Komatsu recently introduced a new jumbo drill and bolter that uses a groundbreaking common carrier and control system for underground hard rock mining. It was specifically designed to meet the industry’s needs for greater productivity and versatility while helping lower capital costs, according to Komatsu.
Developed through research and collaboration with customers, Komatsu’s new small-class ZJ21 jumbo drill and ZB21 bolter use a common platform that allows operators to convert their machine from a jumbo to a bolter, or vice versa. The platform offers 100% design commonality between bolter and jumbo from the rear skirt to the outer boom structure, making for a seamless conversion, the company said.
“The ZJ21 and ZB21 are only the first two of a planned 14 new models,” said Doug Eamer, director of Underground Drilling at Komatsu.
The versatility provided by the common platform was created to help mining operations realize advantages in job site efficiency and — with the common parts, service and maintenance — help reduce costs. In addition, operator controls are universal between the jumbo and the bolter, to benefit mining organizations from a user training and adoption perspective.
The ZJ21 jumbo drill is designed to provide excellent coverage in a small jumbo platform, delivering up to 66 m2 of face coverage. The unique boom design promotes zero contact with the operator’s enclosure or the carrier or leveling jacks when drilling anywhere on the face.
The ZB21 bolter enables operators to bolt in any direction, and is capable of handling up to an 8-ft bolting head. Operators can perform the entire bolting cycle from inside the enclosure using an integrated screen handler and innovative chemical injection system, helping mining operations drive toward zero harm.
Next week, Mining Media International is hosting a free webinar for Komatsu, where Eamer will explain all the advantages in greater detail. For more information
