New Cat® MD5150C Track Drill Builds on MD5150 With More Cat Components and Choice of Three Different Rock Drills

Caterpillar has announced the new MD5150C Track Drill, the first of the C Series drills, which feature Cat® components—proven reliable and available from local Cat dealers who also service the drills. The MD5150C delivers top-of-class power and high airflow for fast, efficient drilling of holes from 4 inches (101.6 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. The MD5150C offers a choice of three different rock drills, patented carousel rod changer, ergonomic cab and many other features that boost productivity and reduce operating costs.

Compared to the MD5125, which the MD5150C will replace, the new drill has 18 percent more power, a compressor that can deliver 33 percent more air volume and 40 percent more air pressure, 19 percent faster tram speed and 40 percent greater ground clearance.

Reduce costs with reliable rock drill

High reliability, long life and low ownership costs characterize the MD5150C rock drill. With less than half as many moving parts as competitive rock drills, it is a simple, reliable design that offers dependable performance and exceptional durability. Caterpillar is the only manufacturer offering rock drills designed to be serviced on site—to reduce downtime and control costs. Service doesn’t require a clean room, and there’s no need to incur freight costs to ship the rock drill to the OEM for maintenance or to keep a spare rock drill in stock to accommodate maintenance downtime.

The rock drill also features an automated lube system, which eliminates the need to stop the machine for manual greasing every two hours. Three different rock drill choices enable matching the selection to the application to achieve the highest production rate. The standard rock drill on the MD5150C is the HPR5128, which uses 51-mm drill steel. Also available are the HPR6832 Rock Drill, which can use 68-mm speed rod, and the HPR6030 designed for 60-mm drill steel.

Innovative carousel rod changer slashes setup time

The MD5150C dramatically reduces setup time, thanks to its innovative carousel rod changer. The rod changer and feed assembly have seven patents pending. The system holds six rods and accommodates two lengths and multiple diameters of drill steel. Powerful dual-rod grippers and a unique gate design let the rod and gate move simultaneously, reducing cycle time. The rod changer is supported by a sturdy feed and heavy-duty 9-ft (2.7-m) boom that extends to 11 ft (3.3 m) for larger pattern coverage with fewer setups. Because the carousel rod changer weighs less and holds more rods than linear models, the boom extension can reach farther and drill deeper while maintaining stability. Holes can be drilled within 24 inches (610 mm) of the highwall, which is 50 percent closer than with a linear rod changer.

Cut cycle time with high power and big air

The MD5150C delivers exceptional power and airflow for faster, more efficient drilling in hard rock applications. The heart of the power group is the Cat C11 Engine rated at 287 kW (385 hp) at 1,800 rpm. Designed for high performance and excellent fuel efficiency, the engine meets US Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA emissions standards. The high-horsepower engine works as a system with a high-capacity air compressor to optimize air flow. An oversized, high-efficiency cooling system further improves performance and life.

Cab enhances safety and productivity

The cab on the MD5150C is designed to enhance safety and productivity. It is ROPS/FOPS-certified and provides numerous shutdown controls accessible from the ground. Large windows, streamlined front structures and a skylight enhance visibility, as do well-placed mirrors and a high-resolution camera. The front window provides an emergency exit.

To boost operator comfort and productivity, the cab features automatic climate control, excellent ventilation, a fully adjustable seat, ergonomic controls and switches, and low sound levels (approximately 80 decibels).

To further improve operator productivity, the machine is equipped with a smart drill monitoring system that tracks changes in rock formation and automatically adjusts impact and feed pressure based on hardness of the rock. Anti-jam, anti-plunge and anti-plug capabilities keep the track drill working efficiently and extend drill string life.

Maximize uptime with quick maintenance

Service technicians benefit from the simple component layout and convenient service access. A walk-in service station provides easy access to major service points for the engine, compressor, air conditioner, hydraulic valves and more. A boom-mounted camera provides a view of the front of the drill while working inside the service center.

In addition to its serviceable design, the new track drill leverages exclusive Caterpillar technologies that maximize uptime. Cat Electronic Technician speeds the troubleshooting process, improving repair accuracy and reducing downtime. Cat Product Link™ allows remote monitoring of machine location, service meter hours, fuel usage and other critical factors, providing managers the information they need to optimize utilization and reduce costs.

Cat dealers support the new MD5150C with best-in-class parts availability, quality repairs and equipment management expertise that helps miners and contractors meet aggressive production goals at the lowest cost per ton.