From the title of this column, you probably think that Schmitt has finally lost it. Believe me I have not. Since my last column, I have had two interesting phone calls, both about spudder rigs.
The first was from a contractor who operates a long, long way from southern Michigan. The second was from a non-contractor, also a fair distance from me. The first person, whom I have known for many years, sought a 20W or 22W spudder machine. In many areas of the United States, contractors have long-since stopped using spudders to drill water wells. In other areas — Michigan, for instance, drillers may still occasionally need one. In fact, some contractors still drill every day with a spudder and anyone in business for a long time likely has one stored in a shed when needed. The two models, Bucyrus-Erie 20W and 22W, are very popular in Michigan.