PRESS RELEASE: The new Cat bits come in six diameters, ranging from 171mm (6¾in) to 311mm (12¼in).
Caterpillar said the bits' carbide shapes and cutting face arrangements are optimised for high wear resistance and improved rock fragmentation, and the long-lasting cutting structure delivers a superior rate of penetration.
Moreover, Caterpillar's heat-treatment technology and advanced air-cooled bearing design can yield longer bit life and result in lower overall drilling costs.
The company said its bits also use innovative technology to prevent cuttings and unbroken rock ridges from inflicting severe wear on the cone; the result is an improved working life. In addition, the gauge row design improves resistance to diameter shrinkage.
According to the manufacturer, its tricone drill bits have demonstrated a lower total cost of drilling in head-to-head tests conducted in copper, iron ore and coal mines.
