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Drilltech boosts Cornish economy

 

The latest drill rig to join the fleet of Redruth-based Saxton Deep Drillers is a 23.5-tonne Drilltech Gator which is currently being used to assist a three-year-old Drilltech Gator in maintaining clay production at six Imerys china clay pits in the St Austell area. The order for the new machine was placed as a result of the success of the older Drilltech rig and followed a comprehensive trial at a number of Imerys pits.

"Saxton Deep Drillers have been drilling at most of the quarrying and mining operations throughout Devon and Cornwall since the early 1970s and have an ongoing contract with Imerys at their St Austell clay production operations. Each of the two Drilltech drills maintain production at three pits, the older Gator being used at Wheal Remfry, Melbur and Virginia, while the new machine covers Blackpool, Wheal Martyn and Rocks."

 

"Peter Jory, Saxton’s drilling and blasting manager, comments that the high drilling speed of the drills allows each operator to easily achieve the high production levels required. He is particularly impressed with the power of the new Drilltech Gator which, powered by a fuel-efficient Caterpillar 3406E diesel engine, delivers 298kW of power to the closed-loop hydraulic system and a 21.2m3/min capacity Sullair compressor. All the components are sub-frame mounted in an in-line configuration for ease of maintenance and efficient use of the available horsepower. The machine’s closed-loop load-sensing hydraulic system and high-torque rotation provides the drill operator with optimum bit-load control for faster penetration and improved bit life."

 

 

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