According to Trenchless Technology, mud reclaimers are among the most neglected pieces of equipment on an HDD spread, yet their condition directly determines drilling efficiency. In a how-to guide published March 30, 2026, industry contributor Terry Flynn lays out a practical daily maintenance routine that HDD crews should be following before every shift.
Why Reclaimer Neglect Costs You on the Bore
Flynn makes the case that a well-maintained mud reclaimer is not a nice-to-have. It is a make-or-break factor in drilling performance. At the center of the daily routine is shaker screen inspection. Any puncture or tear allows excess solids to pass into the tanks, degrading mud quality and increasing wear on downstream equipment. Flynn recommends washing screens from the backside to clear plugged mesh, and keeping a range of mesh sizes on hand to tune performance across different soil formations.
Beyond screens, the checklist covers fluid levels on generators and triplex mud pump drive engines, hose and valve inspections, centrifugal pump checks, and verification that air mounts or spring isolation systems are at correct pressure. Safety items, including handrails, stair integrity, toe kick guards, and rotating equipment guards, are also part of the daily walk-around. Flynn notes that even boot cleanliness matters. Debris tracked onto the upper deck can fall into tanks and contaminate the mud system.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Screen inventory is a supply chain issue. Keeping multiple mesh sizes on hand requires planning and storage discipline. Subcontractors running multiple HDD spreads should standardize screen ordering as part of their materials management process.
- A capable mud man is a competitive advantage. Flynn specifically calls out the value of a knowledgeable mud technician. On competitive bids, crews that can hold tighter mud specs tend to produce faster, cleaner bores.
- Daily checklists reduce dispute risk. Documented pre-shift inspections create a paper trail for equipment condition, which matters when damage claims or downsite disputes arise with general contractors or equipment rental companies.
- PPE and additive inventory belong on the daily check. Running short on bentonite or additives mid-bore is an avoidable production loss. Building inventory verification into the morning walk-around keeps the spread moving.
- Safety hardware is not a weekly item. Checking handrails, guards, and walkway integrity daily keeps crews OSHA-compliant and reduces incident exposure on active bore sites.
