Drillcat Completes the Minam River Lodge Story

By Jeremy Verdusco

We have a story in April's National Driller written by Steve Kaser that describes a wild helicopter ride taken by a rig and other equipment to a well site at a remote Oregon lodge. Well, I just heard from the maker of that rig, who helped fill in some details.

Drillcat's Bill W. Williams says that, even though the GS 400 looks small, it's no toy drill. Source: Kim Stoffel

We have a story in our April issue written by Steve Kaser that describes a wild helicopter ride taken by a rig and other equipment to a well site at a remote Oregon lodge. (I’d link to the story, but we’re having technical difficulties with posting that issue.) Well, over the weekend, I heard from the folks who made that rig.

Drillcat contacted us after seeing their GS 400 on the pages of National Driller. They’re a new advertiser, and Bill W. Williams says they designed and built that flying rig specifically for the folks at Minam River Lodge project, and delivered it to Stoffel Bros. Drilling.

“Even though it looks small we do use a 10,000-pound-weight rated swivel with massive 2-inch water course, air and water rated, so it's not a toy rig even though it is small and portable,” Williams told us by email.

Drillcat’s website proudly says: “We only Sell 100% American quality parts and equipment.” It describes the GS 400 as the “best bang for the buck.” “This rig is no frills, mounted on single-axle trailer, but will drill 400 feet and do it every day,” the site says.

Williams goes on to say that Drillcat has a range of rigs for entry-level drillers with “just a little credit and a dream.” Plus, it looks like Drillcat has a strong charity streak, so who wouldn’t want to support that?

In Other News

I expect to attend the 2013 South Atlantic Jubilee in June. June’s issue will also be a companion for the show, featuring our Exhibitor’s Choice Product Showcase. If I’ve contacted you about showcasing a product, don’t forget to send your materials. And, if you go to the show, tap me on the shoulder and introduce yourself. I enjoy meeting readers.

Stay safe out there, drillers.

Jeremy Verdusco worked as Editorial Director for The Driller from late 2012 through early 2024. He’s worked in publishing since 1997, including stints as a reporter, copy editor, page designer and technical writer.