A new top hammer drill is said to challenge traditional down-the-hole (DTH) drilling on surface mines and large quarries, promising faster, fuel efficient and cost effective drilling of holes from 140 mm to 178 mm in diameter.

The Top Hammer XL, released by Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, comprises the three new components, namely the Pantera DP1600i drill rig, RD1840C rock drill and LT90 rock tools, all redesigned and optimised to work together seamlessly.

“The proven carrier provides a solid base for the powerful rock drill, which generates an optimum pulse for the effective tooling system. This, in turn, transfers the high-energy shock wave to the rock, with minimum losses,” explains Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions product master Chris van Tonder.

The performance of the system has been proven in several field tests where it has drilled over 100 000 m in challenging rock conditions and showing a 50% reduction in fuel consumption, 25% lower total drilling costs and a 15% increase in productivity compared with the DTH drilling method.

The drill rig is an addition to the Pantera DPi series of intelligent top hammer drill rigs, achieving high penetration rates and offering advanced automation options for data-based fleet management and optimised drilling performance. It is designed for large hole size drilling and includes practical intelligence and support for higher-level automation solutions.

With 49 kW of drilling power, the new rock drill is also built for large hole drilling, boasting a robust design and well-balanced long piston percussion package for demanding conditions. Its new layout of pressure accumulators aims to maximise efficiency and minimise hose vibrations. The Sandvik RockPulse tool stress monitoring system will be available as an additional option on the drill later in the near future.

Developed to match the other components in the Top Hammer XL system, the LT90 rock tools consist of a shank adapter, MF tube rods and drill bits, designed to offer the best possible drilling dynamics and rock breaking efficiency. The tools aim to increase productivity, improve hole straightness and provide great coupling characteristics and a long service life.