PortaDrillMini Q & A
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1. How tall is this machine?
The PortaDrillMini is 9’ tall. This allows the machine to access areas that would traditionally be considered impossible to drill.
2. What is the foot print size of the machine?
The PortaDrillMini is at maximum 4’ x 3’. However, it can be reduced a 3’x 3’ foot print.
3. Is this a hydraulic machine?
No, the machine has mechanical pull down pressure capabilities. It is capable of lifting itself off the ground.
4. How much does the machine weigh?
At maximum the machine weighs just over 990 lbs. A minimum weight, say for transporting from well site, is 710 lbs. Of course, the machine will get heavier during the drilling operation as more drill steel is added. The unit can be broken down to components for more mobility for transport . The heaviest component would be the mast structure at 210 lbs.
5. How big of a diameter well can I drill?
The PortaDrillMini has been tested from 1.5” diameter up to 6” diameter drill bits.
6. Can this machine drill as deep as I need to go?
This machine is mechanically rated for 200’. Maximum possible attainable drill depth is unknown as of yet. The record depth reported to date is 272’ (83 meters).
7. What is the size of the drill steel?
The drill steel sections are 5’. This is 1 ¾” O.D. drill steel with 1 3/8" I.D. Each section of drill steel weighs 20 lbs.
8. Is extra drill steel available?
Yes, you may purchase as much drill steel as needed to complete your projects.
9. Can the PortaDrillMini drill through hard rock like limestone?
Yes, the PortaDrillMini drill was designed to penetrate rock formations using the proper drill bit and drilling methods. The PortaDrillMini drill can penetrate concrete provided there is no steel reinforcement within the concrete. Examples of rock being drilled: Limestone, Shale, Coral Rock, Sandstone.
10. Which model do I need?
The Basic unit is for hard soils, clays and soft formation rock. The Commercial Unit is for medium rock formations, and is designed for extended duration drilling and repetitive use.
11. How long will it take drill a well?
Once you are familiar with the machine, in rock conditions you will drill approximately 5-feet every fifteen minutes. In less difficult soil, you can drill 5-feet every twelve minutes. If you want to drill a 4" diameter into sandstone, you can drill 5-feet every eight minutes. Drilling a 6” diameter into sandstone will take you approximately twelve minutes for each five feet.
12. How much diesel fuel generally does it take to drill?
The PortaDrillMini comes with a 3 liter tank. The 3 liters should last ¾ of a day of drilling.
13. Is it difficult to operate a PortaDrillMini?
The drilling process is simple. Anyone in good, normal, active physical shape, who can operate any type of outdoor power equipment can drill with the PortaDrillMini. One person can drill with the PortaDrillMini, but a crew of 2-3 helpers is better.
Please also see our FAQ section on How To Drill With The PortaDrillMini.
14. Where should I drill?
This is a very common question. Beware of underground UTILITIES! Check for indications of buried pipes /water /sewer/ gas/ electric lines /telephone. Remember safety first! You are looking to drill down into a naturally occurring water bearing strata. A water-saturated formation is normally of highly porous material, usually coarse sand and gravel, fractured rock; sometimes water filled voids may be encountered. This water usually enters the aquifer at a higher elevation from rainfall or snow melt that percolates downward through the earth and rock layers until it reaches the aquifer. As it moves through the aquifer at a slow rate of speed natural filtration occurs. These aquifers may have several layers of aquifers and voids that can extend hundreds or even thousands of miles. These aquifers occur at reasonable depths almost everywhere in the world. Contrary to popular belief, a aquifer is NOT a narrow "underground" river, where is it is necessary to drill at a very specific site. The best place to drill is the most convenient safe location for your drilling project.
Please also see our FAQ section on How To Drill With The PortaDrillMini.
15. How deep will I have to drill?
These aquifers usually are found at less than 300 feet. Your local water management authority, neighbors with existing wells, and local well drillers can tell you of the depth requirements in that local area. . It is common for the commercial driller to have drilled deeper than was really necessary because they are usually paid per foot. Also consider -the deeper you penetrate the earth -the more natural minerals you are likely to penetrate. Ex. - Sulfur, iron, lime, etc. IF you find at a certain depth, the water is clean. And you have the gallons per minute requirement you need. STOP. Because it could very well get worse if you continue. Example - undesirable pockets penetrated, sand, natural staining minerals, or well collapse.
16. How will I know when I have hit water?
Most water-bearing formations or water tables known, as an aquifer is simply formation of coarse sand and gravel. This type of rock formation is very porous and is saturated with water. One of the best ways to determine when you hit water is to check the cuttings being circulated out of the well while drilling. If drilling with air injection methods larger amounts of water will now be circulating to the surface once a water bearing table has been penetrated When coarse sand and gravel is being flushed up, it is an excellent chance you are in good water or very close. Let this circulate and flow long enough to remove all the drill cuttings as the water is clearing up. Another thing to watch for is a sudden decrease in the temperature of the water as it flows out of the well. Usually ground water is a constant 63-65 degrees and this ground water will mix with the drilling fluid and lower the temperature. The drilling fluid also could become much thinner and sometimes you will lose circulation when you hit water if not using the air injection drilling methods.
17. Should I buy the PortaDrillMini instead of paying a driller to have the well drilled?
In many parts of the country, the cost of having just one well drilled costs more than the PortaDrillMini. Remember, the PortaDrillMini will drill many wells and the purchase cost can be spread over several wells or over several years. Even if one well is drilled, you still have the PortaDrillMini to sell or rent to your neighbors. It is not unusual to recoup 65-75% of the purchase price on the used market. You can very easily start a business niche by specialized confined location well drilling thereby profiting from your drilling experience in your local area.
