Epiroc is gearing up to present the new generation SmartROC D50 and SmartROC D55 surface drill rigs. These updated intelligent drill rigs it says will give drillers even more features and options over those already included on these rigs. “Both the SmartROC D50 and SmartROC D55 surface drill rigs will help our customers – in both mining and quarrying applications – decrease operational costs and boost productivity,” says Mattias Hjerpe, Global Product Manager at Epiroc.
The new generation SmartROC D50 and D55 Epiroc says are packed with intelligent features that will improve operations and increase safety. Both these Down-The-Hole surface drill rigs share the intelligence and automation of the bigger SmartROC D60/D65, which were released last year.
The SmartROC D50 and D55 are versatile and flexible drill rigs, with a feed carrying 5 m tubes. The SmartROC D50 and D55 offer smart features such as automated drilling and rod handling. Both these rigs are also available with a new option, Radio Remote Control System. “With this option, the operator can work safely whilst being able to view the rig from a distance. This is a popular feature available on other rigs, but due to popular demand from our customers, Epiroc has made it available on these machines too,” Hjerpe explains.
Due to a new advanced control system – with intelligent control of compressor load and engine rpm – the SmartROC D50 and D55 also cut fuel consumption. These drill rigs also benefit from a redesigned hydraulic system, which not only reduces fuel burn, but also uses hundreds of litres less hydraulic oil than previous versions of these machines. Additionally, this serves to increase sustainability.
The automation-ready platform can also be fitted with the new option Auto Feed Fold. By just performing a single action, the Auto Feed Fold enables the operator to dump the feed for tramming or position it ready for drilling.
Inside the cabin, the operator will find an updated ergonomically designed working environment. The rig offers multifunction joysticks and adjustable tramming speed to further improve operator comfort and make trailer loading safer and easier. The cabin also includes a brand new touch screen-based Rig Control System. “This system is both intuitive and easy to learn – and presents live information to the operator. The new screen will give the operator total control of the rig,” Hjerpe points out.
Like all SmartROC rigs, as other new features and improvements are released, they can easily be installed via software upgrades to keep the machine up-to-date at all times. Epiroc says this makes the SmartROC D50 and SmartROC D55 a safe bet for the future. “Our customers will increase profit and achieve a great Total Cost of Ownership,” says Hjerpe.
The SmartROC D55 has a more powerful engine and higher working pressure available from the compressor than the SmartROC D50. Both machines are designed to a work just as well in a mine as in a quarry, and are the same size.