Top-head drive rigs

Top-head drive rigs

In illustration No. 1, Item #1 is the top-head drive which in this instance is driven by air. Item #2 is the drill rod which is connected to the rotation head. Item #3 is the derrick of the drilling machine and can be one of many different types. Item #4 shows the stacked additional drill pipe which is carried on the machine. Item #5 is the hydraulic cylinder which is used to raise the derrick from a horizontal to a vertical position to make the rig ready to drill.

Item #6 shows the compressor and the engine portion of the machine. Item #7 is the cab of the machine. In item #8, if you look closely, you can see the hydraulic cylinder that is used for operating the drill pipe tongs. Item #9 is a rod carrier assembly which is used to place new rods in position as the hole is drilled deeper.

Item #10 shows an auxiliary winch which is used to pick up the drill rods and casing to move them around the machine. Item #11 shows the fuel tank and item #12 shows the hydraulic leveling jacks which are used to level off the machine for drilling. Item #13 is the drilling bit which is located on the bottom end of the hammer. Item #14 is the airline lubricator which is used to place rock drill oil into the flow of air in order to lubricate the hammer or bit.