CME-550X Rubber Tire ATV Mounted Drill: Off-Road Drilling with Low Environmental Impact

Cummins power

The CME-550X uses a single Cummins QSF 3.8L [229 cubic inch] 4 cylinder turbocharged and charge air cooled diesel engine to power both driving and drilling. That means lower overall weight, more available space, and less maintenance costs. Power from the single engine is distributed through a heavy duty air-shift tranfer case.

Low ground bearing pressure also means less impact on the environment
Ground bearing pressure of the CME-550X is only 9 psi [.632 kgf/cm²] to 11 psi [.773 kgf/cm²], depending on tools on board. Compare that to 35 psi [2.46 kgf/cm²] to 50 psi [3.515 kgf/cm²] ground bearing pressure of a truck-mounted drill. This high flotation lets you negotiate mud, snow, sand, and rocks…all with less damage to the terrain. That can be extremely important in environmentally sensitive areas such as parks, farms or golf courses.

Planentary front and rear axles with no-spin differentials and aggressive all-terrain tires…the ultimate combination for off-road traction
Planetary axles put the gear reduction at the wheels. That means less stress on other drive train components; and no spin differentials give you true 4-wheel pulling power. Even though the rear of the drill is heavier by design (for optimum drilling performance), front and rear ground pressure is equal, thanks to the wider tires in the rear. The agressive lug design of the 16 ply mud and snow tires provides a deep, sharp bite in soft terrain; and the open-center tread pattern assures efficient self-cleaning action. The front axle oscillates when traveling on uneven terrain allowing all four tires to remain on the ground for better traction and load distribution. Hydraulic, wet disc type, service brakes are located at each wheel for maximum stopping power. Since they are enclosed inside the planetaries, they are not adversely affected by mud and water. An independent, mechanically applied, hydraulically released, disc parking brake on the drive line is also provided.

The CME-550X gives you the versatility to handle drilling jobs that are on Main Street
The CME-550X’s rubber tires will not damage most paved surfaces. A front axle disconnect allows you to shift from 4-wheel to 2-wheel drive to prevent axle wind-up when driving on hard pavement. Since the CME-550X is not over width, it is easily transported on a trailer any time of the day or week without special permits.

ROPS protection is standard
A roll-over protective structure is standard on the CME-550X. It meets SAE specification J1040C.

Integral design gives you a completely self contained drilling unit with no compromises
Since we designed the carrier ourselves as an integral part of the overall drill, we were able to utilize all space to the best advantage. The deck layout provides plenty of easily accessible storage area for augers, rods, and other drilling tools. The 121 inch (307 cm) wheelbase accommodates 5 foot (1.5m) augers in a rack below deck, between the front and rear tires. Lockable tool boxes are provided on both sides of the drill. The CME-550X can carry everything you need to get the job done.

Hydraulic feed and retract system provides 28,275 pounds [12,825 kg] of retract force and 18,650 pounds [8,460 kg] of down pressure
The vertical drive system has twin hydraulic cylinders aligned with the drill spindle for precise control of force on the drilling tools. Retract rates up to 90 feet [27.4 m] per minute and feed rates of 55 feet [16.8 m] per minute let you add or remove drilling tools quickly. The distance from the sheaves to the ground is 26 feet [7.9 m]. That means you can hoist 20 feet [6 m] of rods with clearance to spare. When equipped with three hoists, the CME-550X can pull 60 feet [18.3 m] of rods without having to lay any down on the ground or on the deck.

Dependable mechanical rotary drive provides 9,080 foot pounds [12,310 Nm] of rotary torque, plus high rotation speed when you need it
You get the torque you need for auger drilling as well as rotation speed of 690 rpm for rotary or core drilling applications. Other optional rotation speed and torque combinations are also available, including spindle torque up to 11,345 foot pounds (15,382 Nm) and a high-speed rotary drive that gives you spindle rotation speeds up to 920 rpm. With 5 forward gears and one reverse, there is a rotation speed and torque combination for just about any situation. And since the transmission does not travel vertically with the spindle, you will never find yourself unable to change gears when you’re at the top of the feed stroke.

Patented spindle brake stops rotation in an instant
An emergency spindle brake stops rotation in less than one revolution. This system is activated by two conveniently located push button switches as well as by strategically located wobble switches.

Slide base makes the job easier and quicker
The drill is mounted to the carrier on a hydraulically actuated sliding base. A 15 inch [38.1 cm] in-out movement allows you to quickly move the drill off the bore hole and align the sheaves for lifting tools with the cathead or any of the hoists. A 6 inch [15.2 cm] sideways movement gives you even more versatility. Aligning augers or rods when making connections is easy, or if the bit drifts off at an angle when you start a hole, you can quickly straighten it to a vertical position. If you have ever tried to line up your rig on an existing borehole, you certainly can see the benefit of the slide bases.

Patented angle drilling system
This unique system is especially effective for drilling underneath ponds, storage tanks, or other structures. When used with our patented Continuous Sample Tube System, you can take soil samples while drilling angle holes. The angle drilling system will also allow you to drill vertically on an uphill slope. That can eliminate the time consuming job of leveling the rig. And, since the kelly drive is always coupled to the right angle drive box, you can raise or lower the mast with the drivetrain already connected and ready to go.

550X Specifications

Engine
Cummins QSF 3.8L (229 cubic inch) 120 horsepower (89 kilowatt) 4-cylinder turbocharged, charge air cooled diesel engine with cold weather starting aid, engine protection shut down. U.S. EPA tier-4 final emissions certified.

Carrier

• Tire size:
  • Front—single 46 inch tall x 23.6 inch wide
  • Rear—single 46 inch tall x 28 inch wide
• Ground bearing pressure:
  • 9 psi (.632 kgf/cm²) (typical, unloaded)
• Transmission:
  • 5 speed forward, 1 speed reverse
• Transfer case with air shift controls for drill, rear axle (4×2) and front axle (4×4)
• Axles (front and rear):
  • planetary with no-spin differentials
  • wheel end service brakes
• Steering:
  • hydraulic power
• Front winch:
  • Standard: 12,000 pound (5,443 kg)
  • Optional: 20,000 pound (9,071 kg)
• Body
  • Underbody auger rack, helper side
  • Underbody tool box, driller side
  • Water tank, 160-gallon (605-liter) capacity
  • Front end auger rack
  • Tool boxes on deck, both sides
  • Rod rack on deck, helper side
• Leveling system
  • Three hydraulic jacks, 36 inch (91.4 cm) stroke

Rotary drive

• Standard
  • Rotary torque: 9,080 foot pounds (12,310 Nm) max
  • Rotary speed: up to 690 rpm max
• High torque
  • Rotary torque: 11,345 foot pounds (15,382 Nm) max
  • Rotary speed: up to 550 rpm max
• High Speed
  • Rotary torque: 6,800 foot pounds ( 9,219 Nm) max
  • Rotary speed: up to 920 rpm max
• Transmission:
  • 5 speed forward, 1 speed reverse
• Clutch
  • Heavy duty 13 inch (33 cm)
• Hollow spindle
  • Standard: 2-3/4 inch I.D. (7 cm)
  • Optional: 3-3/4 inch I.D. (9.5 cm)

Hydraulic Feed System

• Retract force
  • 28,275 pounds (12,825 kg)
• Pulldown force
  • 18,650 pounds (8,460 kg)
• Retract rate
  • 35 feet (10.7 m) per minute
• Rapid Retract rate
  • 90 feet (27.4 m) per minute
• Feed Rate
  • 55 feet (16.8 m) per minute
• Stroke
  • 72 inch (183 cm)
• Mast
  • 26 feet (7.9 m) from ground to sheaves

Hydraulic rod holder and breakout wrench

The hydraulic rod holder makes your job quicker and safer. It not only pivots from on-hole to off-hole positions, but also hydraulically moves in and out. For efficient operation, the breakout wrench is mounted at the pivot point of the rod holder arm. Systems available up to 6-5/8 inch (16.8 cm) capacity.

Automatic hammer
Our 140 pound (63.5 kg) automatic hammer gives you extremely consistent and accurate Standard Penetration Test results, meeting all ASTM-D-1586 requirements. That’s because there are no ropes or cables to impede the free fall of the weight. The hammer swings from stored position to on-hole position. Since raising and lowering is done hydraulically, set up is quick and almost effortless. For maximum safety, all moving parts are enclosed, including the impact area between the weight and the anvil. Other hammer systems are available including 170 pound (77 kgs), 300 pound (136 kg), and 340 pound (154 kg).

Quick mast disconnect
This feature allows you to quickly disconnect the mast when working inside buildings, underneath bridges or in other low overhead drilling locations. Since the mast is completely separated from the upright, it doesn’t interfere with other drill functions such as the in-out slide base. With the mast in the horizontal position, you simply clamp it to its storage rack and extend the drill’s in-out slide base. This pulls the sockets on the upright drill frame away from the large tapered pins on the mast.

Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT)
CPT controls allow you to easily switch from typical geotechnical drilling and sampling procedures to pushing a cone. A dedicated hydraulic circuit including detented CPT control lever, hydraulic down feed pressure and CPT feed rate controls provide precise pressure and penetration adjustments required to meet ASTM standards. A separate CPT system hydraulic pressure gauge is provided as well. Anchor points are installed below the drill feed frame so that maximum available pressure can be applied to the CPT tools. A 12-volt power source can be provided at the drill control panel to accommodate electronic devices associated with CPT procedures. Mounting for depth transducers or other related equipment can also be provided.

Additional optional equipment

• Probe hammer
• High torque rotary drive
• Work tables
• Auger and rod guides for angle drilling
• Fluted kelly and chuck assembly
• Stabilized water swivel
• Spindle adapter
• Utility air tool system
• Cathead
• Hydraulic hoist
  • 1,800 pound (816 kg)
  • 3,200 pound (1,452 kg)
  • 7,000 pound (3,175 kg)
  • 8,500 pound (3,856 kg)
• Hydraulic wireline hoist
  • 1,800 pound (816 kg), max line speed 200 ft./min (61 m/min)
  • 900 pound (408 kg), max line speed 400 ft./min (122 m/min)
• Water pumps
  • Moyno 3L6 36 gpm/225 psi (136 lpm/1,551 kPa)
  • Moyno 3L8 84 gpm/225 psi (318 lpm/1,551 kPa)
  • Bean L09 (420) 25 gpm/500 psi (95 lpm/3,448 kPa)
  • Bean L1122 (435) 40 gpm/500 psi (152 lpm/3,448 kPa)
  • Other pumps available