| Operating Principle |
Hydraulic power transmission |
Hydraulic pump, control valve, hydraulic motor, and cylinder system |
The engine drives hydraulic pumps. Pressurized hydraulic oil is directed to motors and cylinders to produce rotary torque, crowd force, lifting force, and machine travel. |
Check hydraulic circuit design, pump displacement, cooling capacity, filtration, and protection against pressure overload. |
| Drilling Sequence |
Kelly bar and drilling tool |
Rotary torque + downward crowd force |
The rotary drive turns the Kelly bar and attached drilling tool while the crowd system pushes the tool into soil or rock. Cuttings are lifted out when the tool is withdrawn. |
Select drilling tools according to soil type, groundwater conditions, pile diameter, and required borehole depth. |
| Borehole Formation |
Soil and rock penetration |
Auger, core barrel, bucket, casing tool, or rock roller |
Different tools break, loosen, or remove material. Soil buckets are commonly used for cohesive or granular soils, while rock tools are designed for harder formations. |
Review tool compatibility, tooth design, replaceable wear parts, and availability of suitable tools for local geology. |
| Rotary Torque |
Maximum rotary torque |
Approximately 80–450 kN·m for common construction models |
Torque is the turning force available at the rotary drive. Higher torque generally improves performance in dense soil and fractured rock, subject to tool and structural limits. |
Compare rated torque at the intended operating speed rather than relying only on a maximum headline value. |
| Rotary Speed |
Variable rotary speed |
Approximately 5–35 rpm, depending on tool and ground conditions |
The operator adjusts rotation speed to balance penetration rate, torque demand, tool life, and borehole stability. |
Multiple speed ranges are useful when one machine must handle both soft soil and hard formations. |
| Engine Output |
Diesel engine power |
Approximately 180–560 kW for medium and large rigs |
Engine power supplies the hydraulic system and auxiliary functions, including drilling, lifting, travel, and cooling. |
Consider altitude, ambient temperature, fuel consumption, emissions requirements, and available service support. |
| Hydraulic Pressure |
Main working pressure |
Commonly about 30–35 MPa; exact values vary by circuit |
Hydraulic pressure determines the force generated by cylinders and the torque produced by hydraulic motors when combined with flow and motor displacement. |
Verify rated pressure, relief-valve settings, hose quality, contamination control, and leakage protection. |
| Crowd System |
Downward crowd and extraction force |
Typically controlled by hydraulic cylinders or crowd winch systems |
The crowd mechanism pushes the drilling tool into the ground and helps withdraw it from the borehole. It also stabilizes tool engagement during drilling. |
Compare maximum crowd force, stroke length, synchronization, and control accuracy for the required pile depth. |
| Lifting Capacity |
Main winch and auxiliary winch |
Main winch capacity commonly ranges from approximately 100–350 kN |
The winch raises and lowers the Kelly bar, drilling tools, casing equipment, and reinforcement cages within the machine's rated load limits. |
Check rated line pull, rope diameter, drum capacity, line speed, braking system, and load-monitoring functions. |
| Pile Diameter |
Typical drilling diameter |
Approximately 0.6–3.0 m, depending on the rig configuration |
The achievable diameter depends on rotary drive clearance, Kelly bar size, drilling tools, ground conditions, and required borehole stability. |
Confirm the maximum diameter with the specific tool, casing arrangement, and depth required for the project. |
| Drilling Depth |
Maximum Kelly bar drilling depth |
Approximately 20–100 m, depending on Kelly bar sections and operating conditions |
Depth capability is determined by Kelly bar length, crowd stroke, winch capacity, rig height, tool weight, and ground resistance. |
Specify depth with the planned pile diameter and soil profile; maximum depth alone does not define actual productivity. |
| Kelly Bar |
Telescopic Kelly bar type |
Friction or interlocking type; commonly 3–5 sections |
The telescopic bar transfers rotary torque and crowd force to the drilling tool while allowing deep drilling from a relatively compact machine height. |
Interlocking bars are generally suitable for higher torque and harder ground; friction bars may offer simpler operation in less demanding conditions. |
| Mast Function |
Vertical guidance and structural support |
Leader mast with hydraulic adjustment and locking mechanisms |
The mast guides the Kelly bar and supports the rotary drive, winch, and drilling assembly. Hydraulic cylinders help control verticality and working position. |
Evaluate mast rigidity, alignment accuracy, transport dimensions, pin durability, and ease of setup. |
| Base Carrier |
Crawler undercarriage |
Steel crawler tracks with hydraulic travel drives |
The crawler carrier supports the upper structure and enables movement on construction sites. Track width and counterweight affect stability and ground pressure. |
Consider transport width, total operating weight, gradeability, ground clearance, track shoe width, and site access restrictions. |
| Verticality Control |
Leveling and inclination monitoring |
Electronic inclination sensors with operator display; manual verification also required |
Sensors indicate mast or chassis inclination so the operator can correct alignment and maintain the specified pile angle. |
Look for sensor calibration procedures, display readability, automatic correction functions, and compatibility with site quality records. |
| Operator Control |
Integrated control system |
Joystick controls, programmable working modes, and diagnostic display |
The control system regulates hydraulic flow, rotation, crowd, winch movement, travel, and auxiliary functions while displaying operating information and alarms. |
Assess control smoothness, language options, data logging, fault-code clarity, and operator training requirements. |
| Productivity |
Cycle time per drilling operation |
Highly variable; often several minutes per drilling cycle in suitable soil |
Cycle time includes drilling, tool withdrawal, spoil discharge, repositioning, and tool re-entry. Soil, depth, diameter, and site layout strongly affect output. |
Request project-based productivity estimates rather than using a single theoretical hourly figure. |
| Fuel Efficiency |
Fuel consumption management |
Varies with engine size, load factor, soil resistance, and idle time |
Load-sensing hydraulics, automatic engine speed control, and efficient work modes can reduce fuel use during partial-load operation. |
Compare fuel consumption under a defined duty cycle, not only the engine's rated power or maximum output. |
| Safety |
Protection and monitoring functions |
Emergency stop, overload protection, hydraulic relief, alarms, and load indicators |
Safety systems help limit excessive loads, unexpected movement, hydraulic overpressure, and unsafe lifting or drilling conditions. |
Verify conformity with applicable local regulations, guarding, emergency access, inspection points, and safety documentation. |
| Supplier Evaluation |
Manufacturing and quality capability |
Documented quality procedures, traceable components, factory testing, and inspection records |
A capable supplier should demonstrate consistent assembly, structural inspection, hydraulic testing, functional testing, and final machine commissioning. |
Request inspection plans, test reports, welding procedures, component traceability, and evidence from comparable projects. |
| Supplier Evaluation |
After-sales support |
Parts availability, technical response, service training, and warranty process |
Downtime is reduced when critical filters, seals, hoses, teeth, sensors, and hydraulic components can be supplied quickly and supported by qualified technicians. |
Assess regional parts stock, response times, remote diagnostics, service manuals, warranty terms, and technician availability. |
| Supplier Evaluation |
Customization capability |
Optional Kelly bars, drilling tools, casing systems, counterweights, and control configurations |
Configuration flexibility allows the rig to match local geology, required pile dimensions, transport regulations, and site operating conditions. |
Require a written configuration list showing standard equipment, optional equipment, performance limits, and delivery implications. |
| Total Cost |
Purchase and operating cost |
Purchase price plus transport, tooling, maintenance, fuel, labor, and downtime costs |
The lowest initial price may not produce the lowest project cost if the machine has lower productivity, higher fuel use, or limited parts support. |
Compare total cost of ownership over the planned operating period using the same duty cycle and maintenance assumptions. |