SURFACE DRILLING
The DM 30 II SP is a simple machine scalable to
automated features. The DM Series drill rig can be
equipped with on-board technology capabilities
with the optional Epiroc Rig Control System (RCS)
Lite for added safety and productivity. “Built on
the RCS 5 platform that comes standard on the Pit
Viper series, RCS Lite offers a number of safety
and interlock features. It also provides a
convenient foundation to add more functionality
and technology options in the future without a
major rebuild of the machine. RCS Lite allows all
Epiroc rotary drills to have the same onboard
display and system for consistent operator
training and service. Epiroc has sold over 100 RCS
Lite systems in 17 different countries around the
world.”
Komatsu’s new drill family
Looking next at Komatsu, the most recent news
for its surface drill line is its re-branding to
Komatsu Drills. This was started with the
introduction of the ZT44 (rebranded 44XT) at
CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. (the “T” in ZT44
standing for track.) Komatsu told IM that this
rebranding will provide a more unified and
consistent customer experience with the Komatsu
brand, “which has a strong reputation in the
industry for quality, reliability, insights and
partnerships, recognised by our customers
globally. We’re focused on matching the strategy
and innovation tied with our growing drill product
offering.”
This was also Komatsu Drills’ first Tier 4
solution utilising a Cummins QSK19 with 800 hp.
“The business has been very excited around the
transformation. As track drills are engineered to
be flexible in a variety of drilling applications, we
recognised the need to match that machine
versatility with an equally flexible business
approach. Stocking these drills, ready for quick
deployment, and delivered fully assembled to site
now offers our customers an immediate
turnaround for holes drilled.”
The 44XT was recently put to work in a US
copper mine where the machine reportedly
excelled. “Initially serving as the choice for
presplit drilling doing 5-1/2” holes, the
penetration rates and availability offered
additional productivity that enabled flexibility to
shift into production patterns doing 7-7/8” holes.
The maximum hole range goes to 8-1/2” using 20
ft rods to hit a max depth of 140 ft. The drill uses
an 800 hp drivetrain and a true mining-duty
85,000-pound footprint for durability for drilling in
various application duties.”
Feedback from operators shows they have
appreciated the machine’s ability to flex between
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