Tricone Bit for HDD & Rock Drilling Applications
Tricone bits are widely used in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and underground pipeline installation where stable rock cutting and precise steering are essential. Featuring a three-cone rolling structure, tricone drill bits deliver reliable performance in soft to hard formations and are commonly used for pilot hole drilling and trenchless construction projects.
In HDD applications, roller cone bits are valued for their durability and adaptability in mixed ground conditions, including gravel and hard rock. Depending on the formation, configurations such as tricone roller bits and TCI cone bits are selected to enhance drilling efficiency and maintain directional stability in challenging subsurface environments.
Tricone bit(MT )
The nilled-tooth drill’s tooth surface is enhanced with a novel wear-resistant material, bolstering the longevity of the drill’s cutting teeth while preserving its high Rate of Penetration (ROP).
Tricone Bit：TCI vs MT
TCI Bit
• IADC Code: 117/ 127/ 217(Customizable)
• 2–3× longer life in hard rock
• Crushing + impact
• More stable in hard formations
• Tungsten carbide inserts pressed into the cone
• Soil Condition:Clay / Mudstone / Chalk / ShaleLimestone / Sandstone
MT Bit
• IADC Code: 117/ 127/ 217(Customizable)
• Wear faster in hard formations
• Scraping + gouging
• Faster in soft formations
• Steel teeth milled directly from the cone
• Soil Condition:Shale & Limestone / Sandstone / Quartz-rich formations- Granite / Basalt and other high-strength igneous rocks
In HDD and directional drilling projects, choosing between a PDC bit and a tricone bit is more than just a technical decision — it directly impacts drilling efficiency, tool lifespan, and overall project cost.
When working in complex or mixed ground conditions, selecting the proper bit design becomes essential for maximizing drilling performance and minimizing operational costs. To better understand how cutter configuration, blade structure, and formation characteristics affect drilling results, you can explore our detailed guide: PDC Bit vs. Tricone Bit: Matching the Right Bit to Your Geology.
| Diameter inches | Diamete(mm) | Connection pin(API reg pin) | U.weight(kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-7/8″ | 149.2 | 3-1/2″ | 13 |
| 6″ | 152.4 | 3-1/2″ | 16 |
| 6-1/2″ | 165.1 | 3-1/2″ | 21 |
| 6-3/4″ | 171.5 | 3-1/2″ | 22 |
| 7-7/8″ | 200 | 4-1/2″ | 34 |
| 8-1/2″ | 215.9 | 4-1/2″ | 41 |
| 8-3/4″ | 222.3 | 4-1/2″ | 42 |
| 9-1/2″ | 241.3 | 6-5/8″ | 65 |
| 10-5/8″ | 269.9 | 6-5/8″ | 77 |
| 11″ | 279.4 | 6-5/8″ | 80 |
| 12-1/4″ | 311.2 | 6-5/8″ | 100 |
| 13-1/2″ | 342.9 | 6-5/8″ | 108 |
| 14-3/4″ | 374.7 | 6-5/8″ | 138 |
| 16″ | 406.4 | 6-5/8″ | 187 |
| 17-1/2″ | 444.5 | 7-5/8″ | 262 |
| 22″ | 558.8 | 7-5/8″ | 347 |
| 23″ | 584.2 | 7-5/8″ | 605 |
| 26″ | 660.4 | 7-5/8″ | 720 |
HDD Drilling Rig
| Drill rig | Housing options | Bit size | Pin size |
|---|---|---|---|
| JT2720AT | w/ 3.75” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 4 3/4” – 5” | 2 7/8” Reg |
| JT2720AT | w/ 4.75” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 5 1/2” | 2 7/8” Reg |
| JT30AT | w/ 3.75” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 4 3/4” – 5” | 2 7/8” Reg |
| JT30AT | w/ 4.75” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 5 1/2” | 2 7/8” Reg |
| JT3020AT | w/ 3.75” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 4 3/4” – 5” | 2 7/8” Reg |
| JT3020AT | w/ 4.75” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 5 1/2” | 2 7/8” Reg |
| JT4020AT | w/ 5” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 6” – 6 1/2” | 3 1/2” Reg |
| JT60AT | w/ 5” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 6” – 6 1/2” | 3 1/2” Reg |
| JT100AT | w/ 5” dia. Rockmaster R housing | 6” – 6 1/2” | 3 1/2” Reg |
| D36X50DR | 6” – 6 1/2” | 3 1/2” Reg |
