Drill Rig Upgrade Cuts Fuel Use in Granite Quarry

Epiroc supplies Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG with a new surface drill rig to improve fuel efficiency, drilling precision, and operator working conditions in its granite quarry in Germany.  www.epiroc.com Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG operates a granite quarry in Schwarzach, Bavaria, Germany, where drilling operations are carried out under demanding hard rock conditions. The company sought to replace an 18-year-old drill rig with equipment capable of improving productivity while reducing operating costs and simplifying daily operation. The quarry operator required a machine offering higher drilling performance, lower fuel consumption, partially automated drilling functions, and reliable operation in continuous quarry use. The company first evaluated the SmartROC T35 with the new cabin generation at bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany, held from April 7–13, 2025. Fuel consumption reduced by more than 25 liters per hour One of the main reasons for selecting the drill rig was the reduction in fuel consumption. According to Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG, the previous drill rig consumed approximately 40 liters of fuel per operating hour, while the new SmartROC T35 uses around 14 liters per hour during drilling operations in the quarry. The reduction of more than 25 liters per hour is expected to lower operating costs significantly across annual drilling hours. The drill rig also provides stable drilling performance and partially automated functions intended to support more consistent quarry operations. New cabin improved visibility and operator comfort The new cabin generation played a major role in the purchasing decision, leading the company to accept a longer delivery schedule until the updated version entered production. The cabin uses a decoupled suspension system that reduces noise exposure during drilling operations, improving working conditions in hard rock applications. Large glass surfaces improve visibility of the feed beam, drill hole, and quarry face, supporting more accurate drilling alignment. The updated control concept replaces conventional toggle switches with a digital control interface and large display that provides centralized access to machine functions and drilling information. The pressurized cabin system also reduces dust ingress during drilling operations, supporting cleaner working conditions during long shifts. Maintenance access improved servicing efficiency The company also identified improved machine accessibility as an operational advantage. Easier access to service points simplifies maintenance procedures and reduces servicing time. An extended and variable feed beam improves drilling flexibility in uneven quarry terrain and on slippery slopes, allowing safer machine positioning in more demanding operating areas. Epiroc specialists supported machine commissioning Commissioning of the first SmartROC T35 with the new cabin generation in Germany was supported by Epiroc technical specialists from Germany and Sweden. The support team assisted with machine setup, software adjustments, drilling optimization, and operational fine-tuning during start up. The collaboration enabled the machine to enter reliable operation within a short period of time. Lower operating costs supported investment decision The combination of lower fuel consumption, improved drilling precision, simplified maintenance access, and enhanced operator conditions contributed to Ludwig Venus GmbH & Co. KG’s decision to adopt the new drill rig. The machine is expected to support long-term productivity improvements and lower operational costs across quarry drilling activities. Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance. www.epiroc.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing