Signs Your HDD Battery Is Failing: Don’t Risk Downtime
Posted by Benjamin Nickel on
Your HDD transmitter is the heartbeat of every horizontal directional drilling project, and its performance depends entirely on the battery powering it. A strong, steady power source ensures accurate readings, reliable signals, and smooth progress underground. But when your battery begins to fail, the risk of downtime, lost productivity, and costly re-drills grows by the minute. Knowing the signs of a failing HDD battery can help you replace it before it disrupts your job.
Shortened Runtime
One of the first indicators that your HDD battery is wearing out is a noticeable drop in runtime. If a battery that once powered your transmitter for a full shift now dies halfway through, it’s a clear signal that the internal cells are deteriorating. High temperatures, heavy usage, and repeated charge cycles accelerate this wear. Keeping track of typical runtime can help you spot changes early and plan replacements before failure strikes mid-bore.
Weak or Inconsistent Signal
A failing battery often struggles to maintain steady voltage output. This can show up as weak locator readings, fluctuating signals, or sudden dropouts. Crews may find themselves spending more time troubleshooting than drilling, which eats into project timelines. If your locator struggles to track the sonde at distances it previously handled with ease, it’s likely the battery is the culprit.
Overheating During Use or Charging
It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat, but excessive warmth during operation or charging is a red flag. As batteries degrade, internal resistance increases, causing them to overheat more easily. Consistently hot batteries are not only unreliable but can also be unsafe. At this stage, replacement is the smart move to avoid unexpected shutdowns—or worse, equipment damage.
Trouble Holding a Charge
Rechargeable HDD batteries that no longer hold a charge are nearing the end of their lifecycle. Common signs include rapid discharge even when not in use, chargers signaling “full” too quickly, or batteries that can’t maintain power through storage. If your battery requires constant recharging, it’s time to replace it with a dependable unit.
Physical Damage or Corrosion
Always inspect your HDD batteries before heading to the field. Swelling, cracked casings, leaking fluid, or corrosion on the terminals are sure signs of a failing battery. Damaged batteries are unsafe and can compromise the performance of your transmitter. Even if they seem to function, they’re at high risk of sudden failure in the middle of a bore.
Why Replacing on Time Matters
Waiting until a battery completely fails may save money in the short term, but it can cost far more in downtime and rework. A transmitter powered by a weak battery can mislead crews, cause drilling inaccuracies, and lead to expensive re-drills. Replacing batteries proactively ensures smooth performance, accurate locates, and uninterrupted productivity.
Get the Help You Need from Cortek Power
When you start seeing signs like shortened runtime, weak signals, overheating, poor charging, or physical damage, it’s time to act. At Cortek Power, we supply genuine and compatible HDD batteries for Digitrak transmitters—in stock and ready to ship fast. Our inventory includes standard, high-capacity, and rechargeable options to keep your crews powered and your projects moving forward.
Don’t risk downtime on your next job. Replace failing batteries before they cost you time and money. Contact Cortek Power today for fast, reliable HDD batteries that deliver the power your transmitter needs, every single shift.