Business Details
Trusted Horizontal Directional Drilling Services in Canberra
ACT Horizontal & Directional Boring is a family-owned and operated business with over 40 years of combined industry experience, including two decades dedicated to horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Founded by Dave Sturzaker and Paul Engel, we began operations with a single directional drill and have expanded to operate a comprehensive fleet capable of handling projects ranging from small private water supplies to major utility line installations. Our expertise lies in delivering cost-effective, environmentally conscious solutions for HDD and excavation projects across the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. We specialize in installing electrical, water, gas, telecommunications, irrigation, and plumbing utilities beneath challenging terrains such as waterways, roadways, and environmentally sensitive areas.Our team works directly with clients to ensure project goals are met through collaborative planning and precise execution, minimizing disruption and saving costs. Equipped with excavators ranging from 1.3 to 8 tons, including zero-swing models for restricted sites, we also access larger machinery through trusted contractors when required. Our fleet includes advanced directional drills like the Ditch Witch JT8020, JT3020, and PT1010, enabling us to tackle rocky soils and long-distance installations up to 600 meters. We serve civil contractors, government agencies, network providers, local councils, and private clients, offering tailored solutions for both large-scale infrastructure and residential needs. Our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation ensures reliable outcomes for every project, regardless of complexity.
Services
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Excavation Services
Utility Installations
Consultation Services
Equipment Hire
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined industry experience, including 20 years specializing in directional drilling.
- Our fleet includes advanced HDD machines like the Ditch Witch JT8020 for rock drilling up to 600 meters.
- We offer tailored consultation services to refine HDD project plans before execution.
- Our zero-swing excavators handle restricted work sites with precision and efficiency.
- We serve both large-scale infrastructure projects and private residential clients.
Services
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) enables precise installation of utilities beneath obstacles like roads and waterways. Our advanced equipment handles rock and long-distance installations up to 600 meters. This method reduces environmental impact, traffic disruption, and project timelines compared to traditional techniques.
Excavation Services
We operate excavators from 1.3 to 8 tons, including zero-swing models for tight spaces. Auger attachments allow vertical drilling up to 2 meters deep for utility trenches and foundations. Larger projects access contractor machinery for scalability.
Utility Installations
We install electrical, water, gas, and telecommunications utilities using HDD and excavation. Projects range from private water lines to main utility networks for government and civil contractors. Our focus is on accuracy, safety, and minimal site disruption.
Consultation Services
Our team provides expert guidance to refine HDD project plans before execution. We assess site conditions, recommend equipment, and optimize drilling paths to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance with technical requirements.
Equipment Hire
We offer HDD rigs like the Ditch Witch JT8020 and PT1010 for specialized drilling needs. For larger excavators, we coordinate with trusted contractors to supply machinery tailored to project scale and terrain challenges.
People
Dave Sturzaker
Co-Owner
With over 40 years in construction and 20 specializing in HDD, Dave Sturzaker co-founded ACTHDB. He oversees operations and ensures technical excellence in every project.
Paul Engel
Co-Owner
Paul Engel brings decades of industry experience to ACTHDB, managing fleet expansion and client relations. His expertise ensures efficient execution of complex directional drilling projects.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We operate throughout the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, including Canberra and surrounding regions.
What types of projects do you handle?
We specialize in HDD and excavation for utilities, including electrical, water, gas, telecommunications, and irrigation projects.
Can you work in tight spaces?
Yes, our zero-swing excavators and compact HDD rigs are designed for restricted work sites and urban environments.
Do you offer consultation services?
Yes, we provide project planning assistance to optimize HDD designs and ensure successful outcomes.
What equipment do you use?
We use Ditch Witch directional drills like the JT8020 and PT1010, along with excavators ranging from 1.3 to 8 tons.
How do you handle large-scale projects?
For larger machinery needs, we partner with trusted contractors to supply equipment tailored to project requirements.
