An excavator rock drill or a rock drill mounted on a rig is a great option for drilling through solid rock, rocky soil or even it horizontal rock when needed. Choosing the right model and design is always important as you want equipment that is versatile, flexible and yet durable enough to do the job efficiently and effectively.
Your Excavator
If you currently have an excavator a big consideration with any rock drill is going to be its compatibility with your existing equipment. Look for a design that will mesh or fit with your excavator to limit the additional cost of modifications.
This will include how the rock drill is to mount on the rig. It may be a side, front or rear mount, which allows for additional options and flexibility in using the drill for various applications. Check to make sure that the drill offers 360-degree lateral movement that allows the rock drill to be used for angle drilling and not simply horizontal or vertical.
Some companies will offer an excavator rock drill that will be customized to your particular model of excavator. This is the option that takes all of the guesswork out of the purchase and makes installation simple, easy and efficient even for the first time.
Another factor to consider is the controls for the rock drill attachment. Most will use the excavator hydraulics and run off of a simple joystick control that makes it easy to use. It is also the best option for saving space in the control area of the cab and preventing a lot of additional components in an already small space.
New or Used
For companies or individuals on a budget, buying a used excavator rock drill may be a very good option. However, it is important to select where you are going to buy the used equipment.
Buying from a dealer or manufacturer that has either rebuilt or tested and verified the condition of the equipment is the only option that will provide you with a guarantee and this will typically be limited.
Buying used online, through an auction or through a private sale is considerably riskier. Unless you are very familiar with where to look for signs of damage or wear, it is a better idea to pay a bit more and buy a new drill that will have a warranty and last for years to come.