Frequently Asked Questions
About Surface To Surface
What makes STS mixers different from standard bentonite mixers? STS’s patented four-point shear system mixes, shears, agitates, and delivers bentonite drilling fluid simultaneously, producing fully hydrated fluid in minutes rather than the slower single-action mixing found in standard mud mixers.
How long has Surface To Surface been manufacturing mixing equipment? Surface To Surface has been designing and manufacturing high-shear bentonite mixing systems since 1992 — more than three decades of engineering focused on horizontal directional drilling, core drilling, and mining fluid mixing.
What industries use STS mixing systems? STS mixing systems are used in horizontal directional drilling (HDD), mineral exploration, and core drilling — anywhere consistent, high-shear bentonite mixing is critical to keeping a rig running.
Where can I buy STS equipment? STS equipment is available directly through our website, or through our network of authorized distributors across North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. See our Distributors page to find one near you.
Choosing the Right Mixer
What power source should I choose — gas, diesel, or electric? Match it to your jobsite, not just sticker price. Diesel suits remote sites already running diesel equipment. Electric suits sites with noise or emissions restrictions, or where power is already run to the site. Gas is often the simplest and lowest-cost option for straightforward access.
How do I know what size mixer I need? The right mixer size is driven by how fast your rig consumes fluid, not just total tank capacity — undersizing costs you rig downtime waiting on mud.
Why does shear quality matter more than horsepower? Shear quality determines whether bentonite fully yields or leaves clumps that can clog your system downhole — this matters more than raw horsepower. A true high-shear system tears bentonite particles apart as they hit water, so the polymer hydrates fully and fast.
Can a mixer agitate the tank and supply the drill at the same time? Some systems force a choice between agitating the tank and supplying the drill — confirm this before buying if simultaneous agitate-and-supply matters for your bore length and rig demand.
What size range does the STS lineup cover? Our line ranges from compact 2-inch hopper systems up to our largest system, the 1,500-gallon M-1500, covering everything from utility HDD work to large-diameter bores. See our Buyer’s Guide for current specs and pricing by model.
Can I upgrade to a larger mixer later as my jobs get bigger? Yes — many contractors start with a compact system and move up as job size grows. Talk to us directly about trade-in or upgrade paths rather than assuming resale is your only option.
Ordering & Support
Do you accept purchase orders? Yes, purchase orders are accepted — contact us or use the PO option at checkout for business accounts.
Do you ship to the US and internationally? Yes. We ship across North America and internationally, with pricing available in both CAD and USD.
What’s covered under warranty, and for how long? STS products are covered for 12 months from the date of delivery, with an outside limit of 18 months from the date of shipment from our factory — whichever comes first. See our full Warranty Policy for complete terms.
How do I request service or parts? Visit our Parts page, or contact us directly and we’ll help track down what you need.