Epiroc is launching an updated version of its SmartROC T45 tophammer surface drill rig, further reducing emissions and boosting productivity while providing valuable data through smart technology and enhanced automation.
The updated model, optimal for quarrying and construction, includes several new features and options and will be available to order for all markets from May 2023.
The SmartROC T45 is designed for fuel efficiency and productivity. The larger capacity and performance of the rig allow for maximised production, and fuel costs are dramatically reduced by only using the energy needed for the work at hand. Furthermore, Epiroc's Smart technology provides valuable data to help manage and optimise workflow - the SmartROC T45 includes digital features which help to ensure that drilling always goes as planned.
"Efficiency is at the heart of the SmartROC T45," says Ulf Gyllander, Global Product Manager at Epiroc. "More uptime means more drilling, and using less fuel equals further cost savings. The productivity comes not only from state-of-the-art equipment but also from the ergonomic design choices and the Smart technology that assist the operator every step of the way."
Productivity is boosted thanks to precise drilling and consistency in operations, which delivers improved blast results and further cost-savings throughout operation.
Epiroc SmartROC rigs offer the lowest fuel consumption in the market, and the SmartROC T45 is the most energy-efficient rig in its class, thanks to the smart Rig Control System (RCS). This system constantly monitors compressor load and engine RPM to ensure no fuel is wasted and that environmental impact is kept to a minimum.
Manual control by the operator can optimise energy consumption, and the hydraulic system is optimised to deliver just the amount of oil needed. These features help reduce the environmental footprint and improve the operator's work environment. Epiroc uses quality components and parts commonality thanks to a standardised platform.
The control system of the SmartROC T45 is based on a proven, intelligent design which presents information to the operator via an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Enhanced automation helps achieve new levels of output, as a SmartROC does more of the work itself and reduces the demands placed on the operator.
"The intuitive SmartROC T45 is designed to dramatically reduce the risk of manual errors and human mistakes," continues Gyllander. "The operator enjoys assisted troubleshooting from the large touchscreen display, with monitored cables, sensors and modules. The FOPS and ROPS-approved cabin offers excellent visibility and reliable LED lights with an option for an expanded lighting kit on both sides and support for two cameras. As a result, the risk of manual errors is reduced, and downtime is kept to a minimum."
The productivity is further enhanced with the intelligent drill rig architecture on Epiroc's standardised platform and clever Smart options and features such as Hole Navigation System (HNS), Measure While Drilling (MWD) and ROC Manager. The result is excellence through precise drilling and consistent operation, improving blasting results.
The SmartROC T45 will be available to order for all markets from May 2023.
Italian attachment specialist Indeco benefited from a particularly strong performance in North America in 2022. Michele Vitulano, global sales and marketing manager for Indeco, commented: “The US is doing very well. We are very happy with the American market, and 2022 has been the best year ever for us in America, mostly on the smaller models.”
The firm is now looking to expand its facility in the US to meet the strong demand for equipment. The site is also used to manufacture a number of items, such as mounting brackets for hydraulic hammers and hydraulic compactor attachments.
In addition, Vitulano said he is looking for a suitable business to add to Indeco’s portfolio. “We are scouting for an acquisition, a small company with a good product but that’s maybe been undercapitalised.”
With the firm having had great success in the compact breaker market in the US, Indeco is also looking to widen its product offering for more compact demolition tools, such as cutters for use on mini excavators. Vitulano said that he believes this offers considerable business potential for the future.
On another note, Vitulano said that Indeco is now achieving its first sales of breakers in Japan, a significant success given the strength of Japanese hydraulic breaker firms in the home market. However, he said that entering the South Korean market with the Italian breakers has proven considerably more challenging.
Looking ahead in terms of technology, Vitulano commented that Indeco is monitoring the development of electric construction machines very closely. “We should think to the future when machines go electric,” he said.
However, with regard to the electric actuation of units such as breakers, there are major technical challenges to be overcome, according to Indeco’s chief engineer, Alessandro Ciccolella. He said: “There is no loss in power as electric machines are very efficient.” But he questioned the ability of electric actuation systems to cope with the massive mechanical shock loads transmitted in units such as breakers. While the firm has been carrying out research into electric actuation, Ciccolella does not believe there will be any quick advances with these systems for units such as breakers any time soon.
All excavator operators, contractors and OEMs who control their fleet via the Vemcon CoPilot platform now have access to operating modes for Lekatech's electric tools via an integrated app.
Vemcon CoPilot allows excavator operators to work faster, safer and more precisely by enabling them to control their mining and construction attachment via just one display. The platform's newly integrated Lekatech app allows operators to combine different frequency and energy settings for their Lekatech electric hammer attachment. At the same time, excavator operators can monitor their electric hammer attachment-generated data at a glance. As well as operating hour readings, the app displays various electric hammer safety functions and warnings.
Vemcon founder and CEO Jan Rotard: "Our CoPilot system sends all data to the respective fleet management system used by the contractor when required. In doing so, all components can be individually combined with each other by the user at any time and expanded almost indefinitely."
Founded in 2018 in Kausala, Finland, Lekatech aims to revolutionise hammer and other attachment technology through its direct electric drive products.
