In fields like mineral exploration, choosing the right mining drilling machine is key to success. Many users face a choice: vertical spindle or all-hydraulic? This guide compares these two main types of mining drilling equipment to help you decide.【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone】+86 13837122632
Vertical Spindle Mining Drilling Machine
Taking our classic XY-3 series as an example, this type of rig is a time-tested mining drilling machine. It is structurally robust, versatile, and a reliable partner for medium-to-shallow hole exploration.
- Strong Adaptability for Multiple Processes: As a multifunctional core drilling rig, it can not only perform core drilling but can also be used for drilling hydrogeological wells and water wells by replacing some components, offering high investment value through its versatility.
- Mechanical Drive, Sturdy and Reliable: It utilizes an automotive gearbox assembly, providing 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. This offers a wide speed range and high torque output, enabling it to effectively handle complex formations and deal with downhole incidents.
- Simple Structure, Easy Maintenance: The overall design is compact, easy to disassemble, and well laid out. The hydraulic system primarily controls the feed, making operation intuitive and straightforward. Maintenance at the field site is simpler.
| XY-3 | XYD-3 | XYX-3 | ||
| Tech Parameter | Model | XY-3 | XYD-3 | XYX-3 |
| Drilling depth(m) | 600 | 600 | 600 | |
| Open hole dia.(mm) | 325 | 325 | 325 | |
| End hole dia.(mm) | 75 | 75 | 75 | |
| Drill angle(°) | 90、75 | 90、75 | 90、75 | |
| Matching power(kW) | YN27/42 | YN33CZ/65 | YN27/42 | |
| Weight without power(kg) | 1800 | 6200 | 3600 | |
| Dimension(m) | 2.6×0.9×1.75 | 4.5×2×2.7 | 2.9×2.56×3.3 | |
| Spindle | Speed(r/min) | 32-1057 | 32-1057 | 32-1057 |
| Stroke(mm) | 600 | 600 | 600 | |
| Winch | Max pull force(kg) | 3000 | 4500 | 3000 |
| Pull speed(m/s) | 0.3-1.9 | 0.3-1.9 | 0.3-1.9 | |
| Rope dia.(mm) | ∅12.5 | ∅12.5 | ∅12.5 | |
| Roll capacity(m) | 65 | 65 | 65 | |
| Drill Mast | Rated load(ton) | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Height(m) | 11 | 6.5 | 6.5 | |
Hydraulic Core Drilling Machine
Represented by models like the YDX-600XL, the hydraulic core drilling machine is an efficient embodiment of modern drilling technology. It employs an all-hydraulic drive and an integrated mast design, optimized for pursuing high efficiency and deep hole coring.
- Efficient, Intelligent, and Rapid Operation: The integrated mast design allows for quick hole positioning and relocation. The top drive power head, combined with a long-stroke cylinder feed, eliminates the need for frequent rod adding, ensuring excellent drilling continuity and significantly improving footage efficiency.
- Precise Control, Safe and Labor-Saving: The all-hydraulic system enables stepless speed regulation, resulting in smooth drilling with minimal vibration. Downhole pressure conditions can be monitored in real-time via hydraulic gauges, and overload protection features are included, offering safety and controllability far superior to traditional mechanical rigs.
- Optimized Design, Space-Efficient and Eco-friendly: Typically equipped with a remote-control crawler chassis, it offers strong mobility. The mast-type derrick eliminates the need for a separate drill tower, enabling fast relocation and setup. It also has lower requirements for pad preparation, making it more environmentally friendly.
| Item | Parameter |
| Drilling diameter | HW-NTW-BTW |
| Drilling depth | 200-600-650 (M) |
| Rated pressure | 21 (MPA) |
| Rated flow | 192 (L/min) |
| Heat dissipation | Air cooling + Water cooling |
| Engine brand | Yuchai Co., Ltd. |
| Engine type | Turbocharged |
| Rated speed | 2400 (RPM) |
| Rated power | 92 (KW) |
| Power head torque | 450 1000 (N.M) |
| Power head speed | 1300 (RPM) |
| Feed stroke | 1900 (MM) |
| Mast type | Ground-contacting integrated mast |
| Drilling angle | 45-90(°) |
| Lifting force | 16 (T) |
| Feed force | 8 (T) |
| Winch lifting force | 600 (KG) |
| Winch speed | 100-300 (RPM) |
| Wire rope diameter | 6 (MM) |
| Wire rope capacity | 600 (M) |
| Travel mode | Manual + Remote control |
| Travel speed | 3.5 (KM/H) |
| Single-machine climbing angle | 45(°) |
| Hydraulic mud pump flow | 30-90 (L/min) |
| Hydraulic mud pump pressure | 4.0 (MPA) |
| Transport dimension | 4700*2000*1800 MM |
| Total weight | 4.5/5.5 (T) |
Comparative Analysis of the Two Mining Drilling Machines
Understanding the fundamental differences between them is the prerequisite for correctly selecting this key piece of mining drilling equipment.
- Core Function & Depth Capability: The vertical spindle rig is versatile; it can be used for exploration coring (suited for shallow holes, generally below 150 meters) and also for drilling water wells. The all-hydraulic rig specializes in efficient coring (especially wireline coring) and is particularly suitable for continuous, rapid drilling in medium to deep holes (up to 600 meters or more).
- Drive & Control Method: The vertical spindle type primarily uses mechanical drive with hydraulic assistance; its structure is straightforward and relies on operator experience. The all-hydraulic type uses all-hydraulic drive and control, offering a higher degree of automation, making operation more labor-saving and precise.
- Mobility & Setup: Vertical spindle rigs usually require split transportation and on-site installation of a drill mast. All-hydraulic rigs often feature an integrated, one-piece design with self-propelled crawlers, making setup and demobilization several times faster.
How to Choose Your Mining Drilling Machine Based on Project Needs?
There is no single best drill rig, only the most suitable one. Your choice should be based on the actual demands of your project:
- Choose a vertical spindle core drilling rig if: Your budget is limited, and your project involves diverse tasks, potentially including shallow mineral exploration and water well construction simultaneously; or if the work site is remote, requiring equipment that is structurally simple, easy to maintain, and rugged.
- Choose an all-hydraulic core drilling machine if: Your core need is high-efficiency, high-quality deep hole core drilling; your project timeline is tight, demanding faster relocation and drilling speeds; and you prioritize operator safety, reduced labor intensity, and desire more precise control over process parameters.
Industry Development Trends Outlook
Mining drilling machine development will focus on smart, specialized tech. All-hydraulic systems lead high-end core drilling rig trends, adding automation and data features. Vertical spindle rigs will stay important for cost-effective, flexible jobs like shallow exploration.
Choosing the right rig depends on your project. For more advice on mining drilling equipment, contact our experts.【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone】+86 13837122632
