The Soilmec SR-65 is joining the manufacturer’s SR-75 in its Blue Tech range.

The SR-65 was first introduced in 2018 and became known for its capabilities in drilled shaft work as well as with segmental casing and CFA.

The Blue Tech version includes a redesigned operator cabin, new hydraulics as well as mechanics for improved efficiency.

“We can officially say we have two blue tech rigs within our range,” said Soilmec marketing director Davide Panzavolta. “Designed around the new energy saving architecture, the next generation Soilmec rigs meet the demands of productivity, flexibility and functionality across all drilling setups and technologies available.”

The SR 65 Blue Tech weighs about 65 tons, which allows for transport of the rig, in most locations, in a single load. This allows for quick mobilization with the ability to have the rig work-ready in less than a half hour.

The SR-65 Blue Tech is equipped with a new Tier 4 Final Cummins L9 engine, which delivers 365 hp at 2,100 rpm. The engine can be set up to offer a power surplus up to 380 hp, making the rig capable of tackling difficult drilling conditions.

“These diesel engines are equipped with a low-idle system and automatic radiator control. Therefore, they are able to automatically adjust the speed according to the actual needs,” Panzavolta said.

With automatic adjustment, the engine is able to improve combustion and cooling efficiency and permit to real reductions in noise pollution. The hydraulic and electric systems have been simplified to minimize energy loss and provide more space for maintenance. Soilmec also optimized the main pumps to deliver efficient drilling power, pull capacity, performance and fuel efficiency.

The rotary head has a compact and lightweight design that is able to transmit a maximum of 258,5 kNm and can be fitted with two different waste discharge systems. Furthermore, the Soilmec spin-off system leverages the high rotational speed cinematic energy that is unparalleled when using an auger. The SR-65 Blue Tech also has a new ‘click-click’ discharge system that is much more efficient when using a drilling bucket or working in very cohesive soils.

The new cab is equipped with a well-furnished seat, featuring pneumatic shock absorber, vertical, angular and seat-back adjustments, lumbar support and operator’s presence micro switch.

“The cab went through a ground up redevelopment and testing process with a goal of operator comfort and safety would result in better performance,” Panzavolta said.

The position of levers and pedals is designed to provide better foot support. The cab features enlarged storage containers behind the seat and on the armrests side for better accessibility and operability.

The cab also has a front windshield in stratified glass that allows work without protection grids.

The rig also includes platforms; handrails; a video-camera kit with a dedicated 18-cm monitor; adjustable mirrors to see a full 360 degrees in all directions; a radio remote control for rig loading and unloading; and an automatic acoustic safety alarm during rig travelling and turret rotation.

The rotary head has a compact and lightweight design that is able to transmit a maximum of 258,5 kNm and can be fitted with two different waste discharge systems.

Furthermore, the Soilmec spin-off system leverages the high rotational speed cinematic energy that is unparalleled when using an auger. The SR-65 Blue Tech also has a new ‘click-click’ discharge system that is more efficient when using a drilling bucket or working in cohesive soils.

The tail swing radius is about 2.7 metres, and the high strength mast allows the use of a 16.5 metre kelly bar to achieve depths of more than 77 metres.

The mast itself is also prearranged to mount both cylinder and winch crowd systems depending on need or preference. The cylinder crowd system, with an extraction power of 280 kN, is equipped with a double positioner on the drilling mast; this allows the use of the entire available track for both large diameter tools — working under the lower part of the mast — and long casing segments.

The SR-65 Blue Tech is equipped with Soilmec’s DMS 4.0 (Drilling Mate System). DMS 4.0 provides a simple graphical navigation menu to assist the operator in day-to-day planning and drilling execution.

With a suite of new functions and automated services that allow for easy set-up and use, DMS 4.0 helps minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

DMS 4.0 was also implemented with a wide range of automatic functions to simplify and optimize the operator’s drilling activities including interlocking display system to assist using Kelly bar, automatic return to center hole or continuous flight auger autodrilling device.