Spotlight Feature Articles Joy Global Surface Loading & Drilling April 16 | Page 10

SURFACE DRILLING AND LOADING
a better floor, reduce secondary blasting and
reduce equipment wear.
“The MD5075C also incorporates technology to
assist in operations and equipment management.
To support the operator, Drill Assist monitors the
main hydraulic systems and automatically
adjusts to pre-programmed parameters. It
incorporates anti-jam, anti-plunge and anti-plug,
which combine to boost productivity and increase
the life of the drill string.”
Cat Track Drills are equipped with the Cat
Monitoring System (Cat MS), which monitors
critical engine functions and will derate the
engine to protect itself from damage if needed.
When critical conditions arise, the Cat MS
monitor displays warning lights and sounds
alarms.
Cat Track Drills also include Product Link™,
which allows remote machine monitoring and
tracking reported via satellite and cellular
networks. The system monitors machine status
and provides utilisation and machine health
trends through reports generated by VisionLink®
software.
“Cat drills are designed for maintainability.
Simple and well-organised electrical/hydraulic
arrangements, logically located components and
ground level service facilitate maintenance. 100%
of all rock drill service can be completed without
removing the drill from the feed. Additionally, the
MD5075C is equipped for technicians to quickly
diagnose system performance using the Cat
Electronic Technician service tool. The MD5075C
also has additional fuel filtration to help ensure
reliable engine operation and extended component
life. The remote-mounted secondary and tertiary
4-micron filters are located for easy access.”
Just launched is the new Cat MD6420C Rotary
Drill which delivers “high production and fast
cycle times thanks to the application-matched
power train and state-of-the-art control system
with advanced diagnostics and automation.” An
upgrade of the MD6420B, the MD6420C offers
three power train choices to deliver the right drill
for the application:
n Cat C32 engine (with 2,000 cfm @ 100 psi
compressor)
n Cat C32 engine (with 1500 cfm @
150/350/500 psi compressor)
n Cat C32 engine (w/2600 cfm @ 100 psi
compressor)
Multiple air compressor packages for hole
flushing enable fast cycle times. Maximum hole
diameter is 311 mm. “A number of new features
make it possible for drill set-ups from hole to
hole to outpace competitive drills. The MD6420C
offers fast tram speed via a proven and durable
undercarriage from the Cat large hydraulic
excavator line. It has a lighter weight mast that
can be raised or lowered in less than 40 seconds,
even with a full pipe rack and full drill string, and

International Mining | APRIL 2016

quick and simple mast
pinning uses a two-pin
design versus
competitors’ eight-pin
design, which requires a
cautious sequence of
steps. Also, an
automation suite features
auto-level, auto angle and
auto-drill to rapidly collar
the hole.”
During drilling, the rate
in and out of the hole is
quicker, with the
pulldown and hoist
equally powered for
maximum speed. Angle
drilling capability comes
standard on the
MD6420C.
The MD6420C takes
advantage of advanced
controls, monitoring and
technology to deliver
consistency and high productivity. “The state-ofthe-art Drill Control System features a highly
flexible architecture and versatile communication
protocol that allow it to integrate with many
different technologies. From an operational
standpoint, the system provides a clear, modern,
user-friendly interface; exceptional health and
diagnostic capabilities; and a number of standard
advanced safety and operator assist features.
Communication is configurable for remote and
autonomous commands.”
The MD6420C is autonomy ready and
optionally equipped to leverage the safety and
productivity benefits of Cat MineStar™ Terrain.
“This high-precision drill management system
optimises utilisation and improves drilling and
blasting operation by accurately guiding the
operator and improving precision of hole
placement and drilling depth, reporting drill and
operator productivity and providing feedback on
the variation of bench geology, and allowing
remote, real-time monitoring of drilling activity
and blast planning. These advanced control and
management tools deliver significant benefits
today and serve as the building blocks to
autonomous drilling.”
Cat adds that the MD6420C cuts service time
in half compared to competitive models, thanks
to state-of-the-art, in-cab troubleshooting and
diagnostics as well as a number of design
features that keep maintenance simple. “These
features include a logical layout and unsurpassed
service access, conveniently located hydraulic
pressure test points, closed circuit camera
system, and a stationary rear deck that allows
simple access to the mast area and main deck
during all drilling modes, including angle drilling.”

The MD6420C takes advantage of advanced
controls, monitoring and technology to deliver
consistency and high productivity

Structural integrity continues to be the
hallmark of the Cat MD6420 platform because
the durable mainframe and A-frame provide the
strong foundation required for full utilisation of
the pulldown power. The heavy-duty frame is
sculpted, heavily cross-braced and reaches 108
mm deep in the high-load area. It has a tubular,
box-section design that far exceeds the life
expectancy of a slimmer I-beam design. While
other drill manufacturers use a bolt-on system,
Caterpillar integrally welds all critical components
to the mainframe, including the four leve [