Conco works with Atlas Copco distributor Victor L. Phillips for service and training. Since startup, Upp says they have had no downtime, but that comes with good training and regular preventive maintenance.

Dave Ferson, corporate sales manager with Victor L. Phillips, said that the drill’s advanced technology caused some apprehension for both the operator and the distributor, but their concerns were overcome by the simplicity of training and the unit’s strong design.

Jeremy Riley, Phillips’ field technician, says the drill is much easier to work on than conventional drill rigs due to its self diagnostics, as well as a 30-percent reduction in the use of hydraulic hoses and electrical wiring.

Because of an onboard GPS system, the manufacturer and distributor support the rig 24/7, monitoring pertinent drill information through data downloads to laptops. “The technology on this rig reduces the workload for the operator when drilling, but also helps everyone work smarter,” Ferson says.

Overall, it will take time to know the total financial benefit of the drill, but Upp says he can already see differences. “I had to sell the owners on this rig because it was more expensive,” he says, “but it’s clear that the savings we have seen in productivity are offsetting that difference.”

Scott Ellenbecker is editor-in-chief of two in-house publications for Atlas Copco: Deep Hole Driller and Mining & Construction USA. He has been involved in marketing construction and mining equipment since 1995.