HCLH supplies hydraulic Down-the-Hole (DTH) drilling rigs for open-pit mining, quarrying, aggregate production, and surface rock excavation. Our SDC150, SDC150H, and SDC170 models offer different drilling diameter ranges, compressor capacities, hammer configurations, and machine layouts to meet varying project requirements. Compare the available surface DTH drill rigs below and contact our team to identify a suitable configuration for your rock conditions, drilling depth, and production targets.
Applications: Open-Pit Mining | Quarrying | Blast-Hole Drilling | Road Construction | Infrastructure Excavation
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Surface DTH Drill Rigs for Mining and Quarrying
Choosing the right surface DTH drill rig requires matching the hole diameter, drilling depth, rock conditions, compressed-air supply, and expected drilling output. HCLH offers three models with different published specifications. Review their configurations to determine which machine should be evaluated for your project.
The SDC150 is a fully hydraulic surface DTH drilling rig designed for medium to large quarries and open-pit mining operations. Its CMS air compressor management system works with a load-sensing hydraulic system to help manage energy consumption. The open equipment layout and two-stage dust collection system support routine maintenance and drilling-site dust management.
- Hole diameter: 115–152 mm
- Drill pipe diameter: 89 mm
- DTH hammer: 4 or 5 inches
- Air flow and pressure: 18.5 m³/min at 22 bar
- Engine output: 264 kW
- Dimensions: 9,580 × 2,450 × 3,600 mm
- Operating weight: 16,500 kg
Selection consideration: Evaluate the SDC150 when your required hole diameter falls within its published range and the 4- or 5-inch hammer configuration meets your drilling requirements.
View SDC150 Specifications
The SDC150H is a crawler-mounted, self-propelled, fully hydraulic DTH drill rig for open-pit mining, quarrying, and surface blast-hole drilling. Its published configuration includes a fixed boom, heated and air-conditioned cab, dry dust collector, rod-shifting system, and multi-stage air intake filtration. These features are relevant to contractors evaluating machine mobility, operator comfort, and maintenance requirements in demanding working environments.
- Hole diameter: 115–165 mm
- Drill pipe diameter: 76, 89, or 102 mm
- DTH hammer: 4 or 5 inches
- Air flow and pressure: 21 m³/min at 22 bar
- Engine output: 264 kW; 294 kW optional
- Dimensions: 11,600 × 2,450 × 3,460 mm
- Operating weight: 18,000 kg
Selection consideration: Evaluate the SDC150H when crawler mobility, a broader published hole diameter range than the SDC150, and its specific cab and dust collection configuration match your project requirements.
View SDC150H Specifications
The SDC170 is a fully hydraulic surface DTH drilling rig designed for large-diameter drilling in open-pit mines and quarries. Its published configuration includes a Sandvik HTRH6 rotary unit, CMS air compressor management and drilling control systems, fieldbus control, and a high-efficiency dust collection system.
- Hole diameter: 138–178 mm
- Drill pipe diameter: 102 or 114 mm
- DTH hammer: 5 or 6 inches
- Air flow and pressure: 24.6 m³/min at 24 bar
- Engine output: 335 kW, Tier III specification
- Dimensions: 12,190 × 2,690 × 3,420 mm
- Operating weight: 24,650 kg
Selection consideration: Evaluate the SDC170 for large-diameter surface drilling when its published hole range, compressor specifications, and drilling configuration align with the required production plan.
View SDC170 Specifications
Note: Specifications reflect the currently published product information. Confirm the exact machine version, engine emission configuration, hammer compatibility, maximum drilling depth, and other project-specific requirements with HCLH before purchase.
Compare SDC150, SDC150H, and SDC170 DTH Drill Rigs
Comparing key parameters helps procurement teams narrow down suitable models before requesting a quotation. Hole diameter is an important starting point, but compressor performance, drill pipe dimensions, hammer size, site access, and expected drilling depth must also be considered.
| Parameter |
SDC150 |
SDC150H |
SDC170 |
| Hole Diameter |
115–152 mm |
115–165 mm |
138–178 mm |
| Drill Pipe Diameter |
89 mm |
76 / 89 / 102 mm |
102 / 114 mm |
| DTH Hammer |
4 or 5 inches |
4 or 5 inches |
5 or 6 inches |
| Air Flow and Pressure |
18.5 m³/min at 22 bar |
21 m³/min at 22 bar |
24.6 m³/min at 24 bar |
| Engine Output |
264 kW |
264 kW; 294 kW optional |
335 kW, Tier III specification |
| Operating Weight |
16,500 kg |
18,000 kg |
24,650 kg |
| Typical Evaluation Focus |
115–152 mm drilling requirements |
Track-mounted configuration and 115–165 mm drilling requirements |
Large-diameter drilling requirements |
| Product Details |
View SDC150 |
View SDC150H |
View SDC170 |
The SDC150, SDC150H, and SDC170 are not interchangeable solely because their drilling diameter ranges overlap. Actual suitability depends on the required hole depth, hammer and bit combination, compressor operating point, rock conditions, drilling pattern, and daily production target.
How Does a Down-the-Hole Drilling Rig Work?
A Down-the-Hole drilling rig uses a pneumatic hammer positioned directly behind the drill bit. Compressed air powers the hammer to deliver impact energy near the bottom of the hole, while rotation helps the bit break the rock. The compressed air also assists in removing rock cuttings from the borehole.
Because the impact mechanism operates close to the bit, DTH drilling is commonly evaluated for surface rock drilling projects that require suitable hole depths, consistent hole geometry, and reliable performance in hard rock. Actual results depend on hammer size, air supply, bit design, geological conditions, and operating parameters.
Compressed-Air Supply
Compressor air flow and operating pressure must be matched to the DTH hammer, drill pipe, hole diameter, and drilling conditions. Insufficient air supply can affect hammer performance and cuttings removal. Confirm the required operating point rather than selecting a rig based on compressor pressure alone.
Hammer, Drill Pipe, and Bit Compatibility
The hammer, drill pipe, adapter, and bit form a connected drilling system. Thread specifications, component dimensions, air requirements, and the required hole diameter should be checked together before ordering equipment or replacement tooling.
Cuttings Removal and Dust Control
Air flushing removes cuttings from the hole, while a suitable dust collection system helps manage dust generated during dry drilling. Buyers should consider local environmental requirements, filter maintenance, and the dust characteristics of the material being drilled.
Applications of Surface DTH Drill Rigs
Surface DTH drill rigs are used in mining, quarrying, and civil engineering projects where the drilling method and equipment configuration match the required hole geometry and site conditions.
Open-Pit Mining and Blast-Hole Drilling
Open-pit mines require drilling equipment that can meet the planned hole diameter, depth, spacing, and daily production schedule. Compressor capacity, machine availability, tooling wear, and maintenance support should all be included in the selection process.
Quarrying and Aggregate Production
Limestone, granite, basalt, and other rock formations may require different drilling parameters and bit configurations. Quarry operators should assess bench height, rock abrasiveness, required blast-hole diameter, hole depth, and the number of holes drilled per shift.
Road Construction and Infrastructure Excavation
Road cuts, slope excavation, and infrastructure projects may involve drilling in variable geological conditions. Site access, ground stability, working space, transport restrictions, and any nearby structures should be considered when evaluating the machine.
Hydropower and Large-Scale Construction
Certain hydropower and large construction projects require surface rock drilling for excavation and blasting preparation. The appropriate rig depends on the project design, required drilling geometry, rock conditions, and applicable safety and environmental requirements.
Explore HCLH's Mining, Quarrying and Construction Applications for additional information about our equipment applications.
How to Choose the Right DTH Drilling Rig
Selecting a down-the-hole drilling rig should start with the drilling requirements rather than the engine rating or purchase price alone. The following factors help determine which machine configuration is suitable for your project.
1. Hole Diameter and Depth
Define the required hole diameter, target depth, hole inclination, and drilling pattern. Match the planned dimensions to the machine's published range and confirm the achievable depth with the manufacturer.
2. Rock Hardness and Abrasiveness
Rock strength, abrasiveness, and fracture conditions affect penetration rate and bit life. Provide geological information to help select the appropriate hammer, bit, and drilling parameters.
3. Air Flow and Operating Pressure
Compare the compressor's air flow and pressure with the hammer manufacturer's requirements. The air supply must support both hammer operation and cuttings removal under the intended drilling conditions.
4. Drill Pipe and Hammer Size
Confirm drill pipe diameter, hammer size, connection specifications, and bit compatibility. A complete system match is more useful than comparing individual component specifications in isolation.
5. Mobility and Site Conditions
Consider whether the project requires a crawler-mounted rig, how the machine will move between holes, and whether the working area has sufficient space and ground-bearing capacity. Verify transport dimensions and machine weight before arranging delivery.
6. Operating Cost and Maintenance
Evaluate fuel consumption, drill bit wear, hammer maintenance, filters, spare parts, labor, and downtime. The cost per meter drilled provides a more useful comparison when each machine is assessed under comparable site conditions.
7. Environmental and Site Requirements
Confirm operating altitude, ambient temperature, emissions requirements, dust control, and any other local compliance requirements. The final machine configuration should meet the conditions of the intended worksite.
DTH Drill Rigs vs. Top-Hammer Drill Rigs
DTH and top-hammer drilling use different impact mechanisms. In DTH drilling, the hammer operates near the drill bit at the bottom of the hole. In top-hammer drilling, the rock drill generates impact energy at the machine and transmits it through the drill string.
| Comparison Factor |
DTH Drill Rig |
Top-Hammer Drill Rig |
| Impact Mechanism |
Pneumatic hammer positioned near the bit. |
Rock drill mounted near the feed or boom assembly. |
| Main System Requirements |
Hammer, compressor air flow and pressure, drill pipe, and bit. |
Rock drill, hydraulic system, drill rods, adapters, and bit. |
| Selection Priorities |
Hole diameter and depth, air supply, hammer compatibility, and hole quality. |
Hole geometry, drilling pattern, rock drill performance, and tooling compatibility. |
The best drilling method depends on geology, hole dimensions, required productivity, tooling costs, and the total operating cost. If your project requires a top-hammer system, explore HCLH's Top-Hammer Drilling Rigs for alternative surface drilling configurations.
Why Choose HCLH for DTH Drilling Equipment?
Beijing Haichuang Unite Technology Co., Ltd. supplies mining machinery, rock drilling equipment, drilling tools, and related spare parts for international customers. HCLH reports more than 20 years of experience in rock drilling and serves mining, quarrying, and construction applications.
- Multiple DTH rig configurations: Compare the SDC150, SDC150H, and SDC170 against different hole diameter and air supply requirements.
- Related drilling tools: Source compatible drilling tools and components, subject to specification and availability confirmation.
- Technical selection support: Discuss hole diameter, drilling depth, rock conditions, hammer size, and compressor requirements.
- Procurement assistance: Confirm machine specifications, included accessories, spare parts, warranty terms, and delivery arrangements.
For model selection and technical questions, contact our team with your project requirements before finalizing the equipment configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Down-the-Hole Drilling Rigs
What is a Down-the-Hole drilling rig?
A Down-the-Hole drilling rig uses a pneumatic hammer positioned directly behind the drill bit. Compressed air powers the hammer and helps remove cuttings from the hole. This method is commonly used in surface mining, quarrying, and other rock drilling applications.
What is the difference between a DTH drill rig and a top-hammer drill rig?
A DTH hammer operates near the bottom of the hole, while a top-hammer rock drill generates impact energy at the machine and transmits it through the drill string. The suitable method depends on the required hole diameter and depth, geological conditions, tooling, and operating costs.
What hole diameter ranges do the HCLH SDC models cover?
The published ranges are 115–152 mm for the SDC150, 115–165 mm for the SDC150H, and 138–178 mm for the SDC170. Confirm the final configuration and compatible hammer and bit sizes with HCLH before ordering.
How do I choose the correct DTH hammer size?
Hammer selection depends on the required hole diameter, compressor air flow and pressure, drill pipe specifications, and rock conditions. Confirm compatibility with the hammer manufacturer and the selected drilling rig.
Why are compressor air flow and pressure important?
Compressed air powers the DTH hammer and helps remove rock cuttings. The required air flow and pressure depend on the hammer, hole diameter, drilling depth, and operating conditions. Both parameters should be checked when comparing machines.
Which HCLH DTH drill rig is suitable for large-diameter drilling?
The SDC170 has a published hole diameter range of 138–178 mm and is designed for large-diameter drilling in open-pit mines and quarries. Confirm the target hole depth, hammer configuration, air requirements, and expected production with HCLH.
Can HCLH supply DTH hammers, bits, and drill pipes?
HCLH lists a range of down-the-hole drilling tools. Availability and compatibility depend on the rig, hammer, pipe, bit, and connection specifications. Provide your existing equipment details to help verify suitable components.
What information should I provide when requesting a quotation?
Provide the required hole diameter and depth, rock type, application, target drilling output, operating altitude, ambient temperature, preferred hammer or drill pipe size, dust control requirements, and project destination. This information helps the supplier evaluate a suitable configuration.
