Caterpillar releases first drill in C Series

Caterpillar has released the first of its C Series drills, the MD5150C track drill.

Caterpillar’s MD5150C track drill.

Compared with the MD5125, which the MD5150C will replace, the new drill has 18 percent more power, a compressor that can deliver 33 percent more air volume and 40 percent more air pressure, 19 percent faster tram speed and 40 percent greater ground clearance, the company says.

The rock drill also features an automated lube system and three different rock drill choices. The standard rock drill on the MD5150C is the HPR5128, which uses 51-mm drill steel. Also available are the HPR6832 Rock Drill, which can use 68-mm speed rod, and the HPR6030 designed for 60-mm drill steel.

The MD5150C includes a carousel rod changer that holds six rods and accommodates two lengths and multiple diameters of drill steel. Dual-rod grippers and a gate design let the rod and gate move simultaneously. The rod changer is supported by a sturdy feed and 9-ft boom that extends to 11 ft. for larger pattern coverage with fewer setups. Holes can be drilled within 24 in. of the highwall, which is 50 percent closer than with a linear rod changer, Caterpillar says.

A Cat C11 Engine rated at 385 hp at 1,800 rpm and meets U.S. Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA emissions standards. The high-horsepower engine works as a system with a high-capacity air compressor to optimize air flow. An oversized, high-efficiency cooling system further improves performance and life, the company says.

The cab on the MD5150C is ROPS/FOPS-certified and provides numerous 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 further improve 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 hardness of the rock. Anti-jam, anti-plunge and anti-plug capabilities keep the track drill working efficiently and extend drill string life.

A walk-in service station provides access to major service points for the engine, compressor, air conditioner, hydraulic valves and more. A boom-mounted camera provides a view of the front of the drill while working inside the service center.

The new track drill features Cat Electronic Technician, which speeds the troubleshooting process, improving repair accuracy and reducing downtime, according to the company. Cat Product Link allows remote monitoring of machine location, service meter hours, fuel usage and other critical factors. In addition, Cat dealers support the new MD5150C with parts availability, repairs and equipment management expertise.

Photo: Caterpillar