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Company launches new track drill

21st March 2014

  

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Machinery and engine manufacturer Caterpillar (Cat) has launched its new MD5150C track drill, the first of the C-Series drills, which features more Cat components and a choice of three different rock drills.

The MD5150C delivers increased power and high airflow for fast, efficient drilling of holes ranging from 101.6 mm to 152 mm in diameter.

The MD5150C offers a choice of three different rock drills, which include a patented carousel rod changer, ergonomic cab and other features that boost productivity and reduce operating costs.

The standard rock drill on the MD5150C is the HPR5128, which uses 51 mm drill steel. Also part of the product offering is the HPR6832 rock drill, which can use a 68 mm speed rod, and the HPR6030, designed for 60 mm drill steel.

Compared to its predecessor, the MD5150C has 18% more power, and a compressor that can deliver 33% more air volume and 40% more air pressure. The drill also features a 19% increase in tram speed and 40% greater ground clearance.

Cost Reduction

Cat highlights reliability, a long life span and low ownership costs as three of the key features that characterise the MD5150C rock drill. With less than half as many moving parts as competitor rock drills, it is a simple, reliable design with dependable performance and durability, says the company.

Cat is the only manufacturer offering rock drills designed to be serviced on site to reduce downtime and control costs. Those servicing the drill do not require a clean room and com- panies do not incur freight costs as there is no need to ship the rock drill to the original-equipment manufacturer for maintenance.

Further, users of the MD5150C rock drill do not need to keep a spare rock drill in stock to accommodate maintenance downtime.

The product also features an automated lube system, which eliminates the need to stop the machine every two hours for manual greasing. Three different rock drill choices enable the user to match the selection to the appli- cation to achieve the highest production rate.

Reduce Setup Time

Owing to its innovative carousal rod changer and feed assembly, which have seven patents pending, the MD5150C reduces setup time, highlights Cat.

The system holds six rods and accommodates two lengths and multiple diameters of drill steel.

Further, powerful dual-rod grippers and a unique gate design enable the rod and gate to move simultaneously, which reduces cycle time. The rod changer is supported by a sturdy feed and a heavy-duty 2.7 m boom that extends to 3.3 m for larger-pattern coverage with fewer setups.

The carousel rod changer weighs less and holds more rods than linear models; therefore, the boom extension can reach farther and drill deeper while maintaining stability. Holes can be drilled within 610 mm of the highwall, which is 50% closer than with a linear rod changer.

Cut Cycle Time

The MD5150C delivers exceptional power and airflow for faster, more efficient drilling in hard-rock applications. The heart of the power group is the Cat C11 engine, which is rated at 287 kW at 1 800 rpm.

Designed for improved performance and excellent fuel efficiency, the engine meets US Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA emissions standards. The high-horsepower engine works as a sys-tem with a high-capacity air compressor to increase airflow. An oversized, high-effi- ciency cooling system further improves performance and life.

 

Enhances Safety and Productivity

 

The cab on the MD5150C is designed to enhance safety and productivity. It is roll-over protective structures/falling object protective structures-certified and provides several shutdown controls accessible from the ground. Large windows, streamlined front structures and a skylight enhance visibility, as do well-placed mirrors and a high-resolution camera. The front window provides an emergency exit.

To boost operator comfort and productivity, the cab features automatic climate control, sufficient ventilation, a fully adjustable seat, ergonomic controls and switches, and low sound levels (about 80 db).

Further improving operator productivity, the machine is equipped with a smart drill monitoring system that tracks changes in rock formation and automatically adjusts impact and feed pressure based on the hardness of the rock. Anti-jam, anti-plunge and anti-plug capabilities keep the track drill working efficiently and extend drill string life.

 

Increase Uptime

 

Service technicians will also benefit from the drill’s component layout and convenient service access. A walk-in service station provides easy access to major service points for the engine, compressor, air conditioner and hydraulic valves, among other components. Further, a boom-mounted camera provides a view of the front of the drill while working inside the service centre.

In addition to its serviceable design, the new track drill leverages exclusive Cat technologies that optimise uptime. Cat Electronic Technician speeds the troubleshooting pro- cess, improving repair accuracy and reducing downtime. Cat Product Link enables remote monitoring of the machine’s location, service metre hours and fuel use, among other critical factors, providing managers with the infor-mation they need to optimise use and reduce costs.

Meanwhile, Cat dealers support the new MD5150C with available spare parts, after-sales services and repairs and equipment management expertise, helping miners and contractors meet aggressive production goals at the lowest cost per ton.

Edited by Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

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