Epiroc delivers first Epiroc SmartROC T35 with new cabin in Germany

With the delivery of the first Epiroc SmartROC T35 featuring the new cabin generation to Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG (a granite quarry in Schwarzach, Bavaria, Germany), a new standard in precise and cost-efficient drilling in quarries is being set. Managing Director Ludwig Venus first discovered the drill rig with the new cabin at bauma 2025 – and was immediately convinced.

The spacious, exceptionally quiet, and ergonomically optimized cabin, along with the significant operational cost advantages, made the decision easy despite a longer delivery time.

When selecting the new drill rig, Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG had very specific requirements: “Reliability, fuel savings, ease of operation, partially automated drilling — and it has to be more powerful than the old drill rig,” explains Ludwig Venus.

A key argument is the significant fuel savings. While the previous, 18 years old drill rig required around 40 liters per hour in operation, the new Epiroc SmartROC T35 consumes only about 14 liters per hour when drilling in this quarry. This reduces consumption by more than 25 liters, resulting in considerable cost advantages given the annual drilling hours at the quarry.

At the same time, the machine offers easy access for maintenance and simple operation, allowing the drill operator and blasting technician to reduce service times and use the time saved to focus on other tasks.

Additionally, the drill rig provides reliable and stable operation, ensuring smooth processes in the quarry.

It was not only the economic benefits that convinced the company. Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG was willing to wait several months for delivery until the new cabin was ready for production.

And the wait paid off: Experienced operator, technician, and blasting expert Raimund Kauer, who has 24 years of experience, is responsible for the machine and is enthusiastic about the innovations.

1. Extremely low noise level

Thanks to the newly developed, decoupled cabin suspension, noise exposure during drilling operations is significantly minimized. The result is a calm and pleasant working environment, even in hard rock conditions.

2. Optimal visibility of all relevant areas

Feed beam, drill hole, and quarry face, everything is clearly visible. The large glass surfaces are particularly important for precise drilling.

3. New control concept

Traditional toggle switches are a thing of the past. Now, a modern control panel with advanced control elements and a large display provide easy access to all machine functions as well as a clear and well-structured overview of the entire drilling process.

4. Pressurized cabin for dust-free operation
The integrated pressurized cabin ensures a largely dust-free interior, actively contributing to health protection. At the same time, it enhances comfort during long working days under demanding conditions.

In addition to ergonomic improvements, Raimund Kauer also highlights the significantly improved accessibility of various components on the machine, making regular maintenance faster and easier. The extended and variable feed beam further expands the range of applications. Even in challenging areas such as slippery slopes or uneven terrain in the quarry, it enables flexible and safe operation.

The operator strongly recommends the Epiroc SmartROC T35 with the new cabin:

“Definitely buy it, because the machine offers so much flexibility and allows you to work very precisely and neatly.” — Raimund Kauer, Operator, Technician & Blasting Expert at Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG

The start up of the first Eprioc SmartROC T35 with the new cabin on the German market was supported by an extended technical team.

In addition to Niko Dörrstein, Technical Specialist Surface at Epiroc Germany, Simon Dagerback — an experienced expert in surface drill rigs from Sweden — also contributed valuable expertise, particularly in fine-tuning, software details, and drill hole optimization.

The close collaboration between customer and Epiroc technicians not only ensured that the machine was running reliably after a short period of time, but also demonstrates how important knowledge exchange is for modern machine development at Epiroc — ensuring that innovations succeed in real-world applications.

The Epiroc SmartROC T35 with the new cabin represents a significant technological and comfort upgrade. The combination of reduced operating costs, flexible drilling, improved serviceability, and, above all, a greatly enhanced working environment with higher comfort convinces both management and operators.

“If the machine remains as it is now, it will be a top drill rig for the coming years,” concludes Raimund Kauer.

With the first Epiroc SmartROC T35 of the new cabin generation, Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG has made a decision that came at exactly the right time both technically and economically.

Epiroc is setting a clear benchmark in terms of efficiency and work quality in quarry operations.