Before you make a large financial commitment to such an important (and expensive) piece of machinery that you're going to be getting years of use out of, it's best to have a roadmap on how to get there. Fortunately, we've got you covered.
TongShun are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
Keep reading to learn five important tips that will help in leading you to the ideal foundation drill rig that's perfect for your job site needs ' and your overall cost budget.
Let's start with the price of a new drill rig ' because that's where most people begin with large purchases, right? While that's certainly understandable in most scenarios, but that approach doesn't really apply in this case.
Yes, it's always important to stay within a budget, but if you're restricting your buying choices to a small price range, you're limiting your options to the point where you may actually end up with a foundation drill rig that's not up to the jobs you need it for.
To put it simply: When it comes to heavy machinery such as drill rigs, you definitely get what you pay for. It's often tempting to go with the lower price, but buying a cheaper rig typically sets you up for more repairs and equipment failures down the road.
It's better to consider the initial price of the rig in relation to anticipated maintenance and repairs throughout its use. This is your total operations cost when all is said and done.
Spending more money upfront can actually save you money in the future, not to mention helping sidestep costly delays to a project due to a rig having mechanical problems.
Rather than going into the buying process with a specific target price, we recommend instead creating two lists of requirements for your future foundation drill rig: primary and secondary needs. Your primary requirements will be the aspects and features you absolutely need in your new rig, while the secondary requirements or more of a 'nice-to-have' list that are not essential, but probably still more convenient or helpful.
By prioritizing features, specifications, and quality over pricing, you'll ensure you end up with a drill rig that needs less maintenance or repair, and offers all the specific things needed to get the job done at every site you're called to work on.
Lining up the right features and specs for your foundation drill rig is the most important part of the process. In a perfect world, one could just simply acquire a specific rig for each job in order to have an ideal match for each situation. But unless you have unlimited resources, this just isn't an achievable reality.
As with most any other heavy machinery, your best option is to find a rig that offers the most in terms of certain features and specs that best match the majority of your anticipated jobs. This is obviously very subjective, so that responsibility ultimately falls on the buyer knowing what their own wheelhouse is.
With that said, you may also be wanting to purchase a rig to add to your fleet that enables you to take on jobs you haven't been able to do previously. Either way, strongly consider the features and specs of each rig you're looking at, and consult with your dealer or seller to make sure you're getting everything you need.
The most important factors to be mindful of when choosing a new foundation drill rig should center on the actual work you plan on doing the most. This ultimately carries over to variables such as the actual location of the construction, the depth and diameter of the holes that need to be drilled, the type of soil or sediment you'll be dealing with, and the environment of the location, which includes aspects like noise restrictions and drill methods permitted.
Some of the most common specs you'll need to pay close attention to include:
As for added 'extra' features, these can include things like climate-controlled cabins, automated technologies that assist with drill positioning, digital screens, etc. Again, many of these are subjective for the buyer.
Some drill operators can make good use of newer and more modern features, while others may not pay attention to them at all. It's safe to assume that the less added features a drill rig has, the less there is to go wrong. Still, some of the newer features now being offered for drill rigs can be quite beneficial, depending on the operator and the job needs.
So, you need a foundation drill rig to make some big holes in the ground, but have you thought about the actual transport part, or navigating it around on the job site? This is often something that gets overlooked. We get so wrapped up into what the drill can accomplish on a job, various foundation drilling tools that can be attached to it, and so on. The mobility part? Not so much.
Autonomous 'crawler' drill rigs are typically the design of choice. These rigs do not need any auxiliary equipment or machinery to get the job site. This added mobility gives the rig much more versatility and convenience. Crawlers are also much more efficient in regard to time, since you don't have to go through a huge process just to get the rig in position.
On the other hand, truck-mounted and trailer-mounted foundation drill rigs usually have to be powered by a generator or transported around the job site by either a crane or a truck. These types of rigs can often be cheaper in terms of pricing, but you need other equipment to move them ' something that may actually cost you more in the end.
Another thing to keep in mind: Not all crawler rigs are automatically capable of getting around on certain job sites. Location and environment are always factors. Still, mobile foundation drill rigs are generally the best choice for most operators, especially those who want to keep auxiliary equipment and hassle to a minimum. They are also easier to transport, in most cases.
If you're wanting to keep your fleet to a minimum, versatility in your foundation drill rig should be a big priority. Truth be told, there really isn't a one-size-fits-all rig that can handle literally every job site or need, but you can find rigs that can handle several different job requirements and conditions.
In most cases, the average foundation drill rig can offer numerous drilling methods and applications, typically with the swapping out of certain foundation drilling equipment such as foundation drilling teeth and carbide auger teeth.
Customer service and ongoing support is absolutely essential when purchasing any large machinery, and this is especially true with foundation drill rigs. When you're in the market for a new rig, you're reliant on the expertise and advice from the seller or dealer to help guide you and assist in determining the ideal rig to purchase. You can do as much research as you want beforehand ' and you certainly should. Still, these sellers know their rigs better than anyone, so they should be able to ensure you end up with a drill rig that enables you to do your job seamlessly. The seller should be able to consider your typical job site needs, your overall price bracket, and any added features that may be able to benefit you.
The best foundation drill rig sellers also provide training to you and your team on how to use the rig. Although you likely know how to operate most any drill rig, sellers know these machines inside and out, and will be able to point out all the little caveats, tips, and tricks so you get the most out of the rig, and with the most accuracy and efficiency. This definitely carries over to the safety and maintenance aspects as well.
It doesn't stop there. Ideally, your seller should also offer parts and maintenance for drill rigs, as this provides ongoing support for as long as you own the rig. They should be able to provide regular service, repairs, and even custom-manufactured tools or parts if needed. All of these factors give you a reliable and established ally for your business that will always be able to support your needs as they arise. Foundation drill rigs are expensive to purchase and maintain, so having quality customer service and care after the purchase should always be a part of the deal.
For those who are trying to save on their bottom line while still adding a quality foundation drill to their fleet, going the used route and buying from a reputable dealer can be a perfectly good option.
Here are some tips for inspecting a drill rig before buying. Most of these should also be applied prior to using any foundation drill rig on the job.
If for some reason the rig is not clean, make it happen. This not only makes it easier to inspect, it keeps the rig in prime condition and makes maintenance easier in the long run.
In case you didn't know, brakes are crucial! You should always check for any wear and tear on the braking system and make sure the brake fluid levels are where they need to be. Most crawler rigs will have three distinct braking systems ' typically service, secondary, and parking. The parking brake must be able to keep the rig securely in place when it's parked on the steepest slope it's intended to be used on.
If your rig includes Kelly bars, they need to be inspected on the outside of the housing. Check for any significant damage or wearing, and inspect all the stops, torque lugs, adapters, and flanges. You'll also want to give a close look to the torque of the Kelly retainer clamp bolts.
Don't skip the hydraulic systems. While wearing gloves, you can use a small chuck of cardboard or wood to locate any leaks. You'll also want to take a look at the level indicators.
Lubrication is critical to a properly-functioning drill rig. Check for any lubrication issues, and always clean off any dirt or old grease before adding more to the lube points.
This process can be extensive at times, but it's still important. Look for kinks or loose strands on the wire ropes, and also inspect them for any heat damage or corrosion. These ropes should be reeved on the sheave in a proper manner.
Safety first! Don't overlook the warning systems. Place the rig in reverse (if applicable) and check for audible and visual warning signals as it moves. While most job sites will have spotters in most cases, you still need to have a functional warning system at all times.
Manuals provided by the manufacturer are always an important resource that should be kept within the rig at all times. You just never know when you may need to look something up on the spot to solve an issue in the middle of a job.
You should always ensure inspection records are accurate and up-to-date, and your potential seller should do the same. Always ask to see them when inspecting a potential rig purchase.
One of the only real drawbacks to buying a used foundation drill rig is the challenge in securing spare parts or upgrades down the road. If the dealer also provides service, maintenance, and repair, you're in good shape. This is especially true if they are located close to your area.
The prospect of buying a new foundation drill should not be taken lightly. Doing your due diligence on a new purchase does go a long way, but having a reputable and reliable seller on your side is the key to ensuring not only a smooth buying process, but also a rig that will perform exactly as you need it to'on a high level'for years to come.
If you're in the market for a new or used foundation drill rig in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Blaze Equipment can see to it that you end up with the precise rig that fits your needs. Our team possesses years of direct experience within the drilling industry, so we know what's needed to pair you with the perfect rig for your unique job site requirements. Located outside of Texas? Don't worry, Blaze Equipment is a trusted provider of sales and service for foundation drill rigs throughout the United States.
After the sale, a member of our team can come to your site to provide teaching and instruction on how to safely operate your new rig. We also offer drill rig service, repair, maintenance, and heavy equipment transport. Contact us today to see for yourself why Blaze Equipment sets the standard not only for foundation drilling sales and service in Texas, but all across the nation.
Foundation drilling is, in essence, using big machines to put big holes in the ground.
Most residential homes have a reinforced, concrete slab foundation poured on top of the ground. Though some settling and shifting will occur, it is not enough to send the walls tumbling down. However, huge structures like bridges and office buildings, need foundations that can handle some movement and are strong enough to carry the weight of the building itself and what's on or inside of it. To do this, large construction projects use foundation drilling rigs to create drilled shafts. Also known as drilled piers, caissons or bored piles, drilled shafts are constructed by pouring concrete into a drilled hole. The load is supported mainly through skin friction where the subsurface soil surrounding the shaft holds it in place. End-bearing shafts carry the weight load on the base of the shaft. This type of drilled shaft is used less often.
The type of rig used depends on several factors. How deep and what the diameter of the holes will be, obviously. But, the type of soil, where the project is located (in a city or out in the boonies), and how much room there is to maneuver are just some of the considerations. The project requirements will also dictate which foundation drilling method is used.
These are the most common drilling methods:
Kelly Drilling
Kelly drilling is a dry rotary drilling method. It is used to make bored piles with a large diameter, typically over 500mm. It's is popular because it works for most types of rock and soil. A key part of this method is the telescopic drill rod ' also known as the Kelly bar.
Continuous Flight Auger Drilling
Continuous flight auger drilling is another dry rotary method. It uses rotation of a continuous flight auger to displace soil. The auger needs to be the same length as the hole that will be drilled. This makes it a good solution for predrilling.
Double Rotary Drilling
Double rotary drilling combines continuous flight auger drilling with a continuous casing. This method is used for challenging soil conditions or sensitive environments. Drill cuttings are ejected from an opening in the top of the auger.
Full Displacement Drilling
Full displacement drilling is used for cast-in-place piles. The surrounding soil is only displaced and virtually no drill cuttings are brought to the surface. A smooth casing is used and fitted with a displacement body at the lower end.
Grab Drilling
Grab drilling is the oldest of the dry drilling methods. Soil is loosened by cutting or impact driving. This method is typically used for well drilling or cast-in-place piles.
Reverse Circulation Drilling
Reverse circulation drilling can produce boreholes of about 3.2m diameter. The method is useful in challenging soil conditions such as karst. This method uses the mammoth pump principle. The flushing drill fluid rises inside the drill rod and brings the drill cuttings to the surface. This technique can be used for soil or rock drilling.
Down-the-Hole Drilling
For very hard rock or to break up boulders, the down-the-hole drilling method is used. A hammer is mounted on the drill bit at the end of the drill rod. Compressed air is used to pneumatically break and remove the rock or boulders. The bit breaks up the rock by rotating and impacting at the same time. The compressed air moves the loosened drill cuttings to the surface.
No matter the method, there is a foundation drilling rig available to put those big holes in the ground, in the right place, at the right depth.
Selecting the right foundation drilling rig can be daunting. They're expensive ' so you want to get it right the first time. You want to drill down (pardon the pun) to what your requirements truly are. Once you understand your 'must-have' (hard) requirements, you can find the foundation drilling rig to meet them. There is no one-size-fits-all drill that works for all types of drilling and all site conditions.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Trailer-mounted drilling rigs. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Job Description
You want to determine the specifics of the job you need to get done. The diameter and depths of the holes, the type of soil, and the features of the site must be known.
Location Challenges
Are you working on rough terrain? Is the job in the heart of a city where noise reduction is critical? Is it a small lot or other tight space that will require smaller, more nimble equipment? The rig you choose must be able to work within the limitations of the job site.
Mobility
An autonomous crawler drilling rig does not need additional equipment or a separate power source to move around the job site. Truck-mounted and trailer-mounted foundation drilling rigs need to be powered by a generator or by the truck that's moving them about.
Stability
An important part of any foundation drilling rig is the stability of the platform. The amount of ground pressure the rig exerts matters. It impacts how large the platform must be. So, the size of the construction site can limit the weight of the rig you can buy. The manufacturer will tell you how much pressure their rig exerts. Lighter weight models, such as Commachio's MC 3, can provide plenty of power and still squeeze through areas as narrow as 9mm.
The rig should be placed on level and firm ground. The area must graded to support the rig per the manufacturer's specifications. Crane mats can be used to support the platform. They are typically made from 12' thick timbers and are available in lengths from 8- to 40-feet. Widths of 4, 5, or 6 feet are available. The Crane Mat Company also offers custom mats and used mats that have been returned through their buyback program. You can also rent crane mats. Bridgewell makes all-steel Mammoth Mats for multi-million pound rigs.
On Special Occasions
Some jobs require custom features that you won't be able to use for other projects. If possible, select a standard foundation drilling rig and add attachments that will meet the requirements of a particular job. You want the rig you select to have the broadest use possible.
Cutting Technology or Old School?
Fancy color screens, automatic placement, and torque technology are terrific. But you may not need them to complete a project. The training required to use the features of high-tech equipment also adds to the project timeline and budget. Sometimes a foundation drilling rig that is less high-tech with a longer track record is a lower-risk ' and lower cost ' solution.
Price
It is natural to think of price first. But, resist the urge. Figure out what your requirements are for the job. You should have two lists ' hard requirements and 'soft' requirements. (Soft requirements are nice-to-have features that are not necessary to get the work done.) Present this information to at least three vendors and let them advise which foundation drilling rigs are best based on these requirements. Considerations can also be made for ongoing maintenance costs, reliability as well as flexibility.
Wrap Up
The most important aspect of selecting a foundation drilling rig is understanding what you really need to get the job done. Take the time to meet with a sales engineer and other experts to clearly define the project requirements. Find a few models that will meet your needs then shop around.
Inspecting your foundation drilling rig is critical for job safety. In addition to keeping workers and the public safe, you want to protect your investment. The rig should be inspected prior to using it ' every time. You will be checking parts of the rig big and small. This includes braking systems, Kelly bars, hydraulic systems, wire ropes, safety features, and anything else recommended in the manufacturer's documentation.
Qualified Inspector
This may seem obvious, but you really need someone experienced in inspecting drilling rigs to do the inspection. A checklist is helpful. Some jobs require documentation to be filed as proof that the inspection was completed. In any case, an inspection logbook should be kept inside the rig.
Brakes
Check for wear and tear to the brakes. Ensure brake fluid levels are adequate. Wheel-mounted rigs have three braking systems: Service, secondary, and parking. The parking braking system should be able to keep the rig stationary on the steepest slope it is built to operate on.
Kelly Bars
Kelly bars should be inspected outside of their housing. Adapters, flanges, stops, torque lugs or rails should not be worn out or damaged. Check the torque of the Kelly retainer clamp bolts. Also inspect them for wear and tear.
Hydraulic Systems
Wear gloves and use a piece of cardboard or wood to check for leaks in the hydraulic system. Check the hydraulic level indicators.
Lubrication
Grease is the lifeblood of the foundation drilling rig. Before greasing lubrication points, first clean out the dirt and old grease.
Warning Devices
Make sure the warning signal (audible and or visual) automatically functions when the rig is in reverse. Any warning signs should be clearly visible. Warning devices are not always a replacement of a spotter when moving the rigs.
Wire Ropes
Wire ropes should be reeved properly on the sheave and in good condition. Inspect for kinking or unstranding, corrosion, heat damage, etc.
Manufacturer's Manuals
Detailed manuals from the manufacturer should be stored in the rig so they are readily available when needed. Complete the specific inspections recommended by the manufacturer.
Clean Up
Inspections are more often successful when regular maintenance is done on your foundation drilling rig. The most important maintenance involves keeping the parts of the rig clean. Keep your inspection records up-to-date and ensure any needed repairs are completed before the rig is used on the job.
All that power doesn't come cheap. But the right foundation drilling rig gets the job done faster and more accurately ' saving money and headaches down the road. Part of the cost is the amount of automation offered. For example, the Liebherr LRB-355 has a crane control system with a color display. Its hydraulic BAT rotary drive provides automatic torque adjustment.
Soilmec's innovative SR-125 in the Kelly configuration costs about $2,200,000, depending on the type of Kelly bar you choose.
Other cost factors include how quickly the rig can be assembled and how nimble it is. Noise reduction features can up the price.
CZM's EK200LS Cased CFA may fit the bill. These state-of-the-art rigs are estimated at $1,750,000. CFA is also used for residential projects, such as building a home on the California coastline.
Foundation Drilling Rigs for Tight Spaces
There are several scenarios where your equipment just won't have a lot of swinging room. Bay Shore System's LAD Series may be the right solution. Their small foundation drilling rigs have attachment heights down to 6 feet 6 inches. Yet, they can drill down to 70 feet. They also have a wide torque range to handle tough soil.
Used Foundation Drilling Rigs
Another option is to buy a used foundation drilling rig. Of course, there's risk involved, but the savings are huge. For example, a AD 150 Crawler Drill is currently listed with an asking price of $200K. Of course, finding attachments and spare parts is always a challenge with an older rig. Just like used cars, however, you can buy higher quality used foundation drilling rigs from reputable dealers. You should also consider whether a company provides service in your local area. This could make it easier to find parts.
Innovative Designs
There are some interesting and innovative foundation drilling rig designs. Watson's has a top-applied Kelly crowd system that eliminates the need for a rotary / bar locking system. Their claim is that wear and tear on the rotary from crowd forces is eliminated and that the rig drills straighter holes. All at a cost of about $1,200,000.
Research First, Price Later
Don't select your foundation drilling rig on price alone. In fact, don't consider price at all when you start your research. Gather your hard requirements and optional requirements and let vendors tell you what rigs will meet them. Then put it out for bid. Ask if there is a 'certified used' option available. You may do better buying a stripped-down model and purchasing the attachments you need for the job. Spend the time to educate yourself on the right drilling method for the job. Then identify any restraints, such as noise level and height restrictions, before you start shopping for foundation drilling rigs. Knowledge is power and savings.
There are many different types of foundation drilling rig attachments to meet any job. Here are some popular attachments from top vendors.
Champion Equipment fabricates various styles of drilling buckets, one being the pitched bottom bucket. The bucket bottom is heat pressed into its unique shape which allows for larger openings and smoother material flow into the bucket. These buckets are sold in diameters from 1 foot to in excess of 16 foot and can be equipped with both manual and automatic dumping systems.
Jeffrey Machine specializes in augers they call laminates. Their augers are available in diameters from 6-inches to over 12-feet. Jeffrey Machine has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Alabama. They claim a huge inventory of off-the-shelf products. But, they can custom build drilling tools using customer or JMI prints. They may even be able to get your specs over the .
Bay Shore Systems' LoDril® drilling attachment has 360 degrees of operating area. It can reach up to 15 feet beyond the tracks or above casing. Perfect for foundation drilling in challenging environments like tight areas or sloping terrain. There are six sizes available, starting at just seven feet high.
Numa designs and manufactures rock drilling hammers and bits for vertical and horizontal applications. Their U.S. made Down-the-Hole and HDD hammers and bits can drill holes from 3.5 inches to 50.5 inches (89mm-mm). Built specifically for longevity and penetration rate, Numa's rock drilling equipment drills at high frequency and require less air. Even against high heads of water.
TEI manufactures a lightweight drill attachment for 5- to 8-ton mini excavators that's a good solution for limited access areas. The standard version has one 360-degree positioner and a single hydraulic clamp on the drill feed. It includes radio remote controls with a manual override. You can add a second 360-degree positioner for unlimited positioning capabilities.
Armador offers many foundation drilling rig attachments. Their core barrels are made of special steel alloys. They claim that their welding techniques increase the life cycle of the product. They have off-the-shelf standard core barrels, but offer customized versions including kelly boxes in any size or shape to conform to your drilling rig. Armador's standard core barrel models are KOS Series (round shank picks) and the KOB Series (weld-on bars core barrel with trap).
Most of these vendors can manufacture custom or semi-custom foundation drilling rig attachments. Some offer used inventory. The array of choices can be dizzying. Work with the vendors to understand what attachments are really needed for your foundation drilling rig.
Description
As everyone knows by now, the acronym 'TT' (Tescar Technology) identifies Tescar's full-optional models, and the TT5 is the top-of-the-line version of the already famous CF4. It is in fact a machine with a special double-motor rotary for 50 kNm of torque with TSP device (torque-speed potentiometer) that permits the operator to progressively set the torque and speed accordingly to the ground conditions. It's then provided with the special CCMS device (crowd crain motor system) with 8 t capacity, and a sectional mast for working outdoors with 28m kelly bar or in low-headroom version (under 6m height) with 15m kelly bar. The TT5 is mounted on Eurocomach ESP100 UR4 excavator base with EU Stage5 / US Tier4 Final certified Yanmar engine, equipped with heavy duty undercarriage with expanding tracks and hydraulic blade as standard.
Thanks to the chain push/pull, the TT5 boasts a rotary stroke of 5m, which can be extended up to 7m, allowing easy use of the casing pipes by working with longer tools so as to increase and speed up production on site. Thanks to the modularity of the mast, the TT5 can reach 10m depth in the CFA version (6m augers + 4m kelly extension) and 12m in the 'CFA Extended' version (8m augers + 4m kelly extension).
The TT5 can then also be equipped in D-WALL mode, with hydraulic grab for diaphragms up to x400mm. This configuration is offered either with a square locking rod and pushing device, or with the original round kelly bar of the LDP version, thus allowing the customer to save a big bunch of money and a lot of time when switching from LDP to D-WALL mode.
As all our other piling rigs, also the TT5 can close on itself and fold the mast backwards for transport, keeping a perfect balance during the loading/unloading operations and leaving space behind the base to eventually stow a skid-loader, the drilling tools and the other necessary working equipment, maintaining an on-size shape and a limited overall weight.
The company is the world’s best Threaded Water Well Drill Pipe supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.