MINERAL EXPLORATION & MINING

Cat designs tricone bits to lower drilling costs

Caterpillar's latest tricone drill bits are designed to be cost effective for severe applications

 Cat tricone drill bit

Cat tricone drill bit

The new bit line from Caterpillar includes six diameters ranging from 171mm (6-3/4in) to 311mm (12-1/4in). Their carbide shapes and cutting face arrangements are optimised for high wear-resistance and improved rock fragmentation and the aggressive, long-lasting cutting structure is said to deliver a superior rate of penetration.

Caterpillar's heat treatment technology and advanced air-cooled bearing design yields longer bit life and results in lower overall drilling costs. Cat bits also use innovative technology to prevent cuttings and unbroken rock ridges from inflicting severe wear on the cone. The result is improved working life. Also, the gauge row design improves resistance to diameter shrinkage.