Precise and powerful drilling is what every mine operator hopes to achieve. Large diameter, straight-hole systems solve many of the traditional problems with hole deviation and power, while increasing job productivity.

Now, Rockmore International introduces the most versatile 60 mm system available. The T60 Mega Rod Drill System is a cost-effective, straight-hole drill system that allows mining operations to use lighter, more maneuverable rigs while increasing accuracy and penetration rates, and decreasing energy costs.

“The minimized drilling deviation ensured by the sturdier rod saves costs in the field almost immediately,” says Pejman Eghdami, Executive Vice President. “The greatly increased accuracy saves on labor costs, tool wear, and explosive costs due to misplaced primary charges and unnecessary secondary blasting.”

“One of the industry breakthroughs on this system is the new robust thread design, which provides a strong, effective transfer of energy between components,” says Eghdami. The result of extensive R&D efforts at Rockmore, the design also ensures that components stay rigidly in place, yet are easier to uncouple.

The T60 Mega Rod Drill System enables small and large mining operations to drill a greater variety of hole sizes with less effort and improved efficiency. The added strength and precision of the 60 mm rod allows operators to drill holes using bit diameters ranging from 4 1/2 “ (115 mm) to 6 1/2” (165 mm).

The system provides better penetration rates by supporting a more effective weight-to-bit-diameter ratio for the drill string. It handles up to 25 percent more power and withstands more punishment from today’s most popular top hammers and other drill rigs. And the increased speed and strength substantially improve up-hole velocity, raising cuttings up and out of the way faster.

Quarry operators continuously seek out the right balance of bit, rod and hammer to get efficient, yet maximum penetration. And the state-of-the-art design of the T60 Mega Rod Drill System improves efficiency and drilling rates on a variety of drill rigs. “This means you can drill straighter holes by using the full power potential of your machinery,” says Eghdami.

But heavy-duty performance doesn’t mean hard to handle. “The Rockmore 60-mm rod is lighter and more ergonomically designed when compared to similar products on the market,” says Eghdami. “This makes it especially adept for single-person drilling operations.” The T60 Mega Rod Drill System also can be used with lighter, more maneuverable rigs, reducing set-up and energy costs when applicable.

Longer rod life is a significant budget consideration on any drilling project. Rockmore uses its advanced technology to provide longer service life for the steel components. “Our HF heat-treatment process significantly reduces metal fatigue and long-term wear on the threaded sections,” says Eghdami.

Rockmore also employs a male-to-male coupling system. The use of coupling sleeves provides more flexibility to help reduce the occurrence of expensive rod damage that is common to the male-to-female design.

“Mining operations are finding the system holds up very well in a variety of grueling conditions,” said Egdami. “Overall, the T60 Mega is a step up in drilling technology, a high quality, versatile system that performs exceptionally well wherever it is put to work.