The new HammerHead Roughneck R500 pneumatic rock hammer system can drill 6.25-inch-diameter holes at penetration rates of up to 150 feet an hour.

The R500 is larger than the R400 that HammerHead introduced last year. Key features it offers include high-flow housing, 6.25-inch straight and offset bits, a pullback kit, control station/oiler and drill conversion kit. Its housing boasts a larger bore diameter, allowing the hammer to send more air to the internal piston for maximum efficiency, which results in faster, harder blows.

Changing out the housing for directional drilling in various rock conditions is unnecessary thanks to the heavy-duty housing. Additionally, the offset rock bit design provides precise steering to further facilitate terrain versatility.

The driver has all controls at his station, affording him or her increased productivity and operational control with the integrated electronics. The control stations use a tee and a ball valve on the high pressure side of the mud pump, which directs airflow to the drilling fluid supply line, and the system’s control station delivers air, oil and fluids down hole using the drill’s existing mud pump to minimize size and weight.

The system is designed with quick and efficient maintenance in mind. It is equipped with spanner wrench holes in the front and rear of the hammer, reducing the number of breakout tongs required to change out the bit or service the tool.

HammerHead Trenchless Equipment, based in Oconomowoc, Wis., manufactures and markets a variety of piercing, bursting and ramming products for communications, water, sewer and gas projects around the world. For more information, visit www.hammerheadtrenchless.com.

Note: The print version of this story, which appeared on page 49 of the June 2014 issue of National Driller, incorrectly attributed this product to another manufacturer. National Driller regrets the error.