Boart Longyear says the LF120A features the industry’s first truly hands-free rod handling system.
Boart Longyear recently introduced its new LF120A surface drill rig at the 2013 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada trade show. The rig features a hands-free operating system and self-monitoring technology, which the company says increases safety and boosts productivity.
“The LF120A was designed for drilling contractors who want to differentiate their exploration program by focusing on safety, information and an advanced-level of automation,” said Sid Gaitonde, Boart Longyear global product manager.
The LF120A’s CANBUS technology is central to its self-monitoring, and features large LCD screens that lead operators through start-up, drilling and troubleshooting procedures. The system alerts users when defined parameters are exceeding, giving operators real-time feedback to help avoid common mistakes.
“The intelligent PC-based operating system displays bit weight and landing indication while also reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent compared to similar rigs in its class,” added Gaitonde. “This allows for reduced fuel related costs, less pollution/carbon footprint and makes life easier in remote areas where access for fuel trucks is difficult.”
The company says the LF120A also features the industry’s first truly hands-free rod handling system. “Separating the operator from the moving parts of the drill is a key focus for Boart Longyear, as it decreases the probability for accidents on site,” added Gaitonde. “The rod handler incorporates a wireless remote, which places the operator in a safe position.”
The handler offers 270-degree pickup, 2-meter height adjustment, 180-degree rollover and 100-degree slew, and is equipped with fail-safe jaws and sensors that limit release positions and prevent accidental rod drops. It can handle both 3-meter and 6-meter rods in sizes ranging from BQ to PQ.
The LF120A can be jack, skid, truck, or crawler mounted to match the portability needs of the contractor.
Boart Longyear, based in Salt Lake City, touts itself as the world’s leading provider of drilling services and equipment, and performance tooling for the mining industry. The company has more than 9,000 employees worldwide, manufactures equipment in six global factories, and sells to customers in more than 100 countries.
For more information, visit at www.boartlongyear.com/lf120a.
