The MDR700, which made its debut at DrillFest 2015 in Perth, Australia, is a powerful rig that utilises Boart Longyear underground exploration technology like the LM700 feed frame and offers wide drilling angles; quick and easy set-up, operation and maintenance; advanced mobility; and engineered safety controls.

The design of the integrated positioner and turntable offers extremely wide drilling angles and excellent reach to make positioning and drilling a series of holes easier. The rig features sophisticated articulations with three turning points so that operators can drill 270° horizontally and vertically up to vertically down. The MDR700 also allows drilling in a spherical manner without the need to reposition the unit.

Boart Longyear stated that set-up is quick and easy with the fully hydraulic positioning system and handheld remote controller. Rig moves are faster and easier with the four-wheel drive diesel engine-powered Manitou carrier. Operating the MDR700 and the rod handler is smooth and easy when paired with the optional Drill Control Interface (DCi), and the MDR700’s maintenance-friendly layout provides easy access for hydraulic servicing.

The company added that the mobility of the MDR700 is a time-saver when moving from hole to hole using an agile Manitou diesel-powered four-wheel drive carrier. In a study where the rig was moved 500m, the average time to move the MDR700 rig from hole to hole was 80% faster than a regular underground exploration rig.

The carrier features three available steering modes – four-wheel, two-wheel and crab-like movement – so manoeuvring the rig underground is easier and faster. The four-wheel steering allows for better turning radius in restricted spaces. The two-wheel steering is for on-road driving. And the crab-like movement makes the carrier agile for lateral approaches and delicate exits. The MDR700 rig is easy to navigate and can move at up to 10 km/h. For improved visibility and safety, multiple cameras are located on the rig and viewed/monitored from the cabin of the carrier.

The MDR700 is powered by a 90kW electric motor and features the Boart Longyear LM 700 feed frame delivering 81.4kN of pullback. The MDR700, coupled with the HQ rotation unit, can get operators to the target productively in all coring diameters up to HQ. 

The drill rig also features a breakout system on the rotation unit that uses high-pressure oil and gear rack assistance to effortlessly break rod joints.

The MDR700’s engineered safety controls include a dual emergency braking system and an engine fire suppression system so it meets the most advanced underground mine standards. The spring-close and hydraulic open rod clamp ensures fail-safe operation in case of a burst hose or power loss. 

The rig also offers exclusive features like a patented rod handler and optional DCi that takes safety as well as productivity to the next level. The DCi offers semi-automated drilling, rod feed and pull functions and controls while controlling both the rod handler and the rig.

Boart Longyear stated that the rod handler sets new standards for ease-of use, versatility, and most importantly, safety. Utilising innovative high-capacity springs acting on three tungsten-carbide insert jaws, the rod handler isolates the driller from the hazards of manual rod handling. In addition, the smart hydraulics provides synchronised control between the rotation unit and the foot clamp for faster and safer rod handling.

The optional DCi provides semi-automation and a fully electronic interface to safely and efficiently operate both the rod handler and the drill. The DCi is a substantial step for increased safety on-site by moving the driller away from moving parts and hydraulic hoses – isolating the driller from the hazards.