Business Details
Expert HDD & Excavation Services Canberra
Established by industry veterans with over 40 years of combined experience, ACT Horizontal & Directional Boring has become a trusted name in excavation and directional drilling services across Canberra and New South Wales. Our family-owned business combines decades of technical expertise with cutting-edge equipment to deliver precise solutions for electrical, telecommunications, water, and gas utility installations. Specialising in Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), we tackle complex projects under waterways, roadways, and environmentally sensitive areas while minimising disruption and cost. Our team works directly with clients ranging from government agencies to private homeowners, offering tailored consultation services to refine project parameters before execution. With a fleet of advanced machinery including All Terrain Directional Drills and excavators from 1.3 to 8 tons, we handle everything from small private water supplies to large-scale infrastructure projects.Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through our rock-drilling capabilities using industry-leading Ditch Witch equipment, enabling installations up to 600 metres in length. Backed by partnerships with supporting contractors for oversized projects, we ensure every client receives reliable, efficient service tailored to their specific needs. Our focus on quality extends to our extensive range of attachments, including augers for vertical drilling up to 2m depth, ensuring versatility across diverse applications. By maintaining direct communication with clients throughout each project lifecycle, we guarantee cost-effective outcomes achieved right the first time. This dedication to precision, combined with our deep understanding of local terrain and regulatory requirements, positions us as a preferred partner for both public and private sector clients seeking expert subsurface solutions.
Services
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Excavation Services
Utility Installations
Rock Drilling
Equipment Hire
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of combined experience in excavation and directional drilling
- Our modern fleet handles projects from small private works to major infrastructure
- We offer direct client consultation to optimise project parameters before commencement
- Our rock-drilling capabilities extend installations up to 600 metres in length
- We maintain partnerships for scalable solutions on oversized excavation projects
What people say
40 years experience
Modern equipment fleet
Reliable project delivery
Technical expertise
Minimal disruption
Services
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Our Horizontal Directional Drilling specialises in installing utilities beneath challenging terrain including waterways, roadways, and environmentally sensitive areas. Using advanced Ditch Witch equipment with up to 80,000 lb pullback force, we achieve installations up to 600 metres long while minimising surface disruption. This method reduces environmental impact by 40% compared to traditional trenching, making it ideal for urban infrastructure projects where maintaining existing surfaces is critical.
Excavation Services
We operate excavators ranging from 1.3 to 8 tons with zero-swing capabilities for confined spaces. Our fleet includes auger attachments enabling vertical drilling up to 2m depth with diameters from 150mm to 600mm. For larger projects, we coordinate with partner contractors to provide scalable excavation solutions that maintain precision across diverse soil conditions and project scales.
Utility Installations
We specialise in installing electrical, telecommunications, water, and gas utilities using minimally invasive techniques. Our HDD capabilities allow pipe and cable placement beneath driveways, footpaths, and gardens without surface damage. With experience working for ACTEW Water, local councils, and network providers, we ensure compliance with all Australian standards for utility depth and safety specifications.
Rock Drilling
Our JT8020 All Terrain machine with Air Hammer technology penetrates solid rock formations using 80,000 lb pullback force. This enables installations through geological obstacles that would typically require alternative routing. The system maintains borehole stability in rocky conditions while achieving precise alignment for utility corridors through challenging substrates.
Equipment Hire
We offer access to our modern HDD fleet including Ditch Witch JT10, JT1720, JT3020, and JT8020 models. For projects requiring machinery beyond our standard range, we coordinate with trusted partners to provide appropriate equipment matched to site conditions. This includes compact drills for tight spaces and high-capacity rigs for long-distance installations.
People
Dave Sturzaker
Director
With 40 years in the excavation industry and 20 specialising in directional drilling, Dave brings extensive technical expertise to project execution. He oversees operational strategy and client engagement for ACT Horizontal & Directional Boring.
Paul Engel
Director
Co-founder Paul Engel manages equipment procurement and technical operations. His 20-year focus on HDD technology ensures our fleet maintains cutting-edge capabilities for complex drilling challenges across diverse terrains.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We operate throughout the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, including Canberra metropolitan areas and regional centres.
What utility types can you install?
Our HDD capabilities cover electrical, telecommunications, water, gas, irrigation, and plumbing utilities with diameters from 150mm to 600mm.
Can you handle rock formations?
Yes, our JT8020 All Terrain machine with Air Hammer technology enables drilling through solid rock formations up to 600m in length.
Do you work with private homeowners?
We provide services to both commercial clients and private homeowners for utility installations and excavation projects of all scales.
What equipment sizes are available?
Our fleet includes excavators from 1.3 to 8 tons and HDD rigs from compact JT10 to industrial JT8020 models for diverse project requirements.
