Maximize Your 2025 Tax Savings with Section 179 — Invest in Your Drilling Fleet Before Year-End

As the year comes to a close, many businesses are looking for smart ways to reduce their taxable income while setting themselves up for success in the new year. One of the best ways to accomplish both is by taking advantage of Section 179 of the U.S. tax code.

This powerful tax incentive allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment, like a new WORD Rock Drills attachment, from their taxable income for the year the equipment is placed into service. That means you can upgrade your equipment fleet now and reap the tax benefits this year.


What is Section 179?

Section 179 was designed to encourage businesses to invest in themselves by purchasing the equipment and technology they need to grow. Instead of depreciating the cost of equipment over several years, Section 179 lets you deduct the full cost in the year of purchase, up to the annual limit set by the IRS.

For 2025, the Section 179 deduction limit is $1,220,000, with a spending cap of $3,050,000. This makes it a valuable tool for contractors, utility companies, and drilling professionals looking to invest in productivity-boosting equipment before the end of the tax year.


Why Invest in a WORD Rock Drills Attachment Now?

Purchasing a WORD Rock Drills skid steer or excavator drilling attachment before December 31 means you can:

  • Lower your 2025 tax burden by deducting the full cost of your purchase.
  • 🚜 Upgrade your fleet with versatile, reliable drilling solutions designed for small-hole applications (1″–13″).
  • Boost jobsite productivity with attachments built for fast setup, efficient drilling, and compatibility with the equipment you already own.
  • 💰 Preserve your capital—thanks to the tax savings, the effective cost of your new equipment can be significantly reduced.

Whether you’re expanding your business or replacing aging equipment, investing now means you’re not just buying a tool; you’re making a strategic business move that can deliver both immediate financial benefits and long-term operational gains.

Don’t Miss the Year-End Deadline

To take advantage of Section 179 for the 2025 tax year, your equipment must be purchased and put into service by December 31, 2025. That means now is the time to finalize your purchase and ensure your drilling attachment is ready to work before year-end.

Our team is ready to help you choose the right Hybrid, Skid Steer, or Excavator Series drilling attachment for your fleet and get it delivered in time to qualify for the deduction.

Let’s Make Your Investment Count

👉 Contact us today to get a quote and make sure your new drill qualifies for this year’s tax deduction

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax professional to determine how Section 179 applies to your business.

In the world of infrastructure construction, there’s a common belief that bigger equipment means better performance. Large, all-in-one drill rigs have long been the standard on job sites — a symbol of strength and capacity. But in today’s fast-paced market, where adaptability and efficiency often trump brute force, that old assumption deserves a closer look.

At WORD Rock Drills, we’re seeing a quiet revolution: contractors are discovering that attachments for skid steers and excavators can outperform traditional rigs in ways that directly impact their bottom line — and help them win more bids.

The Heavyweight Dilemma

Owning and operating a large drill rig comes with a hefty price tag. Beyond the initial investment (which can easily exceed six figures), there are transport permits, specialized operators, and maintenance costs that pile up quickly.

These rigs often require significant mobilization time, limiting your ability to respond quickly to changing site conditions. In today’s market — where contractors are expected to be on-site yesterday — those delays can mean lost revenue and missed opportunities.

Attachments: Small But Mighty

Skid steer and excavator drilling attachments flip this equation on its head. Instead of a dedicated rig, you’re using machines you likely already own and operate every day. Equipment that is already on-site and ready to mobilize, just waiting for you to hook up the attachment.

Here’s what that means in practice:

  • Reduced capital expenditure: You can upgrade your drilling capabilities without tying up massive capital in a single-purpose machine.
  • Faster mobilization: No need for special transport or permits. Move from job to job with the equipment already on your trailer.
  • Increased versatility: Switch between tasks seamlessly — drilling, digging, lifting — using the same carrier machine.

Real-World ROI

Let’s consider a mid-sized contractor working on a utility infrastructure upgrade. Traditionally, they might have relied on a dedicated drill rig, requiring two operators, a transport crew, and a multi-day mobilization process.

By transitioning to an excavator drilling attachment, they reduced crew size, eliminated rig mobilization delays, and began drilling within hours of arriving on-site. The result? They completed more jobs in less time — and freed up capital to invest elsewhere in their business.

Winning More Bids with Agility

Project owners and general contractors are increasingly looking for partners who can adapt to changing scopes and timelines. By using attachments, you become that partner.

Need to install guardrails one week and foundation piers the next? With attachments, you’re not stuck waiting for specialized equipment. You can pivot quickly, respond to unexpected site conditions, and keep projects on schedule — giving you a major competitive edge.

When Bigger Does Make Sense

Of course, there will always be scenarios where a dedicated large rig is the right tool for the job — such as extreme depths, oversized diameters, or highly specialized geological conditions. But for a vast range of small-to-mid-diameter holes, especially in infrastructure work, attachments are not only sufficient — they’re often the smarter business choice.

Rethink What’s Possible

At WORD Rock Drills, we believe contractors shouldn’t have to choose between capability and flexibility. Our attachments are engineered to deliver both.

If you’re still assuming “bigger is better,” it might be time to take a closer look at how an attachment could transform your fleet — and your profitability.


📣 Ready to see if an attachment is the right fit for your operation?

Contact us for a free equipment consultation ➔

If you’re using a rock drill with a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer, you know that the shock sub is a crucial component in your drilling setup. This small but mighty piece of equipment minimizes backforce while drilling, ensuring that your drill head operates efficiently and stays in good condition. However, like all equipment, shock subs require regular maintenance to continue performing at their best. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your shock sub to maximize its effectiveness and lifespan.

When to Schedule Maintenance

The manufacturer’s recommendation encourages performing maintenance on your shock sub every 6 months or after 500 hours of use, whichever comes first. Due to the nature and function of the shock sub, there are no outward signs when the internal seals begin to wear out, however, sticking to this schedule ensures that your shock sub stays in top shape, effectively minimizing the shock and vibration transmitted to the drill head and other components during drilling operations.

Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial

Although there may be no outward signs indicating that maintenance is needed, the internal components of your shock sub, particularly the seals, are subject to wear and tear over time. As these seals wear down, the shock sub becomes less effective at absorbing vibrations and minimizing backforce. This can lead to:

  • Reduced Performance: A shock sub that isn’t functioning optimally can cause increased vibration and impact on the drill head, reducing drilling efficiency.
  • Potential Damage: Operating when your shock sub is not at peak performance increases wear on your drill head and other components, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

What Happens During Maintenance?

During the recommended maintenance, the focus is primarily on replacing the seals within the shock sub. These seals are critical in ensuring that the shock sub can perform its function of absorbing force during drilling. The maintenance process typically involves:

  1. Disassembling the Shock Sub: This allows for a thorough inspection of all components, ensuring there is no hidden damage or wear.
  2. Inspecting Seals and Components: The seals are checked for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. If necessary, they are replaced to restore the shock sub’s ability to minimize vibrations.
  3. Reassembling and Testing: After the seals are replaced, the shock sub is reassembled and tested to ensure it functions correctly.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

  1. Extended Equipment Life: By regularly maintaining your shock sub, you ensure that your drill head and other components are protected from unnecessary wear and damage.
  2. Reduced Downtime and Costs: Like an oil change in your car, preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, helping you avoid more costly repairs and downtime.
  3. Optimal Drilling Performance: A well-maintained shock sub ensures smooth and efficient drilling, improving productivity and reducing operator fatigue.

Conclusion

Maintaining your rock drill shock sub every 6 months or 500 hours is a small investment of time and resources that pay off in the long run. Not only does it help keep your drilling equipment in optimal condition, but it also protects your investment by preventing costly repairs and downtime. If it’s been a while since your last shock sub maintenance, now is the time to schedule it. Preserve the health of your shock sub and keep your drilling operations running smoothly!

For more information or to place an order for your sock sub maintenance kit, contact our sales team today! Your equipment deserves the best care—let us help you keep it in top shape.

Grab your free coloring page below and GET CREATIVE! We will have new coloring pages throughout the year so be sure to check back in to make sure you don’t miss anything!

Tag us on social media with your coloring page! We’d love to see it!

Rockin’ Summer Bucket List

Happy Birthday to WORD!

Rockin’ Women in Construction

Texas Ranch Rock Drills

Pumpkin Patch Picking

Rolling Into Fall with WORD

Paper Windmill Drilling

Springtime Solar Screw Piles

Let it SNOW!

Rockin’ Sleigh Ride with Santa

Monster Mash Maze

Back to (Drilling) School

Happy 4th of July!

Hot Solar Summer

April Flowers

Micropile Mountian

Gingerbread Fencing

Operation Christma Child Packing

Tunnel Support

Trade Show Rodeo

Farm Fencing

Women in Construction

Love Drilling

WORD Turns 15

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Haloween Drill Dress-UP

Back to Trade School

Drilling in the Sun

Drill at Work

For years, WORD Rock Drills has been at the forefront of providing high-quality rock drilling attachments to the fencing community. With a range of skid steer drilling options catering to various needs, WORD has been a trusted partner for fence installers nationwide. Recognizing a gap in the market and the evolving needs of our customers, we are thrilled to unveil our latest innovation: the WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit.

Revolutionizing Rock Drilling for Fence Installers

Designed to address the specific challenges faced by fence installers dealing with tough soil conditions, the DTH Auger Drive Kit is a game-changer in the industry. This new kit allows for shallow hole drilling of up to 6 feet deep and 6 inches wide, empowering installers to take on more challenging projects with confidence.

Key Features and Benefits of the WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit

What sets the WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit apart is its user-friendly design and efficiency. Installers can now convert their existing Auger Drive Head into a powerful rock drill. This kit eliminates the need for subcontracting drilling services or costly excavation processes. This not only saves valuable time but also significantly reduces project costs, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

WORD Salesman, Reid Sockwell, has worked closely with fencing customers for many years and has seen several thrive with this new product line. “I had many customers who were unsure about investing in our standard skid steer attachment but needed a drilling solution. Traditional methods were costing them time and money, but they weren’t ready to make the leap to one of our larger attachments. The DTH Auger Drive Kit met them halfway, helping them win contracts and complete work quickly.” – Reid Sockwell

Versatility and Integration

One of the key advantages of this kit is its versatility. By incorporating a tool familiar to many fencing installers—the Auger Drive Head—WORD has created a solution that seamlessly integrates into existing workflows. Whether you’re working on residential fencing projects or commercial installations, this kit is engineered to meet your drilling needs efficiently and effectively. Adaptable to a range of auger drive heads from Digga, Pro-Dig, Eskridge, Eterra, Pengo, and more, the WORD Auger Drive Kit is a flexible solution to help fencing installers meet their goals.

Compact and Portable

The compact nature of the DTH Auger Drive Kit means it can be easily transported and maneuvered on-site. Unlike the WORD SS Series Drill Attachment used for larger commercial-scale fencing installations, the smaller footprint of the DTH Auger Drive Kit enhances maneuverability and overall productivity for smaller sites. With this tool in your fleet, you can take on challenging terrains and expand into new markets with confidence.

Commitment to Innovation and Customer Satisfaction

At WORD, we believe in not just meeting but exceeding our customers’ expectations. The development of the DTH Auger Drive Kit is a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We invite fence installers everywhere to experience the difference firsthand and revolutionize their rock drilling capabilities.

The WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit is not just a product; it’s a solution that empowers fence installers to overcome obstacles, save costs, and achieve greater efficiency in their operations. Discover the future of rock drilling with WORD Rock Drills today!

Learn More at https://www.wordrockdrills.com/product/dth-auger-drive-kit/

7 Tips for Maintaining Your Skid Steer and Excavator Attachment Going Into Summer

1. Look for Wear on your Centralizer Gates

As a key component in the movement of the drill, your centralizer gates wear down throughout a job. Check your centralizer gates between jobs and replace them when they start to wear down to keep your machine in peak condition.

2. Grease, Grease, Grease

Your drill has many grease points that prevent early wear and allow your machine to run smoothly. Regular greasing is important to maintain the machine during use. Sometimes, when your drill is doing work on the job site, common grease points are overlooked during daily maintenance. Take advantage of the time between jobs to look over your machine closely and make sure everything is well-greased.

3. Check Nylatron Wearpads

Located on the mounting assembly for your Word Rock Drills motor, the Nylatron Shims on your rock drill allow your motor to move smoothly along your feed rail. Over time, these Nylatron Wearpads become thin due to the constant movement. Regularly replacing these wearpads is essential for maintaining the longevity of your machine.

4. Give your Hydraulic Hoses the “Once Over”

Hydraulics are the lifeblood of your WORD drilling attachment. Because of this, it’s important to keep your hoses in top shape! Check that all of your hose connections are tight and that your hoses are well managed so that they do not get caught on anything while drilling or in transport.

5. Stock Up on Biodegradable Rock Drill Oil

Rock drill oil makes the world go round. Well, not really … but it is a key component to a smooth functioning drill! Take this opportunity for maintenance to give us a call and stock up on Biodegradable Rock Drill Oil for the season to ensure that you don’t run out while on the next job.

6. Set Chain Tightness

The feed rail chain on your WORD Rock Drill can become loose periodically. The natural movement of the machine during drilling leads to wear within the primary sprocket of the feed rail chain. This sprocket contains a 1/16th brass bushing which is often the cause of a loose chain. When testing your chain tightness first check to make sure the brass ring within the sprocket is in place and not showing signs of wear. You can then proceed to tighten the chain as usual. Test the tension by moving the drifter all the way forward and checking the rigidity at the middle of the chain.

7. Take Advantage of your Mist Pump

Did you know that the mist pump accessory on your rock drill can double as a pressure washer? It sure can! Springtime is a great opportunity to take advantage of this additional feature to clean your machine thoroughly before it heads out to the next job. Keeping a clean machine is key to the lifetime of the unit, allowing you to spot any potential maintenance point early and keep everything running smoothly.

Ready to Stock Up for the Season?

Contact our sales team to snag a Parts Kit!

1) Sub Zero Temperatures? You Won’t Be the Only One Who Needs to Bundle Up!

When the temperature begins to creep below freezing, there are a few things that you need to do to keep your drill running smoothly. If you need to use the water mist dust suppression system while working, insulate your water lines to prevent them from freezing in severe temperatures. If it’s really cold, you can bundle up your mist pump in a heated blanket to take the chill off! One thing to remember if temperatures are low, make sure to drain ALL of the water out of your mist pump at the end of the day so that it doesn’t freeze up while not in use.

2) Not Drilling as Quickly As You Used To? Your Bit Could Have Something to Do With It

Have you noticed that you aren’t drilling as quickly as you were at the start of your project? There are many factors that could be at play in this situation but one common culprit is your bit. As to be expected, your bit sees a lot of friction during the drilling process that can wear it down. If you’ve noticed this slowdown, and you know that the soil conditions have not changed, check the bottom of your bit between holes. If the rounded tungsten carbide teeth have flattened out, it’s time to give us a call and we can get a new one on its way to you!

3) It Might be a Good Idea to Keep Sawdust or Bentonite on Hand, Here’s Why

When it comes to drilling, it’s always a good idea to expect the unexpected … especially when it comes to soil conditions. Even with advanced technology and geotechnical site mapping you can still come across unexpected surprises. One such surprise that can make drilling difficult is the presence of cracks or fissures in the rock. These cracks can decrease the air pressure down the hole and increase the likelihood of your bit getting stuck. Putting sawdust or bentonite down the hole while you’re drilling will help fill these cracks and help maintain the needed air pressure while drilling.

4) Blowing Out the Top Of Your Big Holes? Try Some DIY Temporary Casing to Prevent Cave-In

Particularly when drilling holes in the 10″ – 14″ range in soft soils the air pressure moving through the bit to clear the hole can cause the top of your hole to blow out. This blowout creates excess material in the hole that can cause your bit to get stuck. To help prevent this from happening, you can use Tube Form from the local hardware store to create a temporary casing that can be removed once the drilling is done.

5) Working Near a Radio or Cell Phone Tower? You Might Have to Tether Your Radio Remote

If your Excavator or Skid Steer Attachment operates with a radio remote control, nearby radio or cell phone towers may be interfering with your remote functions. If you have tried changing frequencies on your radio with no success or are looking for a quicker solution to get back up and running, luckily, tethering your remote is quick and easy. Pop the identical round black caps on the side of both your receiver and your remote and screw in the end of the 20M cable provided with your machine. If you are experiencing radio interference and would like to try out different frequencies before tethering, give us a call and our service team will walk you through the process!

“In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

John 1:1-4

We often get the question “Why WORD?” and the scripture above is the reason. Our founders’ long-standing faith in the Lord to take care of their family and provide.

As we have grown throughout the years, and God has provided for us and the many families that are now on our team, we have been blessed beyond measure and sought out ways to extend our good fortune to others. We have made it part of our company culture to be humble servants and always help where we can within our team, local community, and beyond.

Serving through Our Team

A passion for serving within our team has led us to participate in a number of local organizations that have made an impact on a global level. Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child, Wine to Water, and Habitat for Humanity are ministries that were collective team favorites to participate in. Through these three ministries, our team has had the opportunity to engage in hands-on service activities that have resulted in a global impact. Not only do these service days offer a positive outlet for our team to give, but they are also wonderful team-building opportunities that help us to build on our core values as an organization.

Monthly Educational Active Team Building Opportunities

Activities our team can really sink their teeth into, we offer monthly Educational Active Team-building (EAT) outings for our team and their families. These monthly outings were developed as a fun way to give our team the chance to learn new things that aren’t necessarily work-related. Typically a mix of service, learning, or hobby-type activities. These outings have included volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Team golf lessons, an afternoon at the lake, and a painting class. All fun and educational team-building activities that add a little change of pace to the month and give our team the opportunity to learn a new skill or serve the community.

Events

Get the Reach You Need

Increase the Versatility of your Jobsite with a Drilling Attachment

When it comes to drilling in hard-to-reach places, the conversation typically turns to limited access in terms of compact spaces that limit your equipment options. However, creative thinking isn’t just reserved for your limited access sites. Almost every job site requires some degree of problem-solving and equipment knowledge to find the best solution to get the job done. This is where having versatile equipment in your fleet gives you the upper hand.

Getting to the High Ground

Getting the right equipment, to the right location, to get the job done is what it’s all about. When it comes to extended reach capabilities, standard all-in-one drilling units won’t be able to give you the mobility you need. Whether you’re reaching high onto the side of a mountain or down over the edge of a roadway, the equipment you choose plays a big role in the success of your project. Many of our customers choose an excavator attachment when faced with this type of project. Why? Versatility!

Why Choose a WORD Machine?

Choosing a WORD Excavator attachment as an alternative to an all-in-one drilling machine gives you options not only for your current project but also for future project capabilities. WORD excavator attachments can be adapted to excavators of all shapes and sizes. As long as weight capacity and hydraulic flows are met, you can choose the best excavator to fit your current project without restricting capabilities on future projects. These attachments also provide additional flexibility for the use of your excavator throughout a project. As an attachment, the drill can easily be disconnected and stored after it completes its phase of the project. This allows the chosen excavator to be utilized in other ways on the site or returned ahead of schedule if it’s a rental.

Whatever project or site you are working on, having versatile equipment will help you save both time and money. This versatility also increased the type and variety of jobs that you are able to complete without additional unnecessary equipment purchases. Ask your WORD Sales Rep how you can get set up with a versatile attachment unit for your next project!

Contact Us Today!

From Mountains to Caverns and Even the Arctic Circle

Enter the World Of Rock Drilling with WORD

It’s always an interesting conversation among our team when a customer comes to us with a project that is a little out of the ordinary. These are our sales teams’ favorite calls to get because it gives them the opportunity to dig into their rock drilling knowledge to help the customer develop a solution. Forcing us to think outside of the box in some of these situations, these are the calls that keep us on our toes. A lot of the time, that is why the customer came to us in the first place, for a new perspective with a little bit more know-how in drilling than what they might have themselves. They know what needs to happen, they know the end result, but they don’t know how to drill their way to that goal.

For one customer, earlier in the history of WORD, they knew exactly where they wanted to go … about a hundred feet underground to a newly discovered cavern system. But how to get there was a different story. A popular cavern tours destination, this customer had decided to expand their business and break through to a new cavern system on their property. As a small business, they weighed their options between contracting out the tunnel work that would need to be done from the surface down to this new space or, bringing the operation in-house. During the research phase of this decision, they came across WORD and the solution they were looking for. An excavator attachment later, they were drilling and blasting their way through the first layer of earth.

Another interesting project that our team has come into contact with in the world of rock drilling, took place in the Arctic Circle. In this challenging environment, equipment weight was a huge obstacle for this customer. Due to the fragile permafrost that makes up the topsoil level in this region, heavy drilling equipment would bog down into this layer and easily become stuck. Due to the versatility of our WORD Skid Steer attachment, and weight compared to other drilling equipment, this attachment was a great solution for this customer.

This last job was a roller coaster, literally. Due to a combination of elements, this customer had a subsurface water problem that was slowly but surely sliding his mountain roller coaster down the mountain face it sat on. Having hired contractors who failed to sufficiently stabilize the mountain, they reached out to WORD for a drill that could help them do the project themselves. With the purchase of an EX125 unit, that’s just what they got. Checkout the video below to see this unit in action!

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