In 2019, CZM Foundation Equipment introduced the Long Reach (LR) machines to their fleet. The LR series is a unique design to CZM’s drill rigs that brings the high performance of the EK line to a boom-mounted setup with increased reach. CZM’s specifically designed boom with two lift cylinders allows for a higher torque and crowd force to be applied to the tool, which, aligned with interlocking kelly bars, makes it efficient for rock and hard soil drilling.
The LR models are for applications such as sound bearing walls, transmission lines and utilities, drilling on steep slopes and difficult-to-reach holes. “We had many customers talk to us about the challenges of drilling in hard-to-reach areas, so we decided to think through a concept of a long reach machine. We worked on the schematics and drawings for about a year before building a prototype for testing,” said Giuliano Clo, president, CZM US Factory.
The rotary offers three operation and spinoff speeds and automatic gear shifting in all LR models. All models have extendable and longer undercarriages, which greatly improves the stability and performance of the machine. The LR machines can be transported in one load, with the kelly bar on, and set up is easy without the need for any support equipment. The LR125 and the LR160 can be configured with a self-erecting counterweight to reduce the main load weight.
CZM will debut a new LR50 at The Utility Expo this month in Louisville, Ky. It will be the smallest of the LR series.
The LR models
The LR65 is mounted on a CAT323 base. Highlights of this model include: 164 horsepower (hp), 67,150 foot-pounds (ft-lb.) of torque, a maximum drilling diameter of nine feet, a standard drilling depth of 40 feet, a main winch line pull of 27,120 pounds (lb.), with two gears for high speed and pulling force, an operation weight of 80,000 lb. and a maximum reach of 10-feet three-inches.
The LR75 is mounted on a CAT330 base. Highlights of this model include: 275 hp, 77,530 ft-lb. of torque, a maximum drilling diameter of 11 feet, a standard drilling depth of 60 feet, a main winch line pull of 27,120 lb., with two gears for high speed and pulling force, an operation weight of 92,000 lb. and a maximum reach of 12-feet seven-inches.
The LR125 is the medium size model and can be configured with a different boom, mast length and counterweights for the best performance on the jobsite. Highlights of this model include: 314 hp, 101,400 ft-lb. of torque, a maximum drilling diameter of 12 feet, a standard drilling depth of 55 feet, a main winch line pull of 41,000 lb., with two gears for high speed and pulling force, an operation weight of 115,000 lb. and a maximum reach of 14-feet four-inches.
The LR models are for applications such as sound bearing walls, transmission lines and utilities, drilling on steep slopes and difficult-to-reach holes.
The largest model, the LR160, can also be configured with a different boom, mast length and counterweights for the best performance on the jobsite. Highlights include: 314 hp, 155,100 ft-lb. of torque, a maximum drilling diameter of 12 feet, a standard drilling depth of 53 feet, a main winch line pull of 41,000 lb., with two gears for high speed and pulling force, an operation weight of 133,000 lb. and a maximum reach of 13-feet four-inches.
All LR machines come equipped with a service winch, CZM’s technology package that includes auto gear shifting, drill lock and auto crowd, auto level, return to centre, CAN bus telematics control system to monitor drilling parameters, perform some functions automatically and help with diagnostics and maintenance records. CZM can log in remotely to the telematics system to troubleshoot and resolve issues and has technicians and parts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CZM customers have access to the North American CAT dealer network and with CZM service locations throughout the U.S., the company can service contractors across the continent. 