In the world of construction, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and versatility are key factors in the success of any project. For many construction companies working in small spaces or on projects with specific equipment needs, traditional machinery may not always be the best fit. This is where the concept of converting an excavator into a drilling rig, known as an Excavator Conversion Drilling Rig, comes into play.

What is an Excavator Converted Drill Rig?

An excavator-converted drill rig combines the versatility of an excavator base with a specialized drilling system. By utilizing the excavator's hydraulic power, the rig delivers powerful, smooth, and efficient drilling operations across various terrains, from hard rock to tough soil conditions. This makes it an ideal, cost-effective solution for versatile drilling tasks without the need for an additional power source.

The excavator base offers excellent stability, maneuverability, and reach, with its compact size allowing the rig to access low headroom areas and tight spaces. By retaining the original hydraulic control system of the excavator, the drilling attachment for excavators can be customized with different powerheads, masts, Kelly bars, drilling tools, and bits to suit a variety of tasks, from geotechnical to foundation drilling.

What are the applications of an excavator-converted drill rig?

Excavator Conversion Drilling Rigs are perfect for small-scale construction projects or worksites that require flexibility. Their compact design makes them ideal for low headroom areas and limited spaces, where traditional drilling rigs may not be able to operate effectively. In the foundation piling industry, these machines are often used in small villa foundations, urban renewal projects, indoor & basement drilling and areas with limited ground load-bearing capacity.

Underground Infrastructure (Metro Tunnels, Pipelines, etc.):
In urban areas, drilling and positioning for underground utilities like metro tunnels and pipelines require precise work. Low-headroom small drilling rigs are perfect for these tight spaces, especially in busy city areas and road networks.

Basement Construction for Villas:
For villas and high-end residential buildings, adding basements requires careful drilling and foundation work. Low-headroom drilling machines can reinforce foundations without disturbing the original structure.

Under Bridges:
Low-headroom machines are ideal for drilling under bridges, allowing work beneath elevated or river bridges without affecting their structural stability.

Under Power Lines:
In cities, low-headroom drilling rigs are used for foundation drilling to install power lines and communication cables, especially in areas with limited space.

Urban Redevelopment:
In crowded, old districts, traditional drilling rigs often can’t reach required areas. Low-headroom small drilling rigs are perfect for foundation work under bridges and tall buildings in these confined spaces.

Rural Housing Construction:
In rural areas, where space is often limited, low headroom small drilling machines provide the necessary power and precision for foundation drilling while staying compact.

The Advantages of X-Borer Excavator-Converted Drill Rigs

One of the major advantages of an Excavator Conversion Drilling Rig is its ability to retain the excavator's original hydraulic system. This means that the machine doesn’t require a completely new hydraulic system, making it a more cost-effective solution than purchasing a standalone drilling rig. The core structure of the excavator remains the same, and only the necessary components are modified to convert it into a drilling rig.

This conversion process can be done in a relatively short amount of time, ensuring minimal downtime for the machine. Additionally, the conversion can be reversed, allowing the excavator to return to its original function as an excavator when needed.

Here are some of the main features of an Excavator Conversion Drilling Rig:

• Quick Attachment Switch for Versatility and High Efficiency: By integrating the power system, walking system, and drilling system into one, these machines are designed to handle a range of tasks. By quickly switching between the excavator arm, bucket and drilling attachment, operators can go from digging and excavation to drilling and back within moments. In some projects, this can drastically reduce the time spent on site, boosting overall productivity.

• Compact Size and Crawler-type Walking System for Good Mobility in Challenging Terrain: These drill rigs typically have a small compact size, making them suitable for construction in low-headroom areas or limited spaces. Besides, The crawler-type walking system enables the drill rig to navigate complex terrains, such as mud, sand, and uneven ground, offering stable mobility in various environments.

• Excavator Boom for a Wider Construction Range: For certain customer needs, the original excavator boom can be retained so that the excavator boom can be controlled without moving the equipment with a large work surface, enabling large-scale operations and a broader construction range.

• Cost-Effective Solution for Construction Companies:Purchasing construction machinery can be a significant expense, especially for smaller businesses. Excavator-converted drilling rigs provide a cost-effective alternative by repurposing existing equipment. This reduces the need for new purchases and offers financial flexibility. For companies that already own excavators, converting them into drilling rigs is a fraction of the cost of buying a brand-new rig. Besides, it can be easily converted back to an excavator. If drilling is no longer required, the machine can be quickly converted back to its original excavation function. Uses the excavator’s existing hydraulic system, reducing the need for additional power units.

X-Borer FR80X Rotary Drill Rig – The Customized Drilling Attachment for Excavators

The X-Borer FR80X is a high-performance rotary drill rig converted from a SANY SY135C excavator, offering a robust and efficient drilling solution. Designed for stability and precision, this machine retains the base excavator’s operation habits while integrating a parallelogram drilling structure, dual rotary head, and an advanced control system for enhanced drilling performance. With its customizable torque and speed options, the FR80X is engineered to meet diverse drilling requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key specifications and features of the X-Borer FR80X Rotary Drill Rig:

Category	Details
Base Machine	SANY SY135C Excavator
Conversion Time	4 weeks
Weight	13.5 tons (30,000 lbs)
Engine	ISUZU, 86 kW (115 HP)
Attachment	Boom, forearm, bucket, and arm cylinders removed
Hydraulic System	Added auxiliary proportional valve for precise control
Drilling Structure	Parallelogram design for stable and efficient drilling
Rotary Head	Twin motors & gearboxes, max torque: 80,000 KNm (580,000 ft-lbs)
Customization	Optional lower torque & higher drilling speed
Main Winch	Rexroth motor, max lifting force: 8.5 tons (18,700 lbs)
Auxiliary Winch	Max pulling force: 1.5 tons (3,300 lbs)
Mast Design	Box structure for high strength
Control System	Computerized system for drilling status monitoring & auto-leveling
Max Drilling Diameter	1200 mm (47 inches)
Max Drilling Depth	21 m (69 feet) with 4-element Kelly bar

Conclusion

Excavator Conversion Drilling Rigs offer a cost-effective and versatile solution for construction projects in limited spaces. By converting existing excavators, these rigs combine excavation and drilling functions, reducing costs and downtime. They’re ideal for urban construction, foundation work, and underground infrastructure. With compact size and mobility, these rigs excel in challenging terrains. The X-Borer FR80X, for example, provides high performance by integrating advanced drilling features with the stability of an excavator, making it a reliable choice for various tasks.