Self-contained drill rig

The diagram illustrates a self-contained, crawler mounted hydraulic drill rig complete with operator's cabin and dust collection unit. This drill rig would be suitable for a relatively large, high-output, hard rock quarry. The rig contains a power unit (hydraulic) and a separate compressor to provide air to flush the blast hole. Drilling is 'rotary-percussive', that is the drill stem rotates between percussive blows delivered to the top of the drill rods by a hydraulic 'top hammer'.

In unfaulted solid rock it is claimed that this system results in very high penetration rates and less costly operation. Rod handling is semi-automated and mechanized.