HYDRAULICS OPERATE MANY FUNCTIONS

Every year, Geotech builds around 20 complete drill rigs. Every drill rig is complex and multifunctional. On the one hand, it must be able to navigate difficult terrain and, on the other hand, it must be a reliable, highly precise drilling and measuring instrument. The close collaboration between the design department and production means that adaptations and improvements can be continuously implemented.

A new drill rig is a major investment with a key function for the end customer, so they must be able to rely on the machine and the instruments. For Geotech, quality is a top priority.

REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALITY AND DELIVERY PRECISION

The need for high quality is ultimately what initiated the Geotech and HydraSpecma collaboration that began with the delivery of hoses in 2011. After testing HydraSpecma's Powertech hoses with extra reinforced outer casing, the choice was easy. This was followed by orders for adapters, valves, motors, pneumatics, etc. Since 2011, purchases from HydraSpecma have tripled, and today the company buys approximately 400 items from HydraSpecma at a value of SEK 1.5 million.

In addition to quality, delivery precision is also a priority. It is important to be able to trust that the components will be in place at a given time in order for production to flow as planned. Delays in one component can cause problems for the entire chain and cause costly delays to the customer.

   – We very much appreciate the support and delivery reliability HydraSpecma provides. We can rely on HydraSpecma to do everything they can to ensure that we get the best solutions for our applications – on time and when we need them, says Henric Annelund, Department Manager, Drill Rig and Field Equipment at Ingenjörsfirman Geotech AB.
 

DEVELOPMENT OF HYBRID MACHINES REQUIRES NEW SOLUTIONS

In September 2022, Geotech began working on developing a hybrid machine: a drill rig that can run on both diesel and an external electric drive and can quickly and easily switch between the two power sources. Sven Norrlin, who works as a design engineer at Geotech, had an idea about the connection of an external electrically driven hydraulic unit should take place via multi-plates; he contacted HydraSpecma to discuss solutions.

   – I had a good idea about what would be needed but I wanted to talk it over with HydraSpecma to ensure the latest technology and component selection. I received very good feedback and advice from the product expert. It feels good to know that we have access to cutting-edge expertise and that we can rely on them to help us choose the right components for the task, says Sven.

Geotech has delivered six hybrid machines since their launch in April 2023. Together with the Norwegian dealer Geosafe, they have also developed an external electrically powered hydraulic unit that is combined with a battery pack, which makes the drill rig battery-powered. The feedback from end customers is positive. The multi-plate function has performed excellently. The connection of the external hydraulic unit is quick and easy and there is no leakage of hydraulic oil.

INCREASED QUALITY AND SAFETY
Geotech is constantly looking for new ways to optimize and drive development forward. As the next step in optimizing the drill rigs, Geotech, together with HydraSpecma, is looking at the possibility of central lubrication for the machines. The solution would improve the quality of the machine while saving time and increasing safety during service and maintenance.

What distinguishes Geotech from others is that they handle the entire chain: development of new machines and instruments, design, manufacture and assembly, sales, service and maintenance. It also makes them well equipped to take on new challenges.