https://www.miningweekly.com

Upgraded rotary drill to be introduced to African market

POWERFUL
The MD6640 is electrically powered and is Caterpillar’s largest rotary drill

POWERFUL The MD6640 is electrically powered and is Caterpillar’s largest rotary drill

20th March 2015

By: Bruce Montiea

Creamer Media Reporter

  

Font size: - +

Following the completion of product support training, machinery manufacturer Caterpillar’s upgraded MD6640 rotary drill is now commercially available, says Caterpillar surface rock drills commercial strategy manager GR Regas, adding that the company will introduce the upgraded drill into the African mining market in the near future.

In addition to supplying the upgraded drills, Caterpillar will also retrofit several of its drills currently operating on the African continent with this new technology during the course of the year.

Last year, the MD6640 drill was fitted with a new Cat 390 excavator undercarriage, which will assist mines in minimising downtime and in reducing the operating costs of the drilling operations.

“The MD6640 is electrically powered and is Caterpillar’s largest rotary drill, capable of hole diameters as large as 349 mm with bit loads of up to 64 000 kg,” Regas says.

The new undercarriage delivers 32% more drawbar pull for increased steering performance and 56% greater gradability for travelling on ramps and slopes.

In addition, double-grouser track shoes provide more traction, and the longer undercarriage reduces ground pressure for improved performance in soft underfoot conditions.

“The new undercarriage also reduces maintenance and increases durability. All rollers and idlers are sealed for life, which means they do not require periodic lubrication,” Regas states.

He adds that a new positive pin-retention system increases track reliability and eliminates pin walking, with automatic hydraulic tensioning reducing undercarriage wear. The dual axles, with an oscillating front yoke, provide flexibility to propel the machine over rough terrain.

Regas says the MD6640 is designed for longevity and easy access to components.

“The machine is favoured by drillers for its dependability and serviceability. In addition to its productivity, it also has smart features such as a simple hydraulics system and a reliable electrical system suitable for all weather.”

He adds that the drill’s efficient and comfortable cab is designed for maximum operator productivity, and that vibration and noise are reduced through the programmed drill-control option with the cushioned centraliser and shock sub.

Regas says the mast system of the MD6640 features square tubular members with bending strength double that of angle iron. The mast machinery integrates the pulldown and rotary drive into one system and avoids the higher maintenance associated with chain and cable systems.

“The drill string changeout system enables quick drill pipe changes, and the design allows for angle hole drilling to 25° in 5° increments.”

The spacious and comfortable cab is designed to enhance operator efficiency, while its windows provide a panoramic view of the drill deck and an unobstructed sight line to pipe-handling operations, Regas concludes.

Edited by Leandi Kolver
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

Comments

Showroom

Werner South Africa Pumps & Equipment (PTY) LTD
Werner South Africa Pumps & Equipment (PTY) LTD

For over 30 years, Werner South Africa Pumps & Equipment (PTY) LTD has been designing, manufacturing, supplying and maintaining specialist...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
John Thompson
John Thompson

John Thompson, the leader in energy and environmental solutions through value engineering and innovation, provides the following: design, engineer,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Hyphen, Eva mine, ferrochrome price make headlines
Hyphen, Eva mine, ferrochrome price make headlines
27th March 2024
Resources Watch
Resources Watch
27th March 2024

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.209 0.254s - 174pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now