How to Ship a Rotary Blasthole Drill Rig: Complete Transport Guide
Rotary blasthole drill rigs are among the heaviest and most complex pieces of mining equipment to transport. These crawler-mounted machines—used in open-pit mining, quarrying, and large-scale excavation—can weigh 100,000 to 500,000+ lbs and require disassembly, multi-axle trailers, and extensive permit coordination for over-the-road moves.
Rotary Blasthole Drill Rig Weight and Dimensions
Blasthole drill rigs vary enormously by class and application. Key size categories:
| Drill Class | Typical Weight | Mast Height (Operating) | Transport Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (REL C650, Epiroc SmartROC) | 80,000–150,000 lbs | 40'–60' | 10'–12' |
| Mid-Size (Cat MD6200, Atlas Copco DM45) | 150,000–300,000 lbs | 60'–80' | 12'–16' |
| Large (Epiroc Pit Viper 271, Cat MD6250) | 300,000–500,000+ lbs | 80'–120' | 16'–22' |
Some smaller drill rigs are designed for mast-on transport (the mast stays in place during the move), which simplifies logistics but still requires careful height verification. Larger rigs require mast removal and transport as a separate load.
Disassembly Requirements
Most mid-size and large blasthole drill rigs must be partially or fully disassembled for over-the-road transport:
- Mast: The drill mast is typically the tallest component. On smaller rigs, the mast may fold or lower to a transport position. On larger rigs, the mast must be removed and transported separately on a flatbed or step-deck.
- Drill Pipe / Rod String: Drill rods are removed and transported separately, typically on a flatbed.
- Counterweights: Large counterweights are removed to reduce the main machine weight for transport.
- Cab and Auxiliary Equipment: Some configurations require cab removal or folding to reduce height.
Trailer Selection
Blasthole drill transport requires specialized heavy-haul equipment:
- Multi-Axle Lowboy (8–20 axles): The primary trailer for the main drill body. Multiple axles distribute the enormous weight within per-axle legal limits. A 300,000-lb drill body may require a 16–20 axle configuration.
- Modular Trailer (Goldhofer, Scheuerle): For the heaviest drill bodies, hydraulic modular trailers (also called SPMTs—Self-Propelled Modular Transporters) provide the axle count and steering flexibility needed for very heavy, wide loads.
- Flatbed / Step-Deck: For mast sections, drill rods, and auxiliary components transported as separate loads.
Permit Requirements
Blasthole drill transport almost always requires superload permits (loads exceeding 150,000 lbs GVW or 16' wide). Superload permits require:
- Engineering analysis of bridge capacities along the route
- State DOT route survey and approval (can take 2–6 weeks)
- Multiple pilot cars (front and rear, sometimes police escort)
- Nighttime or weekend travel restrictions in some states
- Coordination with utility companies for overhead line lifts
Planning Your Drill Rig Move
Blasthole drill moves require significant lead time—typically 4–8 weeks for permit processing and logistics planning. Key steps include: site survey at origin and destination, disassembly planning with the OEM or a rigging contractor, route survey for bridge ratings and overhead clearances, permit applications in all states, and coordination of the multi-load convoy.
IronHaul Logistics has experience coordinating complex mining equipment moves including blasthole drill rigs. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form to discuss your drill rig transport project.
Common questions
How much does a rotary blasthole drill rig weigh?
Blasthole drill rigs range from approximately 80,000 lbs for smaller models to 500,000+ lbs for large open-pit mining rigs. Most mid-size rigs weigh 150,000–300,000 lbs.
Does a blasthole drill rig need to be disassembled for transport?
Usually yes. Smaller rigs may transport with the mast in a lowered position, but most mid-size and large rigs require mast removal, counterweight removal, and transport as multiple separate loads.
What permits are required to transport a blasthole drill rig?
Most blasthole drill moves require superload permits (loads over 150,000 lbs or 16' wide). Superload permits require engineering bridge analysis, state DOT route approval (2–6 weeks), multiple pilot cars, and sometimes police escort.
How long does it take to plan and execute a blasthole drill rig move?
Plan for 4–8 weeks of lead time for permit processing, route surveys, disassembly planning, and logistics coordination. The actual transport may take 3–10 days depending on distance and load complexity.
What type of trailer is used for a large blasthole drill body?
Large drill bodies (300,000+ lbs) typically require hydraulic modular trailers (SPMTs) or multi-axle lowboys with 16–20 axles to distribute weight within per-axle legal limits.
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