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Atlas Copco launches Boomer M1 L - a new, robust single boom drill rig for low vein mining
12/8/2011 |
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Narrow drifts with low roofs and extensive tramming adds up to a tough environment for miners as well as equipment. The new single-boom drill rig from Atlas Copco can take it in its stride - and provide added comfort for operators.
The latest single-boom face drilling rig from Atlas Copco combines extreme robustness with operator comfort. Specially designed for development and production drilling in low-to-medium height mines, the Boomer M1 L claims to be the most robust of its kind on the market.
With a height of 1.8 m, which is slightly higher than previous low profile rigs of this type from Atlas Copco, it is the ideal choice for room and pillar mines with roof heights of 2.2-2.5 m. It has an extremely strong carrier as well as oversized wheels compared to similar rigs in the range.
"This is the perfect rig for the rough and tough world of low vein mining in room and pillar operations - especially where there are long distances to be covered," says Peter Bray, Product Manager at Atlas Copco's underground equipment division.
"Typically, rigs of this type have to cover distances of six to twelve kilometers a day and that requires a machine that can really take a lot of wear and tear. The Boomer M1 L can handle this with no problem. Its strong components are built to withstand tramming on rough roadways over long periods of time."
Bray explains that the Atlas Copco designers have "married together" components and systems from existing drill rigs such as the Boomer S1 L and the Boomer M2 D in order to meet customer demands for a stronger workhorse in low roof applications.
At the same time, the Boomer M1 L also makes life a lot easier, safer and more comfortable for the operator. It has a fully enclosed, spacious and air conditioned cabin. Visibility is excellent and the environment inside the cabin is matched outside by the environment-friendly, low emission Deutz 80kW Tier 3 engine.
Other advantages include an improved flexible boom, simple controls (Direct Control System 2 - DCS 2) as well as a choice of COP 1638 or COP 1838 rock drills. The rig is also designed to be extremely easy to service to keep downtime to a minimum.
A prototype of the Boomer M1 L was successfully tested by the Polish mining company KGHM which has since placed orders for several units.
A video of the new Boomer M1 L in action can be viewed at www.youtube.com/AtlasCopcoUG
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