in much of the construction market from mechanical to
hydraulic drilling rigs.
Proof of that is a brand-new model being introduced
by Watson Drill Rigs this year. The 7300 rig is a CAT-based,
“European-style” hydraulic rotary machine that expands
upon the tried and true mechanical rigs that Watson built its
reputation on and is so well known for.
“Fully developing the new movable, rotary, hydraulic
machines really is where our focus is right now,” said Doug.
“There are absolutely advantages to the hydraulic
machines that we’re now producing. The goal is to provide a
drilling rig that is simpler and faster than current hydraulic
machines and has the toughness and capabilities matched to
the challenges of the North American market.”
Weighing 50,000 kilograms, the 7300 is mounted on a
next-generation excavator base built by CAT and has a
tested rotary torque of 190 kilonewton-metres (140,000 footpounds)
while the nominal torque is 224 kilonewton-metres
(165,000 foot-pounds).
The 7300’s long mast configuration can drill to depths of
up to 47 metres, but the unique short mast design combines
patent-pending Kelly bars with a top drive rotary to achieve
long mast depths of 27 metres with a short mast rig under 8.4
metres tall.
Other features of the 7300 hydraulic rig include:
• Full travel top crowd system: drills in less time with no
outer bar locks.
• Boom forward short mast: eliminates all folding/pinning
mechanisms.
• Removable self-erecting counterweight: can be assembled
and disassembled easily.
• Pilot-controlled hydraulic control system: diagnostics
are simplified by isolating the drill from the excavator.
• Tri-drive rotary: achieves maximum torque and maximum
spinoff without clutches or gear-shifting.
• QuickLock round Kelly bars: six times the wear area and
no hunting for locks.
• Interchangeable heavy-duty Kelly bars: allows operators
to swap-out round and square Kelly bars to match
drilling conditions.
• Rear-mounted winch: provides better rig balance and
improved wire rope fleet angle.
• Single-layer grooved winch drum: provides full pull at
all depths with minimal rope wear.
• Controlled freefall Kelly winch: features two-speed full
pull that improves cycle times and prevents over-spooling.
COVER STORY
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
The 7300 is designed for tough drilling with large tools
The new 7300 boasts a single layer freefall Kelly
winch and removable counterweight
Watson’s new 7300 drilling rig was unveiled at CONEXPOCON/
AGG, the construction industry trade show held in Las
Vegas, Nev., last March.
“It was very well received. It’s always good to be innovative
and come up with new products like this one,” said Kraut.
“It’s a powerful, very mobile rig. It can be used as a short
mast, so it can meet the needs of the power line contractor
with a height-constrained jobsite. You can also put a tall mast
on it for those deep hole applications.
It has some positioning advantages that will serve the
operators well in multiple conditions and environments.”
22 Q3 2020 www.pilingcanada.ca
/www.pilingcanada.ca
