If you’re looking for a way to drill through hard rock without investing in a dedicated rig, the skid steer drill attachment from Center Rock offers a powerful, flexible solution. Whether you’re drilling utility pole holes, installing anchors, or cutting sockets in rock, this attachment transforms your existing skid steer into a hard-hitting rock drill.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the Center Rock skid steer drill attachment works, what makes it different, and how it helps you save time and money on your drilling jobs.
What Is a Skid Steer Drill Attachment?
A skid steer drill attachment is a tool that connects to your existing skid steer loader, allowing it to perform rock drilling tasks. While most skid steers are used for material handling, grading, or digging, Center Rock’s attachment allows them to take on a completely different role: drilling through solid rock.
This isn’t a general-purpose auger. The Center Rock attachment connects to a Utility LP® Drill, a pneumatic down-the-hole (DTH) drill powered by an external air compressor. With this setup, your skid steer becomes a mobile, low-profile rock drilling rig capable of serious performance.
Why Choose Center Rock’s Skid Steer Drill Attachment?
Not all attachments are built for real rock drilling. Many are designed for soft soils or light-duty jobs. But when you’re dealing with limestone, granite, or other dense formations, you need equipment that’s purpose-built. That’s where Center Rock’s system stands apart.
Key Features:
- Pairs with Utility LP Drills for hard rock penetration
- Easily mounts to most standard skid steer loaders
- Drills 18”–24” diameter holes
- Low air consumption means lower operating costs
- Lighter and more compact than mono-hammer pole drills
- Ideal for pole holes and anchor sockets
- Minimal vibration and noise for safer, quieter job sites
Technical Advantage: Utility LP Drills + Skid Steer Compatibility
LP Drill Specs:
- Hole sizes: 18” to 24” (457 to 610 mm)
- Lower vibration: For operator comfort and equipment longevity
- Low profile: Meets low-headroom site requirements
- Pin-together hex connections: Simplifies assembly and maintenance
- Air efficiency: Lower CFM requirements than mono-hammer systems
When paired with a skid steer using the Center Rock attachment, the Utility LP Drill offers one of the most efficient ways to drill sockets or boreholes in hard rock. This solution doesn’t require the cost or footprint of a dedicated drill rig.
What You Need to Get Started
Using this system is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you need:
- A skid steer: Most common brands and sizes will work
- Center Rock’s drill attachment: Designed to mount easily to your machine
- Utility LP Drill: Choose the model based on your hole diameter needs
- Air compressor: Sized appropriately for the LP Drill (typically lower CFM than you’d expect)
No need for complex hydraulics or specialized rigs. Just attach the compressed air hose, position the skid steer, and start drilling.
Real Jobsite Benefits
Faster Drilling
Time is money. Our customers report up to 70 percent faster drilling speeds compared to traditional rock augers. In dense rock formations, that can mean the difference between completing 2 holes a day or 8 holes a day.
Lower Operating Costs
Because the Utility LP Drill consumes less air than traditional down-the-hole systems, you save on fuel, footprint, and logistics. The attachment also reduces the need for multiple machines or specialized rigs on-site.
Smaller Footprint
Skid steers are already on most job sites. Rather than bringing in a dedicated drill rig, this attachment uses the machine you already have, saving space and simplifying transport and setup.
More Jobs, Less Overhead
Contractors who adopt this system often expand into jobs they previously turned down due to equipment limitations. That includes hard rock pole installs, anchor setting, and other small-diameter drilling tasks in difficult terrain.
Use Case: Utility Pole Drilling in Hard Rock
A regional utility in Pennsylvania needed to install more than 40 utility poles across a rocky ridgeline. Traditional augers failed to penetrate the dense shale, and rental pole drills exceeded budget and space limits.
Using Center Rock’s skid steer drill attachment and a Utility LP Drill, the crew was able to drill 24-inch diameter sockets at an average of 15 minutes per hole. The only additional equipment required was a portable compressor, which they already owned.
The system:
- Cut job time by 60%
- Reduced overall project cost by 30%
- Enabled drilling in previously inaccessible terrain
Common Questions
The LP Drills used with this attachment require less air than standard mono-hammer systems. Depending on the hole diameter, a compressor delivering 600 to 900 CFM at 100 to 150 PSI is typically sufficient. Our team can size the system for your application.
Most standard skid steers can support the attachment and drill weight, especially models with high-flow hydraulics and sufficient lifting capacity. If you’re unsure, contact our team for compatibility guidance.
Yes. The attachment is adjustable to allow for vertical or angled holes, depending upon your project needs.
Why Center Rock?
At Center Rock, cutting through rock is what we do, better and faster than anyone. From major infrastructure projects to emergency rescues, including the historic 2010 Chilean Mine Rescue, our drilling technology is trusted across industries and around the world.
With our skid steer drill attachment, you’re not just buying a tool. You’re gaining access to the same hard rock drilling expertise that has helped rescue miners, power cities, and complete the toughest utility jobs.
Get Attached and Drill with Confidence
If you’ve got a skid steer on your site, you’ve already got the foundation for a powerful drilling system. The Center Rock skid steer drill attachment adds a new level of capability to your operation, one that’s field-proven, cost-effective, and ready to take on the hardest rock.
Call us today at 814-209-7051 or contact us online to get a quote, check compatibility, or schedule a demo.