This question comes up often. A robo machine is small and fits tight plots. So people worry that it may not go deep enough.
That worry is fair. Hyderabad has hard rock, and water is often found at different depths in different areas.
In this guide, we explain what decides the depth, why a machine’s limit is not the same as your borewell’s depth, and what to ask before you agree to anything.
A machine’s top limit is the most it can do on a good day. It is not a promise for your plot.
What Decides the Depth You Can Reach
1
Machine power
A stronger rig and longer drill pipes can usually go deeper.
2
Air power (compressor)
The deeper you go, the more air is needed to clear the hole. Weak air means slow work.
3
Type of rock
Hard rock is slower to drill. Cracked or broken rock can cause the hole to cave in.
4
Water layers underground
Water is found in cracks in the rock. These cracks may be shallow or deep, depending on your area.
5
The driller’s skill
A trained crew knows when to continue and when to stop.
Machine Limit vs the Depth You Need
These are two different things. Many people mix them up.
Machine limit: The deepest the rig can go.
Depth you need: How deep you must go to find enough water in your area.
If the depth you need is less than the machine limit, you are fine. If it is more, a robo rig may not be the right choice for that plot.
Also, going deeper does not always mean more water. Sometimes water is found early. Sometimes it is not found at all. No driller can promise water.
Two depths, two different questions
Tap or hover on a box to highlight it.
Machine side
How deep can the rig go?
Set by machine size
Set by compressor power
Lower in very hard rock
Ask your driller
Ground side
How deep must you go?
Set by your area
Set by water layers
Can change plot to plot
Confirmed only after drilling
Robo vs Truck Rig on Depth
Here is a simple view. These are general points only. Real machines differ, so always ask.
Depth: robo rig vs truck rig
Point
Robo rig
Truck rig
Size
Smaller, on tracks
Bigger, on a truck
Depth limit
Depends on the exact machine
Often higher, but also depends on the machine
Tight plots
Can usually enter
Often cannot enter
Hard rock
Possible, but can be slower
Usually comfortable
Best for
Small plots, narrow access
Open plots, deeper needs
Swipe sideways on your phone to see the full table.
Indicative only. Check the exact machine before you book.
Not sure which one suits you? Our guide on borewell guides covers the choice in simple words.
What If Your Plot Needs More Depth?
Sometimes the water is deeper than a robo rig can reach. In that case, you have a few options.
Use a bigger truck rig, if one can reach your plot.
Choose another spot on the plot where a truck can enter.
Ask a driller to check if a deeper robo machine is available.
Your driller should tell you this before drilling starts, not after you have paid for half a borewell.
Depth also changes the price. A deeper hole needs more drilling time and more casing pipe. You can read how this works in our guide to borewell drilling cost in Hyderabad.
Be careful with big promises
If a driller promises water at a fixed depth, be careful. Nobody can know exactly what is under your plot. Honest drillers talk about chances, not guarantees.
For general facts about groundwater in India, the Central Ground Water Board is a trusted public source.
Questions to Ask Your Driller
Keep this list ready when you talk to a driller.
“What is the maximum depth of this exact robo machine?”
“Can it drill that deep in hard rock?”
“What compressor will you use?”
“What happens if we need to go deeper than the machine can?”
“Is the price in writing, and does it cover casing pipe?”
A good driller will answer these without any fuss. If the answers are unclear, think again before you book.
What This Means for Your Borewell
There is no one depth for all robo machines. It depends on the exact rig.
Hard rock in Hyderabad can lower the depth a robo machine reaches.
Machine limit and the depth you need are two different things.
Ask for the machine’s depth limit in hard rock, in writing.
If your plot needs more depth, ask about a bigger rig early.
Deeper does not always mean more water. Only the ground decides that.
Please note: The points in this article are general and indicative. Depth limits differ by machine, and results depend on your plot and the rock under it. Water is never guaranteed. A site visit gives the clearest answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many feet can a robo borewell machine drill in Hyderabad?
It depends on the exact machine and the rock under your plot. Different robo rigs have different limits. Ask your driller for the depth limit of the machine they will use, and whether it holds in hard rock.
Can a robo machine go as deep as a truck rig?
Sometimes, but not always. Truck rigs are bigger and often have a higher limit. Some strong robo rigs can also go deep. The only safe way is to check the exact machine.
Does hard rock reduce the depth a robo rig can reach?
It can. Hard rock like granite slows the drill and wears the bit faster. So the real depth on your plot may be less than the machine’s top limit.
What if the water is deeper than the robo rig can drill?
You can ask about a bigger machine, or choose another spot where a truck rig can enter. A good driller will tell you about this before drilling starts.
Will a deeper borewell always give more water?
No. Water depends on cracks and water layers in the rock. Some deep borewells give less water than shallow ones. No driller can promise water at any depth.
Hyderabad Borewell Drillers
Borewell Contractors ¡ Hyderabad