Who Are Some Manufacturers of DTH Drilling Machines?

Finding a reliable DTH drilling machine manufacturer can be difficult. Different brands offer different hole capacities, compressor systems, automation levels, and after-sales support.

Some established DTH drilling machine manufacturers include Epiroc, Sandvik, Kaishan, Sunward, Furukawa Rock Drill, and Revathi Equipment India. For water-well and multipurpose DTH drilling, Comacchio, Fraste, and PRD Rigs are also worth considering. The best manufacturer depends on drilling application, hole diameter, depth, compressor requirements, budget, and local service availability.

I do not rank manufacturers by brand recognition alone.

My evaluation starts with:

Application → geology → hole diameter → depth → hammer → compressor → machine configuration → after-sales support → cost per meter

Which Manufacturers Produce DTH Drilling Machines for Mining and Quarrying?

Mining and quarry DTH rigs are designed for repeated blasthole drilling in rock. They differ significantly in size, automation, compressor configuration, and operating cost.

Major manufacturers of surface DTH drilling machines include Epiroc, Sandvik, Furukawa Rock Drill, Kaishan, Sunward, and Revathi Equipment India. Epiroc and Sandvik offer advanced production-drilling platforms, while Kaishan and Sunward provide broad equipment ranges. Furukawa and Revathi are additional options for buyers comparing established mining and quarry drilling technologies.

1. Epiroc — Sweden

Best suited for: professional quarrying and surface mining

Epiroc manufactures surface drilling rigs used in:

• Open-pit mining
• Aggregate production
• Limestone quarries
• Construction rock excavation

Its FlexiROC D-series includes dedicated down-the-hole machines.

Examples include:

FlexiROC D50

FlexiROC D55

FlexiROC D60

FlexiROC D65

The FlexiROC D65, for example, has a published hole-diameter range of approximately 110–203 mm, supports 4-, 5-, and 6-inch DTH hammers, and lists approximately 470 l/s free-air delivery.

I would evaluate Epiroc when a buyer prioritizes:

drilling productivity

integrated machine performance

professional controls

operator comfort

and:

established technical support.

However, buyers should compare the actual specification and service package rather than assuming every Epiroc model offers the same features.

2. Sandvik — Sweden

Best suited for: high-production mining and technologically advanced DTH drilling

Sandvik is another major manufacturer of DTH surface drilling machines.

Its Leopard family includes machines designed for demanding quarry and mining applications.

A representative example is the:

Leopard DI650i

Current manufacturer specifications list:

Hole diameter: 115–229 mm

Hammer sizes: 4, 5, and 6 inches

Flushing air: approximately 28.3 m³/min at 24 bar

The DI650i is a self-contained, crawler-mounted DTH rig.

It also offers scalable drilling automation, including configurations compatible with automated fleet operation.

I would consider Sandvik for:

large mining operations

high annual drilled-meter requirements

data-driven production

and:

operations seeking automation capability.

The economic value of automation depends on actual fleet size and production conditions.

3. Furukawa Rock Drill — Japan

Best suited for: quarrying, limestone mining, and buyers seeking dedicated DTH crawler machines

Furukawa Rock Drill manufactures rock drilling equipment for mining and construction.

Its dedicated DTH models include:

DCR20

and:

DCR L130-F5

The manufacturer's published DTH specifications show hole ranges of approximately 89–165 mm for these machines.

Furukawa emphasizes:

machine durability

rod handling

operator comfort

and:

maintenance accessibility.

I would compare Furukawa where buyers need a dedicated crawler DTH machine rather than a multipurpose water-well rig.

Before buying, I would confirm the exact model's:

engine configuration

emissions compliance

compressor package

and:

dealer support in the destination market.

4. Kaishan — China

Best suited for: buyers comparing integrated and split-type DTH drilling systems

Kaishan offers a broad range of DTH mining and quarry drilling machines.

Its lineup includes:

KG Series

and:

KT Series

among other configurations.

Representative models include:

KG430

KG520

KT12

KT15

KT25

and:

KT30.

The KG430 is listed for approximately 90–165 mm holes, while the larger KT30 is listed for approximately 195–254 mm holes, depending on configuration.

One important distinction is between:

split DTH rigs

and:

integrated DTH rigs.

A split system uses:

drilling rig + separate mobile air compressor.

An integrated system carries its compressor as part of the drilling platform.

I would investigate Kaishan when a buyer is comparing:

capital cost

compressor ownership

fuel consumption

spare-parts availability

and:

the economics of integrated versus separate air systems.

The final purchase decision should use actual quotations and local service evidence rather than an assumed global price ranking.

5. Sunward — China

Best suited for: quarrying, mining, and construction blasting

Sunward supplies surface DTH drilling machines in several configurations.

Its published lineup includes:

SWDE Series

and:

SWDQ split DTH models.

Examples include machines with approximate hole ranges such as:

90–152 mm

90–178 mm

and larger configurations.

Sunward offers:

crawler machines

boom-type drilling systems

and:

split compressor arrangements.

I would compare Sunward when the application requires:

surface blasting

quarry drilling

civil rock excavation

or:

flexible rig positioning.

The important purchasing question is not simply which Sunward model is largest.

It is whether the machine's:

hammer class + feed system + air supply

match the intended drilling conditions.

6. Revathi Equipment India — India

Best suited for: mining blasthole drilling and buyers requiring customized drilling equipment

Revathi Equipment India Limited is an Indian drilling equipment manufacturer with a long history in blasthole and water-well drilling.

The company manufactures:

rotary and DTH blasthole drills

water-well rigs

construction drilling equipment

and:

exploration rigs.

Its published corporate information identifies customers in India and international markets.

I would investigate Revathi for:

mining operations

custom drilling configurations

diesel or electric-driven blasthole equipment

and:

projects where maintenance support is an important procurement requirement.

An important detail for current buyers is that the drilling equipment business operates as Revathi Equipment India Limited (REIL) following a corporate restructuring.

Therefore, I would verify the current legal supplier and warranty provider rather than relying on older company names.

Comparison of surface DTH drilling machine manufacturers

This is a manufacturer shortlist, not a verified ranking by global market share, machine quality, or price.

Which Companies Manufacture DTH-Capable Water-Well and Multipurpose Drilling Rigs?

Water-well and multipurpose machines have different priorities from quarry blasthole rigs. They may need deeper drilling, greater pullback, casing systems, and several drilling methods on one platform.

Manufacturers worth considering for DTH-capable water-well equipment include Comacchio, Fraste, and PRD Rigs. These companies offer drilling platforms that can support DTH alongside other methods such as mud rotary or reverse circulation, depending on the configuration. Their machines are often more suitable for water-well and geological projects than dedicated quarry production rigs.

7. Comacchio — Italy

Best suited for: professional water-well and multipurpose drilling

Comacchio manufactures drilling rigs for:

water wells

geotechnical work

foundations

and:

specialized drilling applications.

Its CA series includes water-well drilling machines available in crawler and truck-mounted configurations.

The manufacturer describes the CA range as suitable for:

direct circulation

reverse circulation

and:

rotary-percussive DTH drilling.

The product family includes machines with substantial pullback capacity, depending on model.

I would investigate Comacchio when the contractor needs to move between:

overburden

fractured formations

and:

hard bedrock.

In these conditions, a single-purpose quarry DTH rig may not provide the required:

casing capability

mud system

or:

deep-hole drill-string handling.

8. Fraste — Italy

Best suited for: truck-mounted and crawler water-well drilling

Fraste manufactures mobile drilling rigs for:

water wells

geothermal projects

geotechnical drilling

and:

other specialized applications.

Its water-well product family includes:

Multidrill

and:

FS Series

machines.

According to the manufacturer, available drilling methods include:

air/mud circulation

DTH hammer drilling

and:

reverse circulation.

Available mounting configurations include:

truck

crawler

trailer

and:

skid.

I would evaluate Fraste when the buyer values:

mobility between sites

multipurpose capability

automatic drill-pipe handling

and:

high pullback capacity.

The manufacturer lists pulling capacity reaching up to 60 tonnes across its water-well range, although that figure does not apply to every model.

9. PRD Rigs — India

Best suited for: water wells, mining, construction, and multipurpose drilling

PRD Rigs manufactures drilling rigs for several applications, including:

water-well drilling

mining

geological exploration

and:

infrastructure work.

Its lineup includes machines supporting:

DTH

rotary drilling

diamond coring

and:

other drilling methods.

Examples listed in the manufacturer's product range include:

PRD 500T

PRD Speed Star

PRD 600

and:

PRD Novastar

depending on application.

Some models support both:

DTH + rotary drilling.

I would compare PRD where a buyer needs:

project-specific configuration

DTH and rotary versatility

or:

a water-well or mining rig suited to local operating conditions.

Dedicated DTH rig vs multipurpose DTH rig

This distinction is important.

A quarry DTH crawler is normally designed for:

repeatable production drilling + rapid movement between blastholes.

A water-well DTH-capable rig may need:

deeper holes + greater pullback + mud circulation + casing operations.

A multipurpose rig should not be assumed to include every drilling accessory as standard.

I always verify the quoted configuration.

How Do DTH Drilling Machine Manufacturers Differ in Technology and Cost?

DTH rig manufacturers differ in more than brand identity. Their machines may be optimized for production, automation, initial purchase cost, integrated air systems, or multipurpose drilling.

I compare manufacturers by machine architecture, hole range, hammer compatibility, compressor pressure and FAD, automation, drilling controls, rod handling, transport requirements, maintenance accessibility, spare-parts availability, and lifecycle cost. Premium features only create value when the buyer's production requirements and operating environment justify them.

Premium production drilling systems

For large mining operations, I would shortlist:

Epiroc

and:

Sandvik.

Both offer purpose-built DTH production machines with integrated drilling systems.

Sandvik's Leopard DI650i, for example, provides advanced onboard control and automation options.

That can be useful when a mine wants:

consistent holes

standardized operating procedures

drilling data

and:

fleet management.

However, automation is not automatically the best investment for every contractor.

A single-rig quarry may prioritize:

easy maintenance

and:

rapid parts replacement

over sophisticated fleet controls.

Split versus integrated compressor systems

A major purchasing difference is whether the DTH rig includes its own compressor.

Integrated DTH rig

rig + compressor + hydraulic system on one machine

Potential advantages include:

fewer separate machines

faster repositioning

and:

simpler site logistics.

Split DTH rig

drilling rig + separate compressor

Potential advantages include:

compressor selection flexibility

ability to reuse an existing compressor

and:

different capital-allocation options.

Neither is automatically cheaper over its entire life.

For example, a split rig may have a lower initial machine price but require:

additional compressor purchase

fuel

hoses

transport

and:

maintenance.

I calculate the entire installed drilling package.

Compressor capacity is a major difference

DTH hammers require compressed air for:

percussion

and:

cuttings removal.

Therefore, compressor capacity must be evaluated at the actual operating pressure.

I ask manufacturers for:

FAD at rated pressure

rather than only:

maximum pressure.

A compressor capable of high pressure but inadequate airflow may produce:

poor hammer performance

and:

ineffective hole cleaning.

For deeper holes, I also evaluate:

drill-pipe internal diameter

pressure losses

water inflow

and:

cuttings velocity.

Drilling depth changes the machine design

For quarry production, maximum depth often means:

a few benches or blast patterns

rather than hundreds of meters.

Water-well drilling can demand a very different mechanical system.

The water-well machine may require:

longer drill string

higher pullback

pipe-handling equipment

and:

multiple circulation methods.

I therefore never compare a water-well rig and quarry DTH rig only by:

engine power.

Total cost per meter is more useful than purchase price

My lifecycle comparison includes:

machine purchase

• compressor

• fuel

• DTH hammer and bits

• drill pipes

• routine maintenance

• spare parts

• labor

• downtime.

I then compare the total against:

accepted drilled meters.

The least expensive machine on an invoice is not necessarily the cheapest machine to operate.

What Should Buyers Check Before Choosing a DTH Drilling Machine Manufacturer?

A manufacturer should be evaluated against a defined drilling project. Buying from a familiar brand is not enough if the rig cannot match the hammer, compressor, geology, or local service requirements.

Before selecting a DTH drilling machine manufacturer, I define hole diameter, drilling depth, rock conditions, hammer size, pressure, airflow, feed, pullback, mobility, operating hours, and destination country. I then request comparable technical quotations, local service information, warranty terms, and references from similar projects.

Check the hole diameter

I begin with the actual project requirement.

For example:

90 mm

115 mm

152 mm

or:

203 mm.

The diameter influences:

hammer size

bit selection

compressor requirements

and:

rig size.

Larger is not automatically better.

Check the required drilling depth

Maximum drilling depth must be considered together with:

hole diameter

drill-pipe dimensions

geology

and:

machine configuration.

I do not accept a maximum depth figure without understanding the conditions under which it was published.

Select the DTH hammer

The hammer must match:

hole diameter + rock type + operating pressure.

For example, a 5-inch hammer may require a specific shank design.

Different bit shanks are not necessarily interchangeable merely because the bit diameters are identical.

Check compressor pressure and FAD

I ask for:

operating pressure in bar or PSI

and:

free-air delivery in m³/min or CFM.

These values must be checked together.

The available air must operate the hammer while maintaining adequate hole flushing.

Check feed and pullback

For hard-rock DTH drilling, controlled feed supports efficient hammer operation.

For deep water wells, pullback becomes especially important.

The machine must safely recover:

drill pipe + hammer + bit

under expected downhole conditions.

Check transport and mobility

A mining operation and a mobile contractor may require different carriers.

I compare:

crawler weight

transport dimensions

setup time

road restrictions

and:

working-platform conditions.

Check warranty and after-sales service

Before issuing the purchase order, I ask:

Where is the nearest authorized service team?

Are hammer and bit consumables stocked locally?

Are compressor replacement parts readily available?

Can the machine controller be diagnosed in the destination country?

Which warranty costs are excluded?

A machine without accessible service can become expensive even if its initial price is attractive.

Manufacturer evaluation checklist

The manufacturer should provide enough technical data to complete this comparison before the buyer commits.

My insights: Who Are Some Manufacturers of DTH Drilling Machines

The most useful shortlist separates manufacturers of dedicated production DTH rigs from manufacturers of DTH-capable multipurpose rigs. Both groups are important, but they serve different buyers.

Some established DTH drilling machine manufacturers are Epiroc, Sandvik, Furukawa Rock Drill, Kaishan, Sunward, and Revathi Equipment India. For water-well and multipurpose DTH drilling, Comacchio, Fraste, and PRD Rigs are also relevant. I shortlist manufacturers by application first, then compare complete rig specifications, compressor compatibility, service support, and cost per meter.

My first insight: Do not confuse DTH rig manufacturers with hammer manufacturers

A DTH drilling system contains:

drilling rig

air compressor

DTH hammer

drill bit

and:

drill string.

These components may come from different manufacturers.

A company specializing in:

DTH hammers or bits

is not automatically a manufacturer of complete drilling machines.

For this article, I prioritize companies with actual rig products.

My second insight: Mining and water-well suppliers should be compared separately

For quarry and surface mining, I would investigate:

Epiroc + Sandvik + Furukawa + Kaishan + Sunward + Revathi.

For water-well and multipurpose work, I would investigate:

Comacchio + Fraste + PRD Rigs.

This avoids comparing machines designed for entirely different depth and handling requirements.

My third insight: Integrated versus split rigs can change the supplier decision

If I already own suitable high-pressure compressors, a split DTH rig may be economically attractive.

If I need frequent machine relocation and a self-contained drilling package, an integrated rig may be more practical.

I therefore evaluate the compressor strategy before selecting the manufacturer.

My fourth insight: Local support can outweigh small specification differences

Two machines may have similar:

hole ranges

engine power

and:

drilling depth.

But their ownership economics may differ because of:

spare-parts lead time

service response

operator training

and:

warranty support.

For international buyers, these issues should be part of the original quotation comparison.

My fifth insight: My practical manufacturer selection process

When someone asks me, “Who are some manufacturers of DTH drilling machines?”, I use the following approach.

1. Identify the project type.

Quarry?

Mining?

Water well?

Construction?

2. Define the normal hole diameter.

Select the drilling class.

3. Define drilling depth.

Include drill-string and retrieval requirements.

4. Describe geology.

Hard, abrasive, fractured, or wet formations?

5. Select the hammer and bit.

Confirm hammer class and shank compatibility.

6. Calculate compressed-air demand.

Use FAD at working pressure.

7. Choose integrated or split architecture.

Consider existing compressor ownership.

8. Compare technical specifications.

Include feed, pullback, torque, and rod handling.

9. Check destination-country compliance.

Review emissions, transport, and local requirements.

10. Check the service network.

Verify the actual dealer and available spare parts.

11. Request references.

Ask for machines operating in comparable geology.

12. Calculate lifecycle cost.

Compare cost per accepted drilled meter.

My final manufacturer shortlist is:

This is not an audited global ranking.

It is a practical purchasing shortlist based on the manufacturers' documented equipment categories.

My final rule is:

Choose the drilling application first, the hammer and compressor second, and the rig manufacturer third.

That approach helps buyers compare machines on the basis of:

real drilling capability + operating reliability + long-term cost

rather than company name alone.

Conclusion

Leading DTH drilling machine manufacturers include Epiroc, Sandvik, Furukawa, Kaishan, Sunward, Revathi, Comacchio, Fraste, and PRD. Choose by application, specifications, service, and lifecycle cost.