The Comacchio MC-8D is a versatile, powerful hydraulic drilling rig designed for civil engineering works such as micropiles, anchors, and general ground improvement using rotary and rotary-percussive systems. It is built as a limited-access machine with a compact footprint and articulated mast that lets you drill where bigger rigs simply cannot go—inside plants, under low clearances, and on cluttered urban sites.
NPP’s MC-8D units are spec’d for real production: big torque, smart hydraulics, and a roll-off power pack system that lets you choose onboard or separate power for tough access conditions. With radio remote control as standard, operators can position themselves safely for visibility and communication while still having full control of every drilling function.
Key Comacchio 8D Specs That Matter on Site
From torque to mast stroke, the MC-8D is built to move serious steel and run serious tooling—not just spin a small auger. Comacchio MC-8D Spec Sheet
Main performance specs:
- Engine power (diesel): Approx. 75–100 kW (101–134 HP), providing plenty of hydraulic power for demanding drilling systems.
- Rotary torque range: About 1,350–2,325 daNm (≈9,957–17,148 lb-ft), depending on rotary head configuration.
- Rotary speed range: Approximately 70–380 rpm (varies by head; typical operating range listed around 135–220 rpm on Comacchio data).
- Feed force: Around 5,400–6,000 daN (≈12,140–13,488 lbs).
- Retract force: Around 5,400–6,000 daN (≈12,140–13,488 lbs).
Chassis and mast:
- Max width: Roughly 1,200–1,600 mm (about 3.9–5.3 ft) for limited access and tight sites.
- Weight: Typically 9–10 tons depending on configuration, giving stability without losing mobility.
- Mast feed / stroke: Approx. 950–4,000 mm (about 3.1–13.1 ft), with telescopic mast allowing different rod lengths without extensions.
- Clamp range: About 45–360/365 mm (≈1.8–14.1 in), handling a wide range of casing and drill string diameters.
This combination of torque, feed force, and mast flexibility means the MC-8D can run hollow bar, casing and inner rods, or open-hole tools for a wide mix of foundation scopes.
Job Types the Comacchio MC-8D Excels At
The MC-8D is engineered as a multi-purpose rig focused on foundations and ground improvement, making it a go-to tool for specialty contractors.
Typical job types:
- Micropiles: Primary and secondary piles for bridges, industrial retrofits, seismic upgrades, and tight-access foundations where high torque and limited access are essential.
- Anchors / tiebacks: Earth retention and slope stabilization anchors using rotary or rotary-percussive drilling in rock or mixed ground.
- Ground improvement: Grouted columns, soil stabilization, and other improvement techniques where you must pair drilling with reliable grouting systems.
- Soil nails: Permanent and temporary soil nail walls on highway cuts, deep excavations, and urban basements.
- Limited-access drilling: Work inside existing buildings, under low clearances, or on congested sites where a full-size rig cannot mobilize.
With support for rotary and rotary-percussive drilling systems and a hydraulic layout that can power drifters, double heads, and auxiliary pumps, the MC-8D can be configured to match the exact drilling method required by your spec or ground conditions.
Why Rent the MC-8D from National Piling Products
Renting the MC-8D from National Piling Products is not just a transactional equipment rental—it is tapping into a deep foundation partner that lives in micropiles and anchors every day.
Reasons to rent from National Piling Products:
- Deep foundation specialists: NPPI focuses on micropiles, anchors, and limited-access drilling, so the team understands the production targets and problems you face on site.
- Field-proven fleets: NPP runs Comacchio rigs like the MC-8D in real rental fleets, so maintenance, repairs, and configuration are based on what works in the field, not just in brochures.
- No maintenance headaches: NPP handles major maintenance, inspections, and repairs, letting your team focus on drilling, production, and safety instead of chasing parts and mechanics.
- Flexible rental terms: Renting lets you scale your drilling capacity up or down with your backlog, avoiding the capital hit and long-term risk of owning specialized rigs you may not keep busy year-round.
NPP is a veteran-owned company and an active partner in the deep foundation industry, with consulting, material supply, and specialty tools that complement its drilling rigs. That experience translates directly into better support when you are troubleshooting in the field or planning complex work.
MC-8D + Intric Grouting Equipment: A Complete Micropile System
One of the biggest advantages of working with National Piling Products is the ability to rent both the drill rig and the Intric grouting plant from the same partner.
NPP rents and sells Intric grout plants—such as the D-12—that pair perfectly with the Comacchio MC-8D for hollow bar micropiles and high-pressure grouting. This combo allows you to:
- Drill and grout seamlessly: Run the MC-8D for drilling while an Intric grout plant provides consistent, high-pressure grout for hollow bar or cased micropiles.
- Coordinate equipment sizing: NPP can match torque, drilling method, and grout plant output so your rig and plant work in sync instead of creating a bottleneck.
- Simplify logistics: One vendor for rig, grout plant, and related tooling means a single point of contact for delivery, tech support, and scheduling.
NPP has field examples of projects where a Comacchio 8D ran alongside an Intric D-12 grout plant for hollow bar micropile installations, demonstrating that this pairing is not theoretical—it is proven in production work.
Operator Features and Site-Friendly Design
Beyond raw torque and feed numbers, the MC-8D is designed to keep operators efficient and safe in tight spaces.
Notable features:
- Roll-off power pack system: The rig can operate with either onboard or separate power pack (electric or diesel), increasing flexibility for tunnels, interiors, or low-ventilation areas.
- Telescopic mast: Allows use of different rod lengths without adding mast extensions, speeding up setup and reducing complexity.
- Radio remote control: The Comacchio radio system manages all key functions, including mast adjustment and power pack roll-off, so the operator can stand where visibility and safety are best.
For foremen and superintendents, this means less time fighting with setup and more time drilling, as well as safer operations in constrained work zones.
When the MC-8D from NPP Is the Right Move
If your project involves limited access, tight schedules, and specification-driven micropiles or anchors, the Comacchio MC-8D from National Piling Products is a strong choice. It brings the torque, mast flexibility, and control needed for serious deep foundation work, while NPP’s rental model keeps your capital free and your fleet adaptable.
By pairing the MC-8D with Intric grout plants from NPP, you can present owners and general contractors with a coordinated drilling-and-grouting solution that hits production targets and QA/QC requirements. For contractors looking to outperform competitors and win more micropile and anchor work, that integrated, high-performance package is a real advantage—on the jobsite and in the proposal binder.
Next Steps to Rent the Comacchio 8D
Are you a contractor working on micro-piles, helical anchors, soil nails, ground anchors, or other deep foundation projects? With NPP you can rent all the equipment for your projects directly from National Piling Products, with full customer service, parts support, and access to industry-leading micro drilling equipment, including:
At NPP, we take pride in delivering top-tier customer service, and we invite you to explore our YouTube tutorials designed to support you in the field so your projects run more efficiently and profitably.
To discuss availability, pricing, and how the Comacchio MC-8D fits into your upcoming work, call National Piling Products at 855‑801‑7453.
We are your “Deep Foundation Equipment Specialists.”
