Komatsu launches a new line of medium-size class face drilling rigs and bolters

September 24, 2024 -- Underground hard rock mining operations looking for versatile solutions now have two more options. Komatsu is excited to introduce the new Z3 series of medium-size class development jumbo drills and bolters to its lineup, further broadening Komatsu's selection of offerings for the underground mining industry.

The Z3 machines are built on a universal platform and designed with a focus on modularity and efficiency. This focus offers improved productivity that can help reduce service and maintenance costs across operations. The Z3 also boasts universal operator controls, simplifying user adoption and increasing training efficiency. The new series expands Komatsu's current underground hard rock offerings by adding the ZJ32 and ZB31 medium-size class drill and bolter.

Key features include innovative technology, such as a newly designed ground support installation system developed in collaboration with JENNMAR that utilizes their J-LOK P pumpable resin. In addition, the machines’ drilling attachments have limited moving mechanical parts and offer a simple design for smooth operability, resulting in reduced cycle times and increased drifter uptime compared to competitors in the same size class.

"Our Z3 product line was designed to meet the evolving demands of our underground hard rock mining customers," said Johan Kempe, Product Director, Underground Drills, Komatsu. "The common platform on which both machines are built enables the interchangeability of parts and service, boosting operational productivity for customer operations."

In the near future, additional battery and intelligent machine control models of the Z3 series will be added to the lineup to provide customers with a comprehensive range of offerings to meet their demands. This product family of diesel and battery-powered machines will offer innovative solutions to support underground mining operations with a pathway toward autonomous operations.

For a firsthand look at the new Z3 series of products and other advanced mining solutions, visit Komatsu at booth 7132 in Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center from September 24 to 26.

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, manage forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to help enhance safety and promote productivity while working to optimize performance.

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