Earlier this month, Terex Utilities rolled out its redesigned A330 and A650 auger drills at ICUEE. Enhancements to the auger drills’ control systems and a move to hydrostatic drive transmissions allow for easier operation and greater productivity. Remote diagnostics aid with troubleshooting.
“The A330 and A650 also feature radio remote controls — a first in auger drill operation,” said Joe Caywood, director of marketing for Terex Utilities. The operating system allows the truck, controller, and engine to talk to each other, which supports the application of radio remote controls.
Enhanced auger drills have many automated features, including auto brake release, inner-Kelly retract stop, inner-Kelly slack stop, home position, return to center, and dig depth. Return to center allows the operator to bring the auger to the drill position that was previously used. “This keeps the hole at the proper diameter and the proper vertical position throughout the dig, regardless of how many times the operator needs to clean the dirt from the auger tool,” said Gary Rice, Terex’s south regional sales Mmnager.
Optional telematics are also available. When used in conjunction with a customer-supplied cellular or internet connection, it can broadcast data from the drill and truck, such as GPS location and other desired information.
The auger drill can be ordered with a command post and joystick controls that allows the display monitor to be mounted or used remotely with the radio controls. Other enhancements improve maintenance access or reduce potential issues, such as hydraulic leaks, by eliminating almost 40 percent of the current hydraulic fittings and hoses through the new control system.
