The D70 is a portable drilling machine that moves on tracks and drills holes into rock and soil for mining, construction, and geotechnical work
The D70 track drill rig is a self-propelled drilling machine manufactured by Atlas Copco, a Swedish equipment company. It sits on rubber or steel tracks instead of wheels, which lets it move across rough, uneven ground without getting stuck. The rig carries a drill mast and hydraulic power system that can bore holes up to several hundred feet deep, depending on the rock type and hole diameter you need.
The machine is used to drill blast holes in open-pit mines, create anchoring holes in tunnels and underground construction, take soil samples for engineering studies, and prepare ground for foundation work on large buildings and infrastructure projects. It's common on job sites where the ground is soft, wet, or sloped — places where wheeled equipment would sink or slide.
Key Takeaways
- The D70 drills holes 3 to 6 inches in diameter and reaches depths of 100 to 200 feet, depending on rock hardness and the drill bit used.
- Track-mounted design lets it work on muddy, sloped, or unstable ground where wheeled drills cannot operate safely.
- Hydraulic power system and automated controls reduce the physical strain on operators compared to older manual rigs.
- Operating a D70 requires training in equipment operation, safety protocols, and site-specific hazard recognition; certification requirements vary by country and employer.
- Rental costs and fuel consumption depend on drilling depth, hole diameter, and how many hours per day the rig runs.
How the D70's Track System Works
The rubber or steel tracks distribute the rig's weight across a larger surface area than wheels would, which keeps ground pressure low enough to work on soft soil, clay, and wet ground without sinking. The tracks also grip steep slopes and uneven terrain better than tires, making the D70 useful on hillsides and in quarries where the ground shifts during drilling.
The tracks are powered by a diesel engine and hydraulic motors. The operator controls track speed and direction from a cab or remote control panel. Most D70 rigs can move at 2 to 4 miles per hour under their own power, so they can relocate between drill sites without needing a transport truck — though for long distances, they are usually loaded onto a flatbed trailer to save fuel and wear.
Drilling Depth and Hole Size
The D70 typically drills holes between 3 and 6 inches in diameter. Depth depends on the rock type: in soft soil or weathered rock, you might reach 150 to 200 feet; in hard granite or basalt, 80 to 120 feet is more realistic. The drill mast can be angled from vertical to 45 degrees, which lets operators drill at an angle for blast patterns or anchoring work that requires slanted holes.
Drilling speed also varies. A hole in soft ground might take 20 to 40 minutes; the same depth in hard rock could take two to four hours. The operator controls feed pressure and rotation speed to match the rock conditions — too much pressure on hard rock can break the drill bit, and too little on soft ground wastes time.
Power System and Fuel Consumption
The D70 runs on a diesel engine, usually in the 100 to 150 horsepower range, that powers both the hydraulic system and the track drive. Hydraulic pressure operates the drill mast, feed mechanism, and rotation head. Most rigs carry a fuel tank large enough for a full working day — typically 8 to 12 hours of continuous drilling.
Fuel consumption depends on how hard the rig is working. Light drilling in soft ground might use 3 to 5 gallons per hour; heavy drilling in hard rock can use 8 to 12 gallons per hour. Idle time at the site (moving between holes, changing bits, waiting for blasting) uses less fuel but still adds up over a long shift.
Operator Controls and Safety Features
Modern D70 rigs have a cab with controls for track movement, mast angle, drill feed pressure, and rotation speed. Some models offer remote control operation, which lets the operator stand away from the rig during drilling — useful when dust or flying rock is a hazard. The cab usually has air filtration and noise dampening to protect the operator during long shifts.
Safety features include emergency stop buttons, pressure relief valves to prevent hydraulic overload, and interlocks that prevent the drill from operating if the mast is not properly secured. The rig's low center of gravity and wide track base make it stable on slopes, but operators still need training in how to position the rig safely on uneven ground and how to recognize when the ground is too soft or unstable to support the machine.
Maintenance and Downtime
The D70 requires daily checks of hydraulic fluid level, fuel, and track tension. Hydraulic hoses and fittings are high-pressure components that wear and can leak; they need visual inspection before each shift. The drill bit dulls with use and must be replaced or resharpened — bit life ranges from a few hours in hard rock to a full day in soft ground.
Major maintenance includes hydraulic fluid changes (usually every 500 to 1,000 operating hours), track replacement when wear becomes visible, and engine service according to the manufacturer's schedule. Unplanned downtime for repairs can cost hundreds of dollars per day in lost productivity, so many contractors maintain spare bits, hoses, and filters on site.
Training and Operator Certification
Operating a D70 requires understanding how to read ground conditions, set appropriate drilling parameters, and recognize when the rig is not performing normally. Most employers require operators to complete a manufacturer training course or an equivalent program through a vocational school or equipment rental company. Training covers equipment operation, basic hydraulics, safety protocols, and site-specific hazards like blast zones or unstable slopes.
Certification requirements vary by country and by the type of work. In the United States, OSHA requires operators to be trained and competent, but there is no single national certification. Some states and some large contractors require operators to hold a Heavy Equipment Operator certification or a similar credential. In other countries, such as Canada and Australia, formal certification through a recognized training body is more standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a D70 drill through bedrock?
Yes, but drilling speed slows significantly in hard rock. A D70 can drill through granite, basalt, and other bedrock, but the drill bit wears faster and the job takes longer than drilling through soil or weathered rock. Contractors often use larger rigs or different drilling methods for very deep bedrock work.
How much does it cost to rent a D70?
Rental rates vary by region and market conditions, but typically range from $200 to $400 per day for the rig alone, plus operator costs if you do not provide your own. Weekly and monthly rates are lower per day. Fuel, bits, and maintenance may be included or billed separately depending on the rental agreement.
What is the difference between a D70 and a larger track drill?
Larger rigs like the D80 or D90 drill deeper holes and work faster in hard rock, but they are heavier and need more fuel. The D70 is chosen when the job requires moderate depth, the ground is soft or sloped, or the site is tight and mobility matters more than raw power.
Can a D70 operate in wet or muddy conditions?
Yes — the track design is specifically meant for wet and muddy ground. However, extremely soft ground or standing water can still cause the rig to sink or get bogged down. The operator needs to assess ground conditions before positioning the rig and may need to place mats or gravel to improve stability.
How long does it take to train someone to operate a D70?
A basic operator training course typically takes three to five days and covers equipment controls, safety, and straightforward drilling scenarios. Becoming proficient enough to work independently on varied job sites usually takes several weeks of supervised operation. Experienced heavy equipment operators often learn the D70 in less time.