Atlas Copco officials have announced the launch of a new compact rock bolting rig for small to medium-sized tunnels and drifts. Known as Boltec S, the rig is fully mechanized with operational in drift capacity from 2.8 to 7.5 m.
“Atlas Copco is filling a gap in the market,” said David Shellhammer, division president for Atlas Copco’s Underground Rock Excavation, in a statement. The rig “fits the smallest tunnels and mines. No one should ever have to work beneath unsupported ground,” he added. “With this rig, you will eliminate manual bolting which, in many cases, has previously been the only option in this segment.”
Low operating height stems from short dead length on feed and the low cabin height, according to Paul A. O’Neill, product manager at Atlas Copco. But with a dead length of only 1.1 m, the new rig “is the best in its class,” he said.
The Boltec S can be equipped with the new, 14 kW COP 1435 rock drill offering up to 30% faster drilling than the lighter 11 kW COP 1132. Both rock drills, meanwhile, are built from the same, short housing parts, allowing for maximum room during installation of longer bolts.
Another feature is a new operator panel with two multifunctional levers controlling the operation from drilling to bolting. A new resin injection steering system also controlled from the operator panel, facilitated resin cartridges loading into a pre-drilled hole without whole bolting unit removal.
The unit is mounted in a forward position enabling easier install bolts in the left and right hand corners and face bolting when necessary. Its carousel can also be loaded vertically, for a faster re-load time and enhanced operational environment.
