Keys to Building Successful Drilling Business

During 2020 — just before COVID — Cole Bettiol relocated to Stouffville, Ontario. He left behind a place he was happy working at and launched Ace Environmental Drilling. He’d operated and assisted on a range of drilling rigs from probes to conventional drilling rigs, but in his new drilling business he didn’t want to pick just one side of the industry over others.

“I became familiar with Geoprobe^® and the ability of their rigs to do both applications seamlessly. So I started my business with a 7822DT and never looked back,” Bettiol said.

After four and half years in drilling business, Bettiol credits Geoprobe^® and his crews for achieving success as a startup drilling business.

“Since starting ACE and using Geoprobe^®, the crews and I have nothing but great things to say. The crews using them love them. Keeping everyone happy is important ­­— both the drillers and the clients — and Geoprobe^® makes it easier,” Bettiol said. “My crews work long days and always give 100% in maintaining our image and growing our reputation. ACE wouldn't be where it is today without their dedication and hard work day in and out, and I will always be grateful for that.”

Additional Geotechnical Power

While he had no complaints regarding the 7822DT, he desired just a bit more power for augering and something with more of a geotechnical focus.

“I looked into other drill rigs, but for the versatility, footprint, and price point, I couldn't justify anything other than the 3126GT,” Bettiol said.

Since bringing a 3126GT into his fleet, he and his operators have achieved new personal best records with the power packed into the 3126GT.

“For some situations and sites, the 3126GT can auger deeper with a little extra power and torque to get through tough conditions. It gives you a little extra assurance on site,” Bettiol said. “When doing deeper mud rotary or coring holes, there’s no struggling. When going 200 feet or more in tough conditions, it doesn’t seem fazed. Of course a lot of credit goes out to the brains at the controls, but we never have many issues in any conditions.”

Faster Production

Bettiol and crew are also impressed with the speed of drilling.

“The 3126GT is seamless and efficient to switch between applications with the side-shifting head,” Bettiol said. “They’re easy to adapt to operating, regardless of what you have operated in the past, and easy to make adjustments to operation on the fly to achieve project goals.”

He also appreciates the height of the mast to pull more rod at one time.

“This makes projects go faster, and you can be more efficient,” Bettiol said.

Bettiol also attributes Geoprobe^® tooling — like the patented* interlocking split spoon — to making his jobs easier.

“The split spoons are easier to use then standard split barrel and makes lives much easier, especially in poor soil and weather conditions,” he said.

Easier Operation

Not only does the 3126GT speed up fieldwork, but it also makes assistants' and drillers’ work easier.

“The 3126GT is very user-friendly. I often joke with the guys saying they get paid too much for how easy they have it with these machines. They’re spoiled operating this equipment,” Bettiol said. “Projects just go so much more smoothly with Geoprobe^® rigs.”

The ease of operation also expedites training new drillers on their team.

“We’ve brought on employees with zero drill rig experience and trained them to be solid operators in very little time,” Bettiol said. “They catch on quickly because everything is laid out and labeled well with nothing overly complicated when it comes to operating the rig.”

The compact 3126GT also streamlines mobilizing onto and within sites.

“The smaller footprint means we can carry it in the back of a box truck. So we can keep it out of the weather conditions and salt and not worry about it aging quickly and rusting,” Bettiol said. “It also means we can get into tight areas that larger conventional rigs cannot, bringing a lot of power and versatility into small areas.”

Safer Sites

With safety at the forefront of their operations, Bettiol appreciates the blade for helping create a safe work environment.

“When there’s snow, uneven terrain, or high grass, we can make a safe, level work environment with the blade,” Bettiol said. “We can eliminate tripping hazards for our operators and clients on the site and provide a much more comfortable working environment.”

Superb Service

When they have needed service support, he compliments the Geoprobe^® international service team for getting them out of some “pretty tough binds.”

“Having called other manufacturers seeking support, nothing compares to Geoprobe^® service. You can get personal, build rapport, and they always find a way to keep us going. We rarely lose much time in the field when dealing with them,” Bettiol said.

Valued Versatility

Bettiol and his clients value the versatility contained in the 3126GT.

“The versatility of the 3126GT isn’t found in many conventional drilling rigs and means we can go to one site with one rig and do multiple sampling methods. Clients are impressed we can go between direct push for environmental sampling to taking split spoon samples for SPT with a single rig,” Bettiol said. “We can answer clients’ requests and look great by not having to bring in another machine or company to complete the project.”

By satisfying clients with a single rig they've realized a boost in drilling business.

“Clients who have never seen it in action or seen its production before are always reaching out for more,” Bettiol said. “The 3126GT has created an increase in business and recognition for sure.”

He’s now added a second 3126GT with a third on the way.

"They are good-looking machines. We consistently receive compliments from our clients and the public when on site,” Bettiol said. “The 3126GT is perfect for what we do. It’s a no-brainer."