Atlas Copco has launched its new PowerROC T50 drill rig at Bauma China 2014 in Shanghai (November 25–28). This new tophammer concept has been designed and manufactured at the company’s Nanjing plant and is now ready for worldwide markets. The PowerROC T50 is perfectly suited for limestone, cement and aggregate quarries as well as open pit mines.

The launch of Atlas Copco’s PowerROC T50 drill rig marks the successful conclusion of a development project in Nanjing China. The aim was to develop a robust, powerful, fuel-efficient rig that could deliver exceptional performance in an easy-to-use, straightforward design. And the expectations have been reached and exceeded.

The final concept includes a new type of extendable boom, a powerful hydraulic rock drill, and a choice of fuel efficient engines (Tier 3 or Tier 4 emission standards). 

The rig is equipped with the powerful COP 3060 hydraulic rock drill which provides extremely high penetration rates. The newly designed extension boom provides quick and easy positioning and is equipped with a robust aluminum chain-feed. This enables a high feed force to be applied while ensuring hole straightness. 

Other features include a straightforward hydraulic and electrical system for easy operation, push-button controls, a ROPS/FOPS certified cabin with large windows and extra vibration dampers, and good ground clearance for easy tramming in rough terrain. 

Product Manager, York Yang, says: “The PowerROC T50 is an important milestone for Atlas Copco in Nanjing but mostly for our customers around the world. We know that this product is very much in demand for the customers who desire the straightforward as well as powerful drill rigs, and therefore we are very happy and proud to launch the PowerROC T50." 

George Stirling, Regional Business Manager for Atlas Copco in Africa, says: “Word is spreading very fast here that Atlas Copco has a rig that performs exceptionally well, so we believe it is set to be a big success.”

In fact, the rig is already off to a flying start in South Africa following a trial for Eire Contractors of Durban, a company with a large fleet of Atlas Copco equipment that offers its services throughout the African continent. 

John Moffat, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eire Contractors which puts the PowerROC T50 to the test, comments: “The rig’s power, speed and fuel efficiency meet our objectives for achieving maximum productivity with minimum input. In addition to substantial savings on diesel, the rig drilled the holes with ease. A comfortable operator is a safe and productive operator so the fact that the rig offers the same operator comfort levels as the previous model is very important to us.”

As a result of the successful trials, Atlas Copco has already received numerous orders for the PowerROC T50 surface drill rig. 

Matthew Moffat, Managing Director, adds: “Choosing the right equipment can be a tough decision, but the resultant low maintenance and extended life delivered by Atlas Copco equipment for optimum uptime and production levels make the decision an easy one.