Epiroc has launched a new long-hole production drill rig for small to medium-sized drifts, the Simba SM60 S, saying it is built to out-perform.

With a new carousel design and cutting-edge automation features, this rig ensures optimal performance without compromising on safety, according to the company.

As part of Epiroc’s Smart series, the new Simba SM60 S production drill rig is equipped with a wide range of automation options that increase operator safety, drilling quality and productivity. Automation software such as Feed Speed Control Impact, used to control the rock drill, and automatic positioning to hole toe, ensures correct utilisation of the machine and improves drilling performance, the OEM says.

Rickard Johansson , Vice President Marketing at Epiroc’s Underground division, says: “Epiroc’s advanced technology enhances our customers’ operations by boosting productivity, and more importantly, by improving safety standards. We are proud to be at the forefront of accelerating the transformation to safer mining practices.”

The updated electrical control system and the automation software features can significantly contribute to safe productivity by removing the operator from hazardous areas, according to the company.

The newly developed RHS 17 single-layer carousel ensures seamless rod handling, Epiroc says. With the gripper arms placed inside the carousel, it can easily and quickly move the rods between the carousel and the drill centre, significantly improving operation productivity and drilling performance.

Mikael Larslin, Global Product Manager – Production Drilling at Epiroc’s Underground division, said: “With the gripper arms placed inside the carousel, each rod handling can save more than 20 seconds, compared to the previous carousel model.

“The new horseshoe drill unit frame provides great stability and robustness during drilling, and minimises the transport height during transportation. This makes the Simba SM60 S an ideal rig in smaller drift mines”.

The Simba SM60 S has one of the lowest transport heights in Epiroc’s fleet of Simba production drill rigs, it says. The new horseshoe-mounted drill unit frame and low-built drill unit are designed to be positioned at the very lowest point, placing the drill unit below the cabin roof at a height of 2.8 m.