Get a Quote
Home/Services/Cut Down Cable Percussive

Cut Down
Cable Percussive
Drilling

Cable percussive drilling where standard rigs can't go. Low headroom, confined access, restricted sites — same quality borehole and data, wherever you need it.

Low Headroom
Confined Access
SPT Capable
Same Data Quality
UK-Wide
Low Headroom
Key Capability
Cable Percussive
Method
SPT + Sampling
Testing
UK-Wide
Coverage
About This Service

Cable Percussive Drilling
in Restricted Spaces

A standard cable percussive rig requires around 6 metres of headroom to operate. On many sites — undercrofts, car parks, basements, warehouses and other low-clearance structures — that simply isn't available. That's where the cut down rig comes in.

Cut down cable percussive drilling uses a reduced-height rig specifically designed to carry out cable percussion boreholes in locations where standard equipment cannot operate. The same fundamental drilling method is used — the same shell and auger principles, the same casing system, the same sampling and testing regime — just in a form factor that fits where a standard rig won't go.

Critically, data quality is not compromised. SPT testing, soil sampling and all standard in-situ tests can be carried out using the cut down rig, producing results equivalent to those from a full-height machine. You don't have to accept inferior investigation data just because your site has access constraints.

GeoPrime Solutions can deploy cut down rigs across the UK. If you're not sure whether your site requires a cut down rig, get in touch and we'll advise on the most appropriate equipment for your access conditions.

Suitable For
  • Car parks and undercrofts
  • Basement investigations
  • Warehouse floor investigations
  • Low-clearance structures
  • Sites with overhead obstructions
  • Contaminated land under cover
  • Monitoring well installation
  • SPT and in-situ testing
CUT
The Process

How Cut Down Drilling Works

01
Access Assessment
We assess the site access constraints — headroom, floor loading, width restrictions and any other factors — and confirm the cut down rig is the right solution for your site.
02
Rig Setup
The cut down rig is manoeuvred into position and set up over the borehole location. Its reduced footprint allows it to access areas inaccessible to standard equipment.
03
Drilling & Testing
Cable percussive drilling proceeds using the same method as a standard rig. Soil samples are recovered at regular intervals and SPT tests carried out at specified depths using calibrated equipment.
04
Completion
The borehole is completed as required — backfilled or installed as a monitoring well. The site is left clean and tidy with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Applications

Where Cut Down Drilling
is Used

Car Parks
Multi-storey and underground car parks where headroom prevents standard rig access but ground investigation is required beneath the structure.
Warehouses
Investigation beneath warehouse and industrial floors where operations are ongoing and access is restricted by racking, mezzanines or structural steelwork.
Basements
Structural and geotechnical investigations in basement levels of existing buildings where full-height rig access is not possible.
Contaminated Land
Phase 2 contaminated land investigations on covered or part-covered sites where standard rigs cannot access all required borehole locations.
Existing Structures
Investigation adjacent to or beneath existing structures undergoing extension, refurbishment or change of use — without the need for structural demolition to gain access.
Monitoring Wells
Groundwater and ground gas monitoring well installation in confined locations as part of wider environmental monitoring programmes.
GeoPrime Solutions

No Access?
No Problem.

If a standard rig won't fit, we have the equipment to get the investigation done anyway — without compromising on data quality.

Why Choose Us

Why GeoPrime for Cut Down Drilling

Right Kit for the Job
We have the equipment to handle restricted access sites that other contractors would walk away from. One contractor for your whole investigation — no gaps in your borehole programme.
No Compromise on Data
Cut down doesn't mean cut corners. SPT tests are carried out with calibrated equipment producing data of equivalent quality to a full-height rig. Your geotechnical report won't know the difference.
Access Advice
Not sure if you need a cut down rig? We'll assess your site access constraints and advise on the right equipment before you commit to a programme — no surprises on site.
Other Services

Related Services

Cable Percussive Drilling
Rotary Drilling
Window Sampling & Dynamic Probing
Ground Penetrating Radar
UXO Borehole Clearance
Coring
Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Cut down cable percussive drilling uses a reduced-height rig to carry out cable percussion boreholes in locations where standard rigs cannot operate due to low headroom or confined access. The method and data quality are equivalent to a standard rig.
Cut down rigs operate in significantly lower headroom than standard cable percussive rigs. Get in touch with your site's headroom dimensions and we'll confirm whether the cut down rig is suitable.
Yes. SPT testing, soil sampling and in-situ testing are all carried out in the same way using calibrated equipment, producing data of equivalent quality to that from a full-height rig.
Cut down rigs can achieve significant depths depending on ground conditions. We can advise on expected depth capability based on your site and target investigation depths before mobilisation.
When your investigation requires cable percussive boreholes but the site has insufficient headroom for a standard rig — typically car parks, basements, warehouses or any low-clearance structure.
ACCESS

Got a Restricted Access Site
That Needs Investigating?

Tell us about your site — we'll find a way in.

07541 553837
Request a Quote