Blasting and drilling are integral to mining production and involve many risks. The mining work has become more manageable and safe with rock drills that you can use remotely. It means you can be at a safe distance while these machines perform the task. Be it underground mining or underwater drilling; a rock drill can make your work a lot simpler. So, before you buy one, you may learn a bit more about different types of drills, their working mechanisms and how to choose the one that fits your purpose.
The following section has all the details.
What are the types of rock drills you get?
You get two types of rock drills: pneumatic and hydraulic.
Pneumatic drills are sophisticated and require the expertise of an experienced miner for their handling.
Hydraulic drills, also called top-hammer drills, are highly robust. They are also easy to use as there are fewer buttons to control the operations.
How do rock drills work?
A rock drill is mounted on the feeds of a jumbo drill which is then directed to a specific location. These feeds have booms attached to them resembling flexible arms. This flexibility can allow you to adjust the unit based on your requirements.
Drills use power packs made up of the engine and hydraulic pumps. The power of engines determines their performing capacity. Therefore, units having more powerful engines can drill relatively more complicated places.
You get a percussive system in ordinary rock drills with a rotating system. The combination of these two systems enables drilling holes in a short time. Usually, their speed ranges between 2000 and 5000 strikes per minute.
You can remove the cuttings and waste material of the machine from the bottom of the holes using pressurised air or water. Usually, these are designed in a way that enables the removal of waste material during the drilling process itself.
How will you choose the best rock drill?
The first thing you must consider before choosing a rock drill is its power and strength. Most people prefer hydraulic drills for their robustness.
The size is another important feature you look for and how you intend to use it. So, if you want one for commercial underground mining, try choosing relatively powerful drills with high working efficiency that can help you save time.
The brand is another important factor, as some manufacturers have earned a good reputation in the mining industry for their range of top-notch mining equipment.
Therefore, research and compare different brands before making your choice.
What are the other considerations when buying drills?
When buying a drill, consider the ease of use. You don’t want a drill with too many complex operations. The modern rock drills you get don’t require extensive expertise and are designed for simplified usage.
Durability is another factor you must consider while buying drills. It is best to buy one that will provide extended working time without breaking down now and then. You must also check the warranties to repair your drill within the time mentioned.
Remember, you can benefit significantly from choosing the proper drill for your work. This way, you can help prevent it from wearing out or breaking down earlier than expected.
No matter how careful you are about your drill purchase, it will experience issues like any other machinery. It may wear out naturally or due to improper usage. So, try buying a drill that is easily repairable and whose spare parts you can get from any mining equipment store.