Norway's first Epiroc SmartROC T40 with the new cabin

There are several technical innovations in the rig that we will cover later, but the biggest change is the completely new cabin.

“Calling it an upgrade doesn’t quite do it justice. Everything is new except for the armrests and lever consoles,” says Øyvind Fossen, Salesman at Epiroc Norge AS.

Indoor climate is key

“I really enjoy it. I’ve spent a lot of time drilling outdoors, and it’s great to get inside,” says Sætnan-Vennatrø.

 

“So, it’s nice to escape the cold, especially these days?”

“Well, I’ve been outside a lot, but I’ve also operated cabin rigs before. Still, there’s a huge difference between this rig with the new cabin and the old one. The indoor climate is on a completely different level. It’s simply fresher to breathe in this cab. Freezing is one thing, but the dust is even worse,” says the machine operator, who is currently drilling 17 meter deep holes in the Langstein quarry in Stjørdal.

The machine has a 25 kW high-energy hammer (SC25HE) that drills hole diameters of 64 to 127 mm, uses T51 drill steel (also compatible with T45), and reaches a maximum drilling depth of 37 meters. The SmartROC system controls the drilling tower and hammer to optimize penetration rate, allowing maximum pressure without idle blows. This also helps produce the straightest possible holes. Furthermore, the rig is equipped with an Atlas Copco compressor delivering 153 liters of flushing air per second, and a “Watermist” dust suppression system with adjustable water flow starting at 2%.

The cabin

Epiroc salesman Øyvind Fossen gives a brief overview:

“The cabin offers more space and significantly larger windows in all directions. It features a completely new climate system with a positive-pressure fresh air system. There’s a HEPA filter that removes quartz dust, and a carbon dioxide meter ensures good air quality. The seat is ventilated so operators remain comfortable even on hot summer days.”

The rig can also be equipped with heating in the front window, side windows, and roof. Adjustable sunshade curtains are available, and side and roof windows can be factory-tinted. The air ducts have been rerouted so that warm air is directed to the windows instead of the floor, preventing dust from swirling up as it did before. The floor has also been rebuilt with a noise-insulating mat that can be easily removed, shaken, or washed.

 

“The rig can also be equipped with an integrated high-pressure washer combined with the Watermist system, delivering hot water up to 90°C. This allows both the rig and the floor mat to be cleaned with hot water,” explains Fossen.

The cabin also features a dedicated space and charging station for the radio control, as well as an induction charger for a mobile phone. Another clever detail is an extra cup holder in addition to the two fixed holders; it’s side-mounted and gravity-assisted, so drinks won’t spill even if the rig is on an incline.

Protective grille inside

“Safety glass in the windshield is available as an option, and the roof grille has been moved from the outside to the inside of the cabin. This makes it much easier to clean the roof window and ensures a clear view up to the tower,” says Fossen.

Operations manager Johan Stuberg adds:

“It’s exciting to have a Norwegian first in the quarry. We’ve used Epiroc rigs before and are very happy with them. We needed to upgrade our fleet, and we decided to wait an extra month or two to get the first rig with the new cabin. It’s always fun to be first.”

Stuberg notes that the contractor operates six drilling rigs, ranging from drilling towers mounted on excavators to wheeled rigs and rigs with cabins like the new SmarROC T40.

Interview conducted by Anlegg & Transport magazine.