Atlas Copco has introduced the latest in its Drillmaster (DM) line. Designed to fill the gap between the DML and the Pit Viper 275, Atlas Copco’s DM75 is now available in non-Tier 4 markets. Manufactured in Nanjing, China, the DM75 is suited for rotary drilling of 229 to 270 mm holes, with low and high pressure compressor options. The component layout and spacious electric over hydraulic cab are taken directly from larger drills in the DM line.

Having already been put to the test in Eastern Europe, the DM75 is described as “ideal for drilling in hard rock applications such as iron ore and copper.” In its first test in such an application, the DM75 has averaged a controlled 8,000 to 9,000 m drilled per month at a 95% availability rate. Offering 34 t of pulldown, the DM75 has a maximum depth capacity of 51.2 m. With a weight ranging between 68,000 to 85,000 kg, the DM75 offers a smaller overall footprint than its PV275 counterpart.

The first drill configured for export was a standard machine sent to a customer in Eastern Europe. In March 2014, the DM75 began production drilling 8,000-9,000 m per month, which was a controlled depth by the contractor and mine. During this test, the DM75 averaged 600 engine hours per month with an availability of 95%. The DM75 is available with either an electric or diesel engine. This particular machine had a diesel engine, and averaged about 80-90 litres of fuel per hour. Depending on need, customers can order the DM75 with an 1,800 CFM (52 cubic metre per min) compressor for the electric model and a 1,900 CFM (52 cubic metre per min) compressor with a diesel. A high pressure version for DTH drilling is also available for both power groups.

“Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions established manufacturing in Nanjing, China with a goal to develop a world class, affordable product for the mineral extraction industry,” said Mark Stewart, Marketing Manager for Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions in Nanjing, China. “We are well positioned with service and parts available from our Nanjing distribution center to support the DM75 in all corners of the world.”