10
MODERN QUARRYING
October - November 2013
M
eeting high production demands from
across the geological spectrum, Cater-
pillar’s latest generation rotary and track
range is designed to provide lowest cost per tonne
solutions in construction, quarrying and mining.
Depending on the model and industry application,
drillhole diameters range from 51 mm to 445 mm,
going down to maximum depths close to 85 m in
multi-pass configuration.
All models are designed and manufactured for
worldwide distribution at Caterpillar’s dedicated
drills factory in Denison, Texas, and are supplied
and supported locally by Barloworld Equipment,
the Cat dealer for southern Africa.
Aimed purely at the mining sector, Caterpillar’s
rotary blasthole drills are available in six models,
starting with the Cat MD6240 and extending up to
the Cat MD6750, which has a pull down torque of
733 kN compared to the former 222 kN.
With a bit load force up to 75 000 kg, Cat rotary
drills achieve fast cycle times through top of class
bit load, rotary head horsepower, bailing air and
a multitude of time-saving systems for maximum
efficiency. Optimal pulldown and hoist force is
maximised with Caterpillar’s superior cable system.
On both the rotary and tracked series, rapid pipe
changes are safe and efficient, being completely
controlled from inside the operator’s cab.
Expanding on the rotary range, MD6240 and
MD6290 machines are suited for general mining
applications, with the MD6420 designed for coal
operations. From there the line up is matched for
high SG materials, such as copper and iron ore
deposits, comprising the Cat MD6540, MD6640
and the previously mentioned Cat MD6750.
From an industry perspective, recent blast-
hole drill deliveries include five Cat MD6540 units
deployed at Anglo American’s Kolomela green field
iron ore mine in Postmasburg, Northern Cape. The
Cat MD6540 is available either in diesel or electri-
cally powered versions.
Across the board, Cat parts commonality and
A new release from Caterpillar’s Denison factory in Texas, the Cat MD5150 has the largest compressor in its class, allowing
for maximum flushing power, with a high pressure rating of 15,1 m³/min at 9,6 bar.
The future of high frag
Caterpillar’s
comprehensive
drilling line up keeps
expanding, with new
models including the
Cat MD5150 track drill
for the quarrying and
mining sector.
ON THE
COVER
