Innovation in Drilling Addresses Common Issue of Downtime From Hose Damage

Wed September 15, 2021 - National Edition
Komatsu

Komatsu’s ZJ32Bi is a battery-electric, medium-class jumbo built on a common platform, allowing it to essentially become a multifunction drilling machine.

Komatsu is introducing a new underground hard rock drilling machine with several advanced features originating from customer input and collaboration, including hoseless booms.

The ZJ32Bi is a battery-electric, medium-class jumbo built on a common platform for increased user adoption and efficient training. The new machine offers a standard reduced hose configuration — only six per boom — with a hoseless option.

At MINExpo 2021, Komatsu is showcasing the new jumbo with two booms and zero hoses.

The hoseless boom completes all fluid and communication transfer inside of the boom cylinder, offering a potential game-changer in terms of automation and productivity. A hoseless boom also eliminates the need to account for hoses in automation algorithms and eliminates wear between the inner and outer boom tubes for improved drilling accuracy over time.

Because of the common platform of the ZJ32Bi, it essentially becomes a multifunction drilling machine, according to the manufacturer.

Other key features of the ZJ32Bi include:

An intelligent control system that allows for semiautonomous functionality or operator augmentation
A modular battery-electric driveline with up to 130 kW (65 kW base) of onboard energy for the demanding tram cycles and rigorous hard rock mining
A newly designed fully enclosed operator cabin with advanced noise reduction, operator ergonomics, double-curved glass with a focus on air cleanliness
Lightweight, durable feeds in fixed and double telescopic versions, featuring cast polyurethane components to reduce weight and help improve longevity.

For more information, visit www.komatsu.com/en/products/underground-hard-rock-drills/.

This story also appears on Aggregate Equipment Guide.