Designed around a new energy-saving architecture, the Blue Tech line improves performance, flexibility, and functionality across all drilling setups and technologies and the first model to be introduced by Soilmec is the SR-75 Blue Tech.

The SR-75 Blue Tech has been developed to offer customers a flexible and dependable drilling machine that can be used for all types of work. Due to well-engineered solutions, the conversion of the SR-75 between different configurations can be done even quicker and more efficiently. Quick conversions kits are available for CFA, turbo jet, displacement, and soil mixing

One of the design hallmarks of the Blue Tech line is a focus on improved efficiencies for performance and environmental concerns. The hydraulic system on the SR-75 has been re-designed and optimised to reduce performance losses during duty cycle operation, saving up to 10.4L (2.75 gallons) of fuel per hour.

Additionally, the improved loss reduction has allowed for a redesign of the main drilling actuators, which now produce higher crowd force and speed, an increased torque rate on the rotary head (up to 281kNm / 207,255lbft of rated value), and an improved heavy-duty main winch. These improvements allow the SR-75 Blue Tech to achieve the best-in-class mechanical performance in even the toughest conditions.

The SR-75 Blue Tech is equipped with Soilmec's DMS 4.0 (Drilling Mate System), which provides a simple graphical navigation menu to assist the operator in the day to day planning and drilling execution. With a suite of new functions and automated services that allow for easy set-up and use, DMS 4.0 helps minimise downtime and maximise productivity.

SR-35 EVO

Starting in 1995 with the R-312 hydraulic drilling rig, Soilmec has been a leader in the 30-35t class of large diameter piling rigs. These agile and powerful rigs (R-312, SR-30 and SR-30 EVO) have become the standard for drilling contractors around the world with over 1,000 units produced and sold.

This year Soilmec is launching a major improvement to the line with the introduction of the SR-35 EVO.

The SR-35 EVO is now a 35t rig with more power and flexibility that utilises the latest generation Stage-V/Tier-4f diesel engine equipped with low-idle for improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise pollution. The engine employed in the SR-35 EVO is an American Cummins B6.7 with a power increase of 15hp compared to the previous SR-30 EVO.

The hydraulic and electric systems have been simplified to minimise energy losses and provide more space for maintenance, too.

The SR-35 EVO is fitted with a newly designed rotary head resulting in a 15 per cent torque increase (maximum value of 151.6kNm /111,814lbft).

Additionally, the SR-35 EVO most distinct feature is a new high-strength steel segmental mast. This allows for quick conversion of the rig for different applications. By removing the upper element, it is possible to quickly convert to the LHR setup or add a rig rotary sleeve kit and auger cleaner for CFA applications (four-Lines and quick-change versions).

The SR-35 EVO is a modern machine equipped with several accessories, devices and the DMS 4.0 system to ensure the highest level of connectivity, accessibility, and safety.

SM-15 HD

Described by Soilmec as being "designed by drillers for drillers", the SM-15 and the SM-15HD are the additions to the company's SM fleet of rigs for micro-pile and tieback applications.

Building on the success of the SM-401 and SM-14 models, the SM-15 provides added flexibility, ease of transport, higher performance characteristics and an improved environmental impact as part of the restyling of the manufacturer's most versatile and reliable rig for micro/mini drilling.

Using a platform design methodology, two different models - the SM-15 and SM-15HD - were produced to allow for price and performance options. The SM-15 HD (Heavy Duty) is the first version available in North America and on display at CONEXPO 2020. It is equipped with a powerful diesel engine and a larger undercarriage for greater stability and power to handle the most challenging projects. The SM-15 HD utilises the Cummins B6.7 diesel engine (as used in the SR-35 EVO) boasting high performance and low emissions in addition to extreme ease of maintenance.

The decision to fit the SM-15 HD with a larger diesel engine allows the rig to utilise and exploit the largest double head and the vibro-rotary head configurations. The SM-15HD can be set with three types of kinematic mechanism: standard with cylinders and pin removal, with a slew ring for quick and precise adjustment +/- 180°, or with the 90° mast articulation that allows drilling on the side of the tracks.

The SM-15 and SM-15 HD work with a wide range of rotary heads up to 32kNm (23,602lbft) torque, jet grouting treatment of 20m (65.6ft) depth, clamp/joint breakers and with four different masts positions for varying stroke of rotary heads.

The SM-15 comes with hydraulic openable cages, ROM and SPM operation modes and all the accessories/devices to ensure the highest level of accessibility, visibility, and safety in compliance with the latest safety standards. To ensure smooth operations and enhanced safety, the SM-15 HD can be equipped with the new hydraulic/proportional panel on a pivotal support arm, with controls clearly laid out and located within easy reach, or with a full radio remote control. The base machine is fitted with the DMS' LCD display and connectable to DMS Manager 4.0 for remote connection to a monitor and download rig performance data.

Got a story? Email: duncan.moore@aspermontmedia.com