Choosing The Right Used DigiTrak F2 Or F5 Locator

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Horizontal directional drilling is unforgiving when your locating gear lets you down. The drill can be brand new and the crew experienced, but if the locator suddenly loses signal or gives unstable readings, production stops and risk goes up. That is why so many HDD contractors rely on DigiTrak systems and why the F2 and F5 models are still in high demand on the used market.

Buying used guidance equipment can be a smart way to stretch your budget without giving up on quality. The key is understanding what each model is good at, how it fits your projects and what to look for before you send it out on a live bore.

In this article, we will look at the strengths of the F2 and F5 locators, when it makes sense to choose each one and how to approach the used equipment market with a clear checklist instead of guesswork.

Why your locator choice matters so much

A horizontal directional drilling guidance setup has three main components working together:

• The transmitter sonde in the drill head.
  
• The handheld locator that reads the signal.
  
• The remote display in the rig that keeps the driller informed.
  

Crews often focus on sondes, because they live in the harshest environment. But the locator is the brain that turns raw signal into usable information. If the locator is not stable, does not hold calibration or struggles with interference, it does not matter how good your transmitter is.

When you choose between an F2 and an F5, you are really choosing how much capability and flexibility you want in that “brain” for different kinds of jobs.

What the DigiTrak F2 brings to the table

The F2 locator is a proven, field friendly system that many crews know well. It is often the first DigiTrak unit that drillers learn on and it remains a workhorse for everyday utility projects.

Typical advantages of an F2 setup include:

• Simple, intuitive interface that is easy to teach and remember.
  
• Enough depth and data range for most short and medium service lines.
  
• A wide choice of compatible sondes and accessories already in circulation.
  

For many contractors, the F2 is exactly what they need for residential work, light commercial projects and straightforward bores that do not push the limits of depth or interference.

If that sounds like your day to day workload, it can be smart to look for a used digitrak f2 locator for sale rather than buying a new system. A good used unit can deliver years of reliable service at a much lower cost, especially if you already own compatible transmitters and housings.

Why the DigiTrak F5 is the step up

While F2 handles a huge share of everyday work, some jobs demand more. Deep shots, river or highway crossings, dense urban utility corridors and high electrical noise push locating systems harder. That is where the F5 comes in.

The F5 platform is designed for higher performance and flexibility. In practical terms, this usually means:

• Greater depth and data range for longer, more demanding bores.
  
• More frequency options to work around challenging interference.
  
• Finer resolution and more detailed signal behavior, which helps on precision critical projects.
  

On many jobsites, the F5 rig is the “special forces” unit. When the project is complex, risky or high value, the F5 is the system you want guiding your drill head.

If your project list regularly includes high consequence bores, it is worth looking for a digitrak f5 locator for sale so you can upgrade your fleet without paying full new equipment prices.

F2 vs F5: matching the model to the job

You can think of F2 and F5 as two tools in the same toolbox rather than direct competitors. Each has a natural home:

F2 is ideal when:

• Bores are relatively short and shallow.
  
• Ground conditions are known and interference is moderate.
  
• Budgets are tight and you want maximum value from used equipment.
  
• Crews prefer a straightforward interface with fewer advanced settings.
  

F5 is ideal when:

• You often work in noisy, interference heavy environments.
  
• Depth, range and precision are critical for success.
  
• Projects involve tight tolerances or crowded underground corridors.
  
• You want a “future proof” platform that can handle more complex work.
  

Many companies run a mixed fleet. One rig is built around an F5 system for the toughest jobs, while other rigs use F2 locators for more routine work. Buying used units for both models lets you build that flexibility without overloading your capital budget.

What to check when buying a used DigiTrak F2 or F5

Not all used equipment is equal. Before you commit to any locator, especially on the secondary market, you should have a clear inspection process. At minimum, try to verify:

Physical condition

• Is the housing intact, with no cracks, heavy corrosion or signs of being dropped from height
  
• Are buttons, grips and battery covers in good shape
  

Display and controls

• Does the screen power up cleanly and show all segments
  
• Do all buttons respond reliably without sticking or double pressing
  

Battery compartment

• Check for leaks, rust or corrosion on contacts
  
• Confirm that the battery door closes securely and seals properly
  

Function test with a known good sonde

• If possible, test the locator with a transmitter you trust
  
• Walk a short mock line, check depth readings, pitch response and signal stability
  

Accessories and documentation

• Make sure you receive a charger, case and any needed remote display gear
  
• Ask for manuals, calibration logs or service records if available
  

Ideally, a professional seller will perform many of these steps before listing the unit. Still, you should confirm for yourself whenever you can, especially if you are buying from a distance or through an online platform.

When a used locator is a better choice than new

It can be tempting to think that only new equipment is safe on critical projects. In reality, a well maintained used DigiTrak locator can perform just as well as a new one for most applications, especially when:

• Your crews already know the system and have developed good operating habits.
  
• You have compatible sondes and housings on hand.
  
• You prefer to put capital into additional rigs or drilling tools instead of electronics.
  

The main rule is simple: you want used, not abused. Choose units from sellers who test, service and stand behind what they offer instead of treating guidance systems like anonymous auction items.

Building a long term locator strategy

The decision to buy one used F2 or F5 is tactical. Over time, though, you can turn those tactical decisions into a clear locator strategy for your whole company. Ask yourself:

• Which types of projects do we do most often
  
• How many rigs do we operate now, and how many do we plan to operate in two to three years
  
• Which jobs absolutely require top end locating capability, and which are more forgiving
  
• How much does a day of downtime cost us in reality
  

With those answers, you can decide how many F2 and F5 locators you need, where to deploy each model and how many spares to keep on hand. Used equipment then becomes a tool for filling gaps and managing risk, rather than a random purchase when something breaks.

Conclusion

DigiTrak F2 and F5 locators have earned their place on HDD jobsites by delivering reliable, readable data under tough conditions. Buying used units does not mean lowering your standards. Done carefully, it is a practical way to expand or upgrade your guidance fleet while keeping budgets under control.