Limited-access and hillside drilling in Los Angeles
Ford Foundation Drilling LLC drills foundation and shoring piles on sites a standard rig cannot reach: backyards behind a narrow side yard, steep slopes, lots with no driveway to the work, and spaces with low overhead.
We own three rigs chosen for this work.
The rigs
| Rig | Built for | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|
| Mait Baby Drill | Small spaces and light foundation work | 3 feet wide, all-in-one compact rig |
| Tescar CF 2.5 | Tight sites with no path in | Can be craned over a house to reach the work |
| Caterpillar Lo-Drill | Tight or limited-height spaces | Low-clearance rig mounted on a Cat excavator, for caissons and soldier piles |
Sites we drill
- Backyards reached only through a side yard or gate
- Hillside lots, above or below the house
- Lots where the rig has to be craned in
- Sites with low overhead clearance
What we drill on these sites
- Caissons and CIDH piles for homes, additions, decks and pools
- Soldier piles for shoring and retaining walls
- Piles for landslide and slope repairs
- Geotechnical exploration holes and soils sampling
- Septic pits and swimming pool foundations
How we size up the access
- You send photos of the route from the street to the work, with the narrowest width and lowest overhead measured.
- We match the rig to the route and tell you what it will take to get it in.
- The proposal states the rig and the access assumptions.
Where we work
We work across Southern California, with recent projects in Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu.
Get a price
Send access photos, plans and the soils report to info@fordfoundationdrilling.com or call 1-626-804-8517, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Common questions
How narrow a space can you get a drill rig through?
Our smallest rig, the Mait Baby Drill, is 3 feet wide. Send the measured opening and we will confirm whether it fits.
Can you drill in a backyard with no equipment access?
Usually. A rig that cannot drive in, such as our Tescar CF 2.5, can be set by crane over the house.
Can you drill under low overhead?
Yes. Our Caterpillar Lo-Drill is a low-clearance rig built for limited-height spaces.
What do you need from me to check access?
Photos of the route from the street to the work, the narrowest width along it and the lowest overhead point.
Related services
Got a project
in mind?
Let's talk. Operators standing by Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PST.