Drilling Services for Fresno, Madera & Surrounding Counties
Big Bore Drilling provides auger drilling for post, pole and tree holes, along with large-diameter vertical drilling for projects requiring holes from 24 to 144 inches in diameter and depths up to 70 feet. Our vertical bucket rig supports applications ranging from septic and drainage systems to foundation piers, elevator shafts and other large vertical excavations.
LARGE-DIAMETER DRILLING (24"–144")
Drilling to depths of 70' for shafts, caissons,
foundations, and area drains.
Auger Drilling (8"–36")
Efficient drilling for fence posts, pole foundations, tree holes, and other repetitive holes.
Which Drilling Method Does Your Project Require?
Large-diameter vertical drilling is appropriate when a project requires:
- Hole diameters from 24"–144"
- Depths of up to 70 feet
- Caissons, foundation piers, or structural holes
- Elevator shafts or other large vertical excavations
- Area drainage or septic applications requiring vertical drain wells
Auger drilling is appropriate for:
- Hole diameters from 8"–36"
- Fence and gate posts
- Flagpoles, light poles, signs, and similar pole foundations
- Tree planting
- Test holes
- Multiple repetitive holes
Not sure which drilling method fits your project?
Tell us the hole diameter, depth, quantity and project location, and we'll help determine whether Big Bore Drilling has the right equipment for the job
Effective drainage starts with the right borehole. Big Bore Drilling provides large-diameter vertical drilling for drain wells, seepage pits and dry wells throughout Central California. These systems can be used to extend drainage below shallow clay and hardpan layers and into deeper, more permeable soils where site conditions allow.
Using our vertical bucket drilling rig, we drill large-diameter holes based on the required depth, diameter and subsurface conditions. Drain-well construction is matched to the site's soil profile, required capacity and applicable local requirements, including rock-filled drain-well installations where required by local code.
DRilling FAQs
Does Big Bore Drilling do horizontal or directional drilling?
No. Big Bore Drilling does not provide horizontal directional drilling (HDD). We provide large-diameter vertical drilling and auger drilling for foundations, caissons, drainage and septic applications, posts, poles, tree holes and other vertical drilling projects.
What drilling diameters does Big Bore Drilling offer?
Big Bore Drilling offers two drilling methods. Our large-diameter vertical drilling equipment can drill holes from 24" to 144" in diameter, while our auger equipment handles smaller holes from 8" to 36" in diameter.
What is the maximum depth you can drill?
Our large-diameter vertical drilling equipment can reach depths of up to 70 feet, while our auger equipment can drill smaller holes up to 18 feet deep.
What access is required for drilling equipment?
Access requirements depend on the drilling method, hole size and project site. Large-diameter drilling requires sufficient access and working clearance for the bucket rig and support equipment, while the Bobcat-mounted auger can work in more confined areas. Overhead clearance, underground utilities, surface conditions and equipment setup space should also be considered. We will review site access as part of project planning.
Can Big Bore Drilling drill water wells?
No. Big Bore Drilling does not drill water wells. Our drilling services are intended for construction, drainage, septic, agricultural, landscape, and property-improvement applications.
What is the difference between auger drilling and bucket rig drilling?
Auger drilling uses a rotating auger attachment for smaller holes such as posts, poles, trees and repetitive drilling.
Large-diameter drilling uses our vertical bucket rig for larger and deeper excavations such as caissons, foundation piers, elevator shafts and vertical drainage or septic applications. The appropriate method depends on the required diameter, depth, quantity of holes and site conditions.
How does soil type affect the drilling process?
Soil conditions can affect drilling speed, hole stability and the equipment required for the project. Dense clay and hardpan can slow drilling, while loose or sandy soils may require additional measures to maintain a stable hole during drilling.
See a BIG BORE drilling project in ACTION!
Check out this recent drilling project in Sanger, California, where Big Bore Drilling prepped the ground for new area drains at Fairmont Elementary. These 84-inch wide holes, drilled to a depth of 30 feet, are an excellent example of our precision and efficiency.
Drilling Service Area
Fresno and Madera Counties are Big Bore Drilling’s primary drilling service area. Larger or more specialized drilling projects may justify mobilization into Kings, Tulare, Kern, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Availability outside the core area depends on project scope, equipment requirements, access and travel logistics.
Contact Us for Expert Drilling Services
Ready to make your next drilling project a success? Call us at (559) 264-4601. From large-diameter boreholes to small auger holes, Big Bore Drilling has the expertise and equipment to handle your project with precision and efficiency. Contact us today to discuss your needs and get a free quote!