Drill Rigs Engineered for Power, Precision, and Durability

Tough and rugged Sumitomo excavators are proving to be the ideal platform for Hyperion Drilling and Manufacturing to convert into drill rigs that are being used across the continent in a wide array of applications. The excavators are available from ELB Equipment.

Hyperion Drilling and Manufacturing is taking full advantage of the Sumitomo excavators’ power, precision, and durability to produce high quality excavator-based drill rigs for its customers. Thus far, the company has produced 19 Sumitomo-based drill rigs, with firm orders for several more in the pipeline.

‘Game-changer’

Keon Kardolus of ELB Equipment, distributor of Sumitomo equipment in southern Africa, says, in the right application, the excavator-based drill rig is a game-changer, as it is able to slew from centre to left and right rather than in a straight line as is the case with traditional drill rigs. The extendable boom also allows the mast to be positioned closer to the wall or bench, which contributes to improved safety of operators to avoid falling rock or collapsing ground underfoot. Simultaneously, the cost of the excavator-based drill rigs is less expensive while boasting comparable results in certain applications.

Trouble free-drilling

Hyperion managing director, Kenny Truter, adds, “Sumitomo excavators are rugged and tough machines. The use of one of the world’s toughest types of excavators is sure to provide tens of thousands of hours of trouble-free drilling. In fact, all of the Sumitomo-based machines that we have produced over the last two decades are either still in use or, in rare instances, up in remote parts of Africa, have been converted back to excavators after the drilling requirement was over.

“That says a lot about the quality of the excavator platform as well as our locally manufactured Raptor series of DTH drills that are designed and mounted to the excavators according to our customers’ requirements and preferences. For example, the down-the-hole type drills can be specified in assorted sizes for holes up to 600 mm and even beyond if required. They can also be specified to incorporate cable, chain, or cylinder mast systems in accordance with companies’ preferences as well as operating procedures and collaborate with the excavator’s own hydraulics.

“They are simple to operate from within or outside the cab through a panel mount and pilot valves outside on the front of the excavator. The standard mast is 6 m high and works with 5 m rods, with options for 7 m masts that carry 6 m rods also available. The drills are technically advanced with control, stabilisation, dust suppression, and enough power to exert 4.5 tons of pushdown at 180 bar and 7 tons of pullback. This is enough to deliver more than 20 000 m drilled per month for some contractors,” says Kenny.

He adds that the rigs are designed to fit a 20–30-ton excavator according to customer preferences. Once the job is done on a site, the rig fits easily onto a standard flatbed truck. The placement of the compressor is at the back of the machine, with cleverly placed diesel and water tanks situated on the deck of the machine to allow thinner dimensions. Along with a fold-flat boom and mast design, the drill rigs can be transported by road without escorts, which simplifies the transport of the machines.

The latest drill rig

The latest drill rig off Hyperion production line is based on the potent Sumitomo SH210-6 excavator platform and is destined to go into service with a major drilling contractor. It is expected to deliver unsurpassed power and economy in the Japanese manufacturer’s usual rugged and reliable package.

A number of groundbreaking innovations in Sumitomo’s fuel efficiency technology contribute to fuel savings of over 14% compared to the already efficient previous model. Additionally, handy productivity features that also protect the machine, such as heat circuit cushion valves on the boom, swing relief control, slope travel assist control, and in-cab pressure control, contribute to the ease of use and efficiency of the machine.

The Sumitomo platform retains its easy-to-maintain configurations and easy-to-access maintenance points with reduced grease requirements due to the quality of materials used in the manufacture of the Sumitomo machines.

ELB Equipment’s Top Customer

“Hyperion Drilling and Manufacturing is our top customer. ELB Equipment works closely with Kenny and his team to ensure that the equipment performs optimally at all times. We also ensure that the required tests are performed in accordance with Sumitomo in Japan in order to maintain all relevant under carriage, boom, and operations warranties on each of the Hyperion-built drill rigs,” says ELB Equipment Earthmoving and Construction area sales manager, Devon Harris.

In full agreement, Kenny adds that this kind of cooperation and involvement of OEM manufacturers for every component of the rig, including the excavator platform, compressor, and locally made Raptor rig, sets the company and its custom-manufactured drills apart in an environment that requires the highest assurance of quality, product ability, and safety. “We leave nothing to chance, as a trusted partner, ELB Equipment is with us every step of the way.”