Renowned the world over for designing and manufacturing best-in-class HDD machines for drilling through the toughest and hardest of rock, for the release of its latest GRUNDODRILL 300ASC HDD rig, TRACTO has taken things to the next level. Local contractors will be able to see the machine up close and personal on TRACTO Australia’s exhibition stand at No-Dig Down Under in Brisbane in September.
TRACTO launched the ACS300 to much fanfare in October last year at one of the world’s largest construction events, Bauma, in Munich, Germany. The ACS300 – ACS standing for ‘all condition system’, capable of drilling in all geologies, including solid rock – combines TRACTO’s decades of experience in rock drilling with the latest machine technology and intuitive automation.
The machine is equipped with the innovative functions and features that now come as standard in the manufacturer’s new generation of HDD machines, such as remote-controlled drilling, increased productivity and integrated location software.
TRACTO Australia Sales Manager Dan Toms, who was on the ground in Germany for the launch of the ACS300, said the new GRUNDODRILL was the most powerful rock drilling rig in its class.
“This next generation GRUNDODRILL offers drilling contractors in Australia, New Zealand and Asia even more advantages,” he said.
“The modular design of the rig comes with a range of customisations allowing each ACS300 to be configured to the specific needs of each end user, suiting their eventual use and application of the machine.
“The machine will facilitate the best performance drilling through rock the industry has to offer, increasing efficiency and extending the capabilities of HDD in the most challenging of geologies.”
“Since the machine was launched less than nine months ago, we have received a significant amount of interest from local HDD contractors who are keen to discuss the features of the machine and the impact it could have on their businesses.”
Class-leading power
Equipped with the largest drive engine in its class, 30t of pulling and thrust force, 13,000 Nm torque and a drilling fluid capacity of 650 l/min, the GRUNDODRILL ACS300 facilitates trenchless pipeline installations in all geologies, including in the toughest of hard rock. Significantly increased rotation and rinsing capacities combined with the high drive capacity enable an increase in any geology, while the machine has been designed to be comfortable and easy to use for any operator.
The inclusions of the machine’s swivelling cabin, front and rear stabilisers, double-boom inclination, bentonite collection tray, loading crane and integrated freshwater tank with high-pressure cleaner are all designed to make operations onsite easier and ultimately increase productivity.
Replicating the functionality of the 13t ACS130, the ACS300 includes the ability to screw twin rods automatically, while a large magazine can accommodate 210m of rods.
The machine also features an onboard hydraulic loading crane for the handling of additional drill rod boxes, single drill rods and drilling accessories which minimises downtime and makes operations even more comfortable.
As does the vibration-cushioned comfort cabin with various equipment highlights, such as automatic air conditioning and an electrical swivelling mechanism. A panoramic all-round view makes swivelling the cabin unnecessary for drilling and allows working even in very confined spaces.
The onboard freshwater tank is equipped with a high-pressure cleaner to maintain the rig and drill rods, while the machine’s wide footprint is supplemented with rubber steel tracks and the anchoring system maintains the footing of the drill during operations.
Meet the machine at No-Dig Down Under
Local drilling contractors will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the machine in No-Dig Down Under’s exhibition, when the event takes place in Brisbane on 12-14 September.
While the ACS300 will be the central focus on the TRACTO Australia stand, the local team will be supported by experts from Germany in Australia to discuss the company’s extensive range of trenchless solutions including GRUNDOMAT soil displacement hammers, GRUNDOBURST pipe rehabilitation systems, GRUNDORAM for pipe casing installations and the GRUNDOPIT/GRUNDODTEER for compact HDD.
Representatives from fellow German HDD manufacturer Prime Drilling will also be on the stand, following the recent strengthening of the partnership between the two companies resulting in TRACTO Australia moving from an agent to a distributor of Prime’s range of 50t to maxi HDD rigs to the Australasian region.
Toms said in addition to discussing the technical features and designs of all these products, the TRACTO team is also keen to discuss the company’s ability to support the operation of these machine with training, support and spare parts.
“As the industry would be aware, we have dedicated the past few years positioning TRACTO Australia as more than a supplier,” Toms said.
“We believe that the sales process is only the first step in a long process and partnership, and the real work starts when the drill is delivered.
This includes invaluable training to ensure contractors get the most out of their machines, as well as an extensive range of spare parts which can be express shipped to all parts of the region to ensure continuous operations.
“Our local team, as well as our colleagues from Germany – where the drills are manufactured – will be on site at No-Dig to discuss all aspects of designing, delivering and operating any given drill, including the ACS300,” Toms said.
“If you’re in the market for a new HDD rig, or you work in the space, stop by our stand at No-Dig to have a chat with us about the benefits this machine can offer your business.”
“It could revolutionise your operations and capabilities.”
For more information, visit TRACTO.
This article featured in the August edition of Trenchless Australasia.
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