed for loose, sandy and water-charged ground conditions where bore stability is critical.
Unlike traditional cutting reamers, compaction reamers compress surrounding soil while promoting the formation of a bentonite filter cake around the bore.
Benefits:
✓ Improves bore stability
✓ Reduces risk of bore collapse
✓ Supports effective mud circulation
✓ Ideal for sandy conditions
| Compaction Reamer | Part # |
| 115mm Pack, 2 1/2″ shaft, (Optional Swivel) | RC115 |
| 150mm Pack, 2 1/2″ shaft, (Optional Swivel) | RC150 |
| 200mm Pack, 2 1/2″ shaft, (9T Built in Swivel) | RC200 |
| 250mm Pack, 2 1/2″ shaft, (9T Built in Swivel) | RC250 |
| 300mm Pack, 2 1/2″ shaft, (9T Built in Swivel) | RC300 |
| 350mm Pack, 2 1/2″ shaft, (9T Built in Swivel) | RC350 |
| 400mm Pack, 2 3/8 API through shaft | RC400 |
| 500mm Pack, 2 3/8 API through shaft | RC500 |
| 600mm Pack, 2 3/8 API through shaft | RC600 |
| 650mm custom build, Check out the pictures on Facebook, click here | RC650 |
Barrel Reamers are designed for larger HDD installations requiring increased bore enlargement capacity.
Their open barrel design allows efficient spoil removal and improved drilling fluid circulation during large diameter projects.
Suitable for:
Benefits:
✓ High-volume spoil removal
✓ Heavy-duty construction
✓ Designed for large bores
✓ Reliable HDD performance
| Barrel | Part # |
| Barrel Reamer 2 3/8″ API reg, 300mm Dia pack size | RB300 |
| Barrel Reamer 2 3/8″ API reg, 400mm Dia pack size | RB400 |
| Barrel Reamer 3 1/2″ API reg, 500mm Dia pack size | RB500 |
| Barrel Reamer 3 1/2″ API reg, 600mm Dia pack size | RB600 |
No Dig Equipment manufacture connector subs / adaptors compatible with most common Vermeer and Ditch Witch HDD Drill Rigs. Our adaptors are specifically designed to match our backreamers. They provide an easy solution to
This also provides a very cost effective solution for repairing your backreamer, as it is usually the front thread that wears out prematurely. With the use of a cheap replaceable adaptor, you can be backreaming fast.
For a complete range of our adaptors please have a look at the the table below. Other connector subs / adaptors and crossover subs are available on request.
| Connector Subs - Front Coupling | |
| Adaptors to suit Vermeer® HDD Drills | |
| D7x11, suits 2.1/2" Shaft | RSV711-50 |
| D16x20, D20x22, D24x40, to suit 2.1/2" Shaft | RSV2440-50 |
| D16x20, D20x22, D24x40, to suit 3" Shaft | RSV2440-100 |
| D16x20, D20x22, D24x40, to suit 2.3/8" API Reg thread | RSV2440-API |
| Other sizes of thread on request | |
| Adaptors to suit Ditch Witch® HDD Drills | |
| JT1720, JT2020, JT2720, to suit 2.1/2" Shaft | RSD2020-50 |
| JT1720, JT2020, JT2720, to suit 2.3/8 API Shaft | RSD2020-API |
| Connector Subs - Rear Coupling | |
| Pulling eye | |
| 20-ton, suits 2.1/2" Shaft | RSP-50 |
| 40-ton, suits 2.3/8 API Shaft | RSP-API |
| Swivel to suit Vermeer® HDD Drills | |
| Adaptor sub suit 2.1/2" Shaft | RSVQ-50 |
| Adaptor sub suit 2.3/8 API Shaft | RSVQ-API |
With extensive experience in trenchless technology, No Dig Equipment understands the challenges faced by HDD contractors.
Our back reamers are designed with real-world drilling applications in mind, providing:
✓ Australian manufacturing experience
✓ Heavy-duty steel construction
✓ Reliable field performance
✓ Expert technical support
✓ Solutions for Australian ground conditions
Whether you are installing telecommunications, water, gas, electrical conduit or pipelines, our HDD tooling range is designed to help you complete projects efficiently.
The correct reamer size depends on the product diameter being installed, soil conditions, drill capacity and required bore clearance. Contact No Dig Equipment for assistance selecting the correct tooling.
Ripper Reamers are generally suited for clay and compacted ground because their cutting teeth are designed to break through dense soil conditions.
Rock Reamers are designed for hard rock conditions and use carbide cutting surfaces to withstand abrasive formations.
Cutting reamers remove and transport soil, while compaction reamers compress surrounding material to improve bore stability. Compaction reamers are commonly used in loose or sandy ground.
Yes. No Dig Equipment specialises in manufacturing HDD tooling solutions and can assist with custom requirements depending on project specifications.
Looking for reliable Australian Made HDD Back Reamers?
Speak with the No Dig Equipment team for expert advice, pricing and availability.
Contact us today to find the right reaming solution for your next trenchless drilling project.
