Cat introduce the MD6250 blasthole drill
New rig designed to cut costs and improve drilling efficiency with rugged design and integrated technology
THE new Cat MD6250 blasthole drill is designed to deliver optimum drilling efficiency in single- and multi-pass applications for both rotary and down-the-hole (DTH) modes. Featuring automated operation, the drill is said to run within ideal operating parameters for maximum bit life, hole accuracy and reduced total cost of ownership.
A sculpted frame design boasts heavy cross-bracing in high-load areas for maximum machine longevity, whilst the machine’s four leveling jacks, mast pivot and deck are welded integrally to the main frame for maximum durability.
The MD6250 drill is built for efficient drilling of 10m and 12m benches, including angle drilling for cast blasting, making it particularly suitable for mining, quarrying and heavy construction applications.
As a truly global machine, it is EU compliant, GOST certifiable, AUS compliant, CSA certified, MDG15 and MDG41 aligned, complies with emissions standards for any region, and meets more than 30 ISO standards.
Offering superior performance in both DTH hard rock and rotary soft rock applications, the flexible machine drills holes 150–250mm (6–9.8in) in diameter with bit loads of
22,321kg and 32,655kg, respectively, for the 11.2m and 13.7m masts.
The drill delivers single-pass hole depths of 11.2m and 13.7m, and the 11.2m mast is capable of drilling multi-pass hole depths reaching 53.6m, while the 13.7m mast drills multi-pass depths to 37.9m.
Highly manoeuvrable and flexible, the MD6250 features angle drilling from 0° to 30° in 5° increments. It has an approach angle of 15° for easy ramp access and loading, and the machine is capable of climbing up to 26° grades to get to the bench.
Featuring track counter-rotation for increased manoeuvrability, the versatile drill can be equipped with either 600mm triple grousers for hard rock applications or 750mm triple grousers for working in soft rock. Three-point oscillating suspension allows the machine to negotiate rugged terrain without transferring excessive torsional forces to the main frame.
The MD6250 power train features a Cat C27 ACERT engine with a 655kW (879hp) power rating at 1,800 rev/min that can be configured to meet any emissions regulation for any region throughout the world. Variable air volume provides up to 50% less engine load to significantly increase fuel efficiency, whilst the engine and air intake filters boast 500h service intervals to help lower long-term operating costs.
Built for drilling in a variety of extremes, Caterpillar say the MD6250 will deliver reliable performance at elevations as high as 4,750m (15,000ft). Standard ambient temperature operation ranges from –1°C to 52°C, whilst an optional ‘arctic package’ will allow work in sub-zero temperatures down to –40°C.
To meet site needs, the new drill can be equipped with a variety of compressors, all boasting variable volume control. For DTH drilling, operators have a compressor choice of 38.2 cubic metres per minute (1,350 cubic feet per minute) at 34.4 bar (500 psi) or 42.2 cubic metres per minute (1,500 cubic feet per minute) at 24.1 bar (350 psi).
For rotary drilling, a compressor that delivers 52.6 cubic metres per minute (2,000 cubic feet per minute) at 8.6 bar (125 psi) is standard.
The MD6250 drill comes with a variety of standard and optional auto-drilling features to ensure drill pattern and depth accuracy, so operators can reduce explosives costs, improve blast performance and optimize muckpile uniformity to reduce their downstream processing costs.
An optional auto-drill assist controls every step of the drill cycle to simplify the rig operator’s job and improve accuracy, whilst standard Cat Product Link technology allows operations to improve fleet management through customizable reports and mapping.
To further boost drilling efficiency, sites can choose Terrain for drilling, which provides precision machine guidance, ensuring that every hole is accurately placed, drilled to the proper depth and angle, and able to stand up until blasting. In addition, Cat Command for drilling offers an option for semi-autonomous drilling of single-row missions.
Featuring the latest Caterpillar design, the new MD6250 drill boasts a spacious FOPS cab with integrated operator station. Rubber shock-mounts absorb mechanical vibration from drilling and reduce noise, whilst joystick controls with full instrumentation and a dual 10in colour touch-screen displays help improve operator productivity.
A fabric seat or a leather power seat with heating and ventilation both include recline, tilt and lumbar support for comfort, whilst the HVAC system features positive pressure and filtration for clean air quality and a new floor vent for improved operator comfort.
A camera mounted on the mast provides the operator with a full view of the pipe carousel/top drive operation, while cameras at the front and left sides of the drill offer a 360° view from the operator’s seat for improved safety. In addition, a full-length window offers an unobstructed view of the drill deck, and large cab windows surround the operator for clear sight lines to the work area.
