The Top 3 KLEMM Rigs: ECA Expert Burt Kerns Gives His Opinion on Most Versatile Solutions for Anchors and Micropiles

With decades of hands-on experience as a technician, trainer, and Product Support Sales Representative at Equipment Corporation of America, ECA’s Burt Kerns has worked on nearly every generation of small-diameter drilling equipment. Few people in North America know KLEMM rigs as thoroughly as Burt, and when asked to name his top three, his picks are rooted in real job-site performance.

Each of these machines stands out for a specific reason, but all three share the hallmarks KLEMM is known for: German engineering, built-in adaptability, and long-term durability.

• KLEMM KR 702 — Compact Power for Confined Job Sites

  

The KLEMM KR 702 earns Burt’s top spot for its unmatched versatility in tight spaces. Designed for low-headroom and restricted-access environments, this compact rig regularly proves that small doesn’t mean underpowered.

What makes the KR 702 unique is its flexibility. It can be powered by a diesel power pack or an electric power pack, making it ideal for indoor applications such as basements, parking garages, and urban construction sites. Despite its size, Burt has seen KR 702 rigs successfully drill casing up to 14 inches in diameter.

For contractors tackling micropiles, anchors, or tiebacks where access is limited, the KR 702 delivers production without compromise.

• KLEMM KR 806-3GS — The Go-To Workhorse

  

If there’s a true all-around performer in the KLEMM lineup, it’s the KR 806-3GS. Burt describes this rig as the workhorse of the fleet—and for good reason.

The KR 806-3GS can be configured for single-head or double-head operation and supports rotary-only or rotary-percussion drilling methods. That adaptability allows contractors to handle anchors, micropiles, and mixed ground conditions with a single machine instead of maintaining multiple specialized rigs.

For crews that need flexibility across different job types, the KR 806-3GS offers a balance of power, efficiency, and configurability that makes it one of the most widely used KLEMM models in North America.

• KLEMM KR 806-5G — Built for Longer Strokes and Larger Work

  

Rounding out Burt’s top three is the KLEMM KR 806-5G, a larger machine designed for demanding micropile applications. Its standout feature is the ability to extend the mast for strokes up to 30 feet under the head, giving contractors more reach and efficiency on deeper installations.

The KR 806-5G excels on projects that require longer tooling, higher production demands, or more challenging ground conditions. For contractors focused on micropiles at scale, this rig provides the power and stroke length needed to keep production moving without sacrificing precision.

Why These Three Matter

According to Burt, the real advantage of KLEMM rigs is the overall adaptability of the platform. Base machines are engineered with options in mind, allowing contractors to configure one rig for multiple drilling methods rather than investing in separate machines for each application.

That adaptability, combined with thoughtful engineering for maintenance and longevity, is why these three rigs continue to stand out across decades of foundation construction work.

For contractors looking to optimize anchor and micropile drilling operations, Burt’s top three KLEMM rigs offer proven solutions backed by real-world experience—and supported by ECA’s training, parts, and product support expertise.