Sandvik boosts ITH drilling productivity, flexibility with new Tundo™ RH700 cluster hammer unit
The new Tundo™ RH700 cluster hammer unit from Sandvik is designed to maximize in-the-hole (ITH) production rig utilization and increase drilling productivity for existing Sandvik ITH longhole drill fleets.
Compatible with Sandvik DU300-series and Sandvik DU400-series ITH rigs, Tundo™ RH700 enables easy changeovers between production drilling and mechanized slot raising using the same rig and tooling. The system supports both push and pull applications, giving customers greater flexibility across slot raises, service holes and paste fill operations.
Designed for 3×3 meter headings, the cluster unit supports slot raises and operational holes of 610 millimeters (24 inches) in diameter and various sub-level lengths — where shorter depth and rapid deployment are required — complementing Sandvik’s larger-scale raise bore slot hole offering.
The modular tool system consists of three Tundo™ RH700 6-inch hammers operating together as one cluster unit. It fits both 6-foot and 5-foot Sandvik ITH drilling modules and is equipped with three optimized 8-inch bits for push/pull applications. Interchangeable lower pilot extensions support drilling in high-angle holes and uneven backwall or floor conditions.
Customers benefit from a combination of efficiency, durability and versatility. Validated in a field study at a Canadian gold mine and compared with competitive systems, Tundo™ RH700 delivers up to 30% faster drilling performance through patented hammer technology and optimized compressed air usage.
Its modular design and quick-change hammer bodies simplify maintenance and reduce downtime, while replaceable wear components and wear bushings help extend service life. Casting housings provide additional hammer protection, and hammers and parts can be replaced more easily within the housing for safer servicing.
“Using Sandvik ITH products can make a real difference in underground drilling operations, and with our new Tundo™ RH700 cluster hammer, that difference comes from the power of three,” said Corey Flannagan, Product Line Manager at Sandvik. “Three hammers operating as one cluster unit deliver faster drilling performance while helping customers maximize rig utilization and simplify maintenance.”
By combining dual functionality with compatibility across Sandvik DU311, Sandvik DU311-T, Sandvik DU411 and Sandvik DU412i rigs, Tundo™ RH700 helps mining operations drill more meters, reduce equipment changes and maximize the value of existing Sandvik fleets.
