The future of drilling

There is a several factors that are at play when suiting up “The Biggest earth drill” consideration needs to be given to:

• Lift capacity of the host machine: should the weight of the drill exceed the SWL (safe Working Load) of the host machine then the drive should not be fitted.
• Ground clearance: Careful consideration needs to be given to insure there is ample ground clearance under the pickup of the host machine when both the drive and drilling tool or Screw Pile are fitted.
• Application Overview: When selecting the largest drive, it's essential to consider both the desired outcome and the specific job requirements. These factors will significantly influence the choice of the appropriate drill.

If you install the wrong planetary earth drill on your machine, several issues could arise, potentially affecting performance, safety, and the longevity of both the drive and the machine:

1. Incorrect Torque and Speed: The earth drill may not be suited to the hydraulic flow and pressure of your machine. This can result in too much or too little torque, either leading to inefficient digging or overstressing the drive components leading to frailer.
2. Reduced Efficiency: The wrong drill might not be optimized for your specific drilling conditions, causing slower digging and increased wear on the auger teeth and pilot, leading to more frequent maintenance.
3. Hydraulic System Strain: Using an incompatible drive could place excessive strain on your machine's hydraulic system, potentially causing overheating or damage to pumps, hoses, and other components.
4. Poor Performance: If theearth drill is mismatched, it may not provide the required torque or rotational speed for your ground conditions, leading to subpar hole performance, especially in difficult ground.
5. Increased Wear and Tear: An incorrect drive can accelerate wear on both the drill and the auger, leading to more frequent breakdowns or even failure, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
6. Safety Hazards: A mismatched drive may cause unexpected behaviour, such as uncontrolled movements or failure under load, which could create a safety risk to operators, bystanders and equipment.

For optimal performance and safety, it's crucial to match the earth drill to your machine's specifications and the ground conditions you are working in.

A 2-speed drill offers enhanced versatility and efficiency for drilling applications by providing two selectable speed ranges:

1. High Torque (Low Speed): This setting is ideal for drilling through hard, compacted ground, clay, or rock. It delivers maximum torque, allowing the auger to cut through tougher materials with greater force, though at a slower speed.
2. High Speed (Low Torque): This setting is suited for softer soils, such as sand or loam, where high torque isn't necessary. It allows for faster drilling, increasing productivity by completing holes more quickly in easier ground conditions.

Benefits of a 2-Speed Drive:

• Versatility: Allows you to switch between speed and torque depending on the ground conditions, making it suitable for a wide variety of drilling environments.
• Efficiency: Saves time and wear on equipment by using the appropriate speed and torque for each specific task.
• Enhanced Versatility and Performance: Engineered to handle both hard and soft soils, this design allows for the integration of a larger reduction gearbox, delivering increased torque without compromising speed. Enjoy the performance benefits of two earth drills in one, eliminating the need for equipment changes and significantly boosting overall job efficiency.

In short, a 2-speed drill offers greater diversity, control, and adaptability, ensuring optimal performance and productivity across different drilling conditions.

It is possible to get an earth drill that can be used with two different size machines, but it will depend on the specific earth drill and the machines you have. If your two machines are close in size, for example a 5t and 10t or 15t and 20t but the drill must be suited to the larger machine, it is not feasible should you have a 3t and 20t machine as the physical size of the drive for the 20t machine is far too large for the 3t machine and the performance output would be inadequate to perform normal drilling.

Some earth drills are designed to be used with a range of different machines and may come with adaptors or other attachments that allow them to be used with different sizes of equipment. However, it's important to check the specifications of the earth drill and the machines you must ensure that they are compatible.

Additionally, it's important to consider the power and torque of the machines, and the size and weight of the earth drill. A larger or heavier earth drill may require a more powerful machine to operate, and a smaller machine may not be able to handle the weight and torque of the earth drill.

It's important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional before deciding, and to check the compatibility and capacity of your machines with the earth drill you want to use.

The other option that is idea for this scenario of running one drive two machines is a two-speed drive (see 2- Speed high flow & 2-Speed STD flow).

In general, we would have to say NO - For the following reasons:

1. Without knowing the grade of rock, e.g. for sandstone there are 5 grades, 1 – being soft and weathered, classed as drillable, and 5 – being extremely hard and classed as un-drillable.
2. The physical downforce of your machine will not carry enough weight to functionally drill this diametre. hole in rock.

There are several differences between a PD5 & PD6, PD7

The main is the amount of torque outputted by each individual unit PD5 Max. Nominal Torque @ 240bar Pressure is 5000 Nm., PD6 – 5,500 Nm & PD7 – 6,000 nm.

With each increment in increase of torque you have an equal decrease in output shaft speed when inputting the same amount of flow (Lpm or Gpm).

Additional differences between the PD5 and the PD6 & PD7 is the gearset of a PD5 has a Series 2 Gearset where the PD6 & PD7 have a series 4. This difference is in the thickness of the gearsets in each. These differences are there to cope with the increasing weight of the parent machine and for the increase in torque capabilities.

Also, there is a marked difference in the bearings size of the PD6 & 7 over the PD5. The increase in size of the bearings in the PD6 & 7 is to cope with the increase in weight from the parent/host machine.

Depending on the torque output of the drive unit we would recommend a square or hexagonal shaft for all drives over 4,500 Nm. For drives under this torque rating a 65mm Rnd as standard relies on the auger pin to bare the rotational load of the drive unit. This pin is rated to 10Knm but with our safety factor we like to step up to Sq or hex for torques higher. By using sq. or hex we are supporting the rotational load of the drive on the four side of the square or the 6 sides of the hex.

The gearbox of earth drills sit in their own bath of oil. The gearbox is not lubricated by the machines hydraulic oil, as a result the oil needs regular changes similar to your car.

Service intervals are outlined in the operator’s manual provided with all Digga attachments. The recommended intervals depend on the intensity of use, ranging from occasional to extreme. For best practices, consult the manual to determine the appropriate maintenance schedule based on your specific usage.

Regular servicing is essential to maintain performance and extend the life of your equipment as well as your warranty.

Depending upon the earth drill model being used and its application with determine the type of oil to be used, but in all drive, we recommend using and “EP” (Extreme Pressure) oil this will ensure longevity of your gearbox. Typically, your drills will come from factory filled with:

• ISO EP320 Mineral Oil ... for PDD to PD50 including 2 Speed drives
• ISO EP320 Synthetic oil ... for SD, MD, UD, XD drives

Note : if unsure please contact the Digga Service department for guidance

You can't use the Digga HALO system on non-Digga earth drills because the HALO system is specifically designed and engineered to suit Digga earth drills.

Here are some key reasons:

• Compatibility: The HALO alignment system is built to integrate seamlessly with Digga drills, ensuring correct fitment and performance. Competitor earth drills may have different dimensions, or operational requirements that aren't compatible with the HALO system.
• Calibration: HALO uses 6 sensors to provide real-time feedback on the auger’s angle for precise drilling. These sensors are calibrated to work specifically with Digga’s drills and control systems.
• Warranty and Support: Digga products, including the HALO system, are covered under specific warranties when used with compatible Digga components. Installing HALO on a non-Digga drive will void warranties,