Gain Confidence and Production: Quality Of 3100GT Makes the Difference

Completing geotech work across the state of Texas, MLA Geotechnical was accustomed to using their conventional rigs as they had since the company’s inception nearly 60 years ago. But when they found themselves in need of a new machine ­– quickly ­–  the timeline for a new 3100GT was fast. Conducting tools-in-the-ground testing with the 3100GT both in Kansas and Texas proved they could maintain their production levels.

“I was worried it wouldn’t push Shelby tube with the soils we have here, but it proved me wrong,” Duane Clark, driller, said. “I was worried about rock and harder subsurfaces, but it far exceeded what I thought it would do. The 3100GT does so much in a small package. I’m pleased with how well it drills and how easily it does what I need it to do.”

What they may have still underestimated was the confidence they would gain to go after high profile forensic geotechnical jobs, thanks to the craftmanship of the Geoprobe^® rig.

“The rig is solid,” Shauna Strehler, operations manager, said. “From a drilling manager’s standpoint I don’t have to worry about where I send it. It’s turn-key. It does every kind of testing we provide. And with the craftmanship, I don’t have to worry about leaks or failures. I don’t worry about where I send it or what I can do. For me, that’s money.”

So now Strehler doesn’t shy away from the job with grumpy owners and their lawyers, clients and their lawyers, and her boss all standing in the driveway or yard watching the work.

“It made me nervous to take our old equipment. It was often a volatile rig and you didn’t know what you would get,” she said. “With the 3100GT, I know I can show up, turn the rig on, do what I said it would do, and it won’t create more problems. That is a huge stress relief.”

And it’s not just Strehler who feels this way. Clark credits the rig with more good days on high profile jobs.

“A good day at a high-profile job equals more jobs through word-of-mouth,” Clark said. “I know our other rig didn’t do that for us.”

For Strehler, the dependability isn’t just because it’s new. She’s had to shut down jobs for weeks with other new rigs because of leaks and breakdowns. She credits Team Geoprobe^® and the pride each employee exhibits in their day-to-day contributions to the final product. For her a quality rig isn’t the only thing she’s gained.

“We’ve actually gained production level. It drills just as many holes as the conventional rig we were used to, but it does better in many ways,” Strehler said. “We can get in and out quicker, do a better job, and leave less mess, which means the more money we can make. And we’re only putting one rig on a job versus pulling another rig, which means more profit.”

When reflecting on the work MLA has done, Strehler reminisces of a large subdivision job in San Antonio completed in 2018 where many of the houses were failing, requiring borings in the front and back yard.

“I wish I’d had the 3100GT for those 100 holes in San Antonio,” Strehler said.