Sandvik’s new D25KX rotary drill rig, combining reliability and technology, has arrived in Africa – but its legacy has preceded it.

This is because the Sandvik D25KX is an improved version of the mining contractor’s drill rig of choice – the D25KS – according to Nelize Nel, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ acting business line manager for rotary drills. The new model sees a redesigned cabin with significant ergonomic and safety enhancements.

Large cabin windows now allow greater visibility from the operator’s swivel seat and control panel. With a focus on operator comfort, the cabin systems include a seven-inch mobile grade touch screen and PLC control. Added intelligence of the touch screens and digital gauges gives the operator real-time feedback on machine performance and monitors machine health. There is even a seat in the cabin for a trainer or supervisor to accompany the operator when working.

“These enhancements have been applied to a design which retains the elements that made the previous model such a success,” says Nel. “These include the robust base and frame, the rigid lattice-style mast, and the heavy duty pulldown chains.”

She points to the large population of the legacy model that developed in Southern Africa since they were introduced over two decades ago. Around 20% of the approximately 500 machines sold globally were active in this region. This demonstrates the popularity of the design and the positive reception of the new Sandvik D25KX. The first unit to arrive in the country has already been sold, and will do duty in a Northern Cape iron ore mine.

Equipped as a down the hole (DTH) hammer drill, the new Sandvik D25KX drills hole diameters from 127 mm to 203 mm. It can reach a drilling depth of 45 m, with a maximum pulldown force of 184 kN. Its efficient handling of drill pipe ensures shorter cycle times so that more holes can be drilled.

“Ease of maintenance continues to be a central feature of this model, and customers will be able to work on it as easily as they have on the previous model,” she says. “This will ensure high levels of confidence about the uptime that these units will deliver.”