In June 2024, YG Machinery exported a diamond drill rig for sale to a mining contractor in Zacatecas, Mexico. The firm explored silver and zinc deposits in the high-altitude Sierra Madre. Their old truck-mounted drill could not keep up with deep targets or steep terrain.
Our full hydraulic unit changed that quickly. The client drilled 40% faster and reached deeper ore bodies in the first quarter. This case shows how the right core drilling rig lifts exploration speed and returns.
Diamond Drill Rig for Sale: Why a Zacatecas Firm Chose YG
The short answer is depth, mobility, and uptime. A diamond drill rig for sale recovers solid rock cores for accurate assay work. A full hydraulic system gives precise speed control and reliable torque on hard formations.
The client ran two aging drills on large silver concessions. Both units broke down often and cost $2,500 per week in repairs. They also lacked the horsepower to run deep holes in cased ground. So the plant manager searched for a dependable crawler-mounted replacement.
He reviewed overseas suppliers over a six-week window. YG Machinery stood out for its one-piece hydraulic design and proven export record.
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Diamond Drill Rig for Sale: Project Background in Mexico
Zacatecas is Mexico’s leading silver-producing state, with many operating and exploration mines. Rising metal prices pushed explorers to test deeper, untested ore bodies. Many local contractors still rely on older drills with limited depth and poor gradeability.
The client held a 50-square-kilometer concession at 2,400 meters altitude. Their old rigs reached only 250 to 300 meters, missing deeper veins. Remote gravel roads also forced frequent breakdowns and long towing delays.
Their management set clear goals before purchase:
- Drill to 500 to 800 meters reliably
- Move quickly between steep, scattered sites
- Cut repair costs and unplanned downtime
- Recover clean core samples for accurate assays
A crawler-mounted unit best matched these needs, as it climbs grades and avoids towing equipment.
Expert tip: For high-altitude mining, choose an engine with reserve power. Thinner air at 2,400 meters reduces diesel output by up to 15%.
The Solution: Full Hydraulic Core Drilling Rig and Supplier Selection
Our engineers proposed the YG600 after studying the site. It offers 600-meter capacity and holds strong torque for hard rock. The full hydraulic drive gives smooth speed control and quick rod changes.
The client compared four suppliers on depth, build quality, and support over 45 days. YG Machinery won on hydraulic reliability and documented Mexican deliveries.
Key factors behind the decision:
- 600m drilling depth: Unlocked deeper, higher-value ore bodies
- Crawler mobility: 30° gradeability climbs steep access roads
- Multi-angle mast: 45°-90° range fits varied terrain
- Full hydraulic drive: Fewer moving parts and less wear
- Inclusive package: Mud pump, rods, and training included
We supplied one YG600, a BW90-3 mud pump, drill rods, and a full spares kit.
Full Hydraulic Core Drilling Rig Specifications
The YG600 is a full hydraulic core drilling rig designed for deep exploration in rough terrain. Its power pack, mast, and crawler all use hydraulic systems for smooth, reliable operation.
| Model | YG300 | YG400 | YG500 | YG600 | YG800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (T) | 5.3 | 5.4 | 6.7 | 8.1 | 9.2 |
| Hole Diameter (mm) | 60-110 | 60-110 | 60-110 | 60-110 | 60-110 |
| Drilling Depth (m) | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 800 |
| Mud Pump Model | BW90-3 | BW90-3 | BW90-3 | BW90-3 | BW150 |
| Drilling Angle | 45°-90° | 45°-90° | 45°-90° | 45°-90° | 45°-90° |
| Engine Power (KW) | 75 | 85 | 96 | 118 | 132 |
| Gradeability | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° |
| Drill Pipe Length (m) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Lifting Force (T) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Slewing Speed (rpm) | 0-1200 | 0-1200 | 0-1200 | 0-1200 | 0-1200 |
| Overall Dimension (mm) | 4500×1950×2150 | 4500×1950×2150 | 4600×2000×2350 | 5100×2200×2350 | 5150×2100×2150 |
The series covers depths from 300 to 800 meters. Explorers match the rig to target depth and rock hardness. For silver veins past 500 meters, the YG600 is a solid fit.
Expert tip: Confirm the mud pump matches your hole depth. A deep hole core drilling rig needs enough mud flow to lift cuttings and cool the bit.
Shipping the Crawler Mounted Core Drilling Rig to Mexico
The YG600 shipped from Shanghai to the Port of Manzanillo in a 40-foot container. We disassembled the mast, power pack, and crawler for safe packing with steel cradles.
Sea freight and customs clearance were completed in 30 days. YG handled export documents, while our local partner managed Mexican clearance and delivery.
Project timeline:
- Day 1-4: Contract and 30% deposit confirmed
- Day 5-12: Production, assembly, and quality inspection
- Day 13-15: Steel-cradled container packing
- Day 16-45: Sea freight to Manzanillo + customs processing
- Day 46-48: Overland delivery to Zacatecas site
The crawler skid moved off the truck and onto the graded pad under its own power. Assembly took four days without a crane.
Import tip: Verify the HS code and duty rate for drilling machinery early. Work with a customs broker to avoid clearance delays.
Operating the Diamond Drill Rig for Sale on Site
The YG600 drilled its first complete hole in 12 days. Core recovery reached 96% on that first pass, far above the firm’s previous 82% average.
Key operational gains:
- Faster penetration: 40% faster average rate per shift
- Longer holes: Reached 550 meters versus the old 300-meter cap
- Cleaner cores: Straighter holes improved sample accuracy
- Lower downtime: Fewer mechanical stops per month
The full hydraulic drive also simplified operator training. Two local drillers mastered the controls in one week.
Expert tip: Track penetration per rod and mud pressure daily. Small parameter changes flag worn bits or unstable ground early.
Deep Hole Core Drilling Rig Results and ROI
After five months, the YG600 drilled over 4,800 meters across nine holes. Average core recovery climbed to 95%, and the rig hit 800-meter-class holes with ease.
Measured progress:
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Max hole depth | 300 m | 550 m+ |
| Core recovery | 82% | 95% |
| Uptime | 78% | 96% |
| Repair cost | $2,500/wk | under $300/wk |
| Drilling rate | Baseline | +40% |
ROI followed quickly. Landed cost was about $185,000 including freight and training. Monthly revenue from faster, deeper drilling added $32,000. The rig paid for itself in under six months.
Expert tip: Compare landed cost, not just price. Include freight, duty, spare kits, and training to judge real value.
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Diamond Drill Rig for Sale: Customer Feedback
The drilling superintendent, Mr. Herrera, rated the rig 9.2 out of 10 and praised reliability in the mountains.
“The full hydraulic system just runs. We push it daily, and it has never stopped on a hole. The 600-meter capacity opened targets we could not reach,” he said.
He valued YG’s support too. “When we needed a spare valve, YG shipped it in five days. That keeps a modern mine moving.”
The firm ordered a second YG600 for a new concession next quarter.
Buying Advice for a Diamond Drill Rig for Sale
Choosing a diamond drill rig for sale affects exploration speed, safety, and cost. Based on hundreds of mining shipments, here are proven tips.
- Match depth to target: Oversizing wastes money; undersizing loses ore
- Confirm gradeability: Steep sites need a crawler with real climbing power
- Check mud pump size: It must match hole depth and ground conditions
- Verify spares availability: Remote mines need fast parts delivery
- Compare landed cost: Include freight, duty, and installation fees
- Demand training: Skilled crews double drilling efficiency
A supplier that knows mining import rules saves weeks. YG Machinery delivers documented shipments and on-site training across Latin America.
Get Factory Quote | WhatsApp/Tel: +86 183 3715 2861
FAQ About Core Drilling Rigs
A1: Pricing depends on depth, engine, and accessories. Contact us for a full landed cost quote matched to your project.
A2: The YG800 reaches 800 meters. Our range spans 300 to 800 meters to match any target.
A3: Yes. The crawler chassis gives 30° gradeability and self-propelled movement between sites.
A4: Most operators master the full hydraulic controls within one week of on-site training.
A5: Good recovery is over 90% in competent rock. Cleaner holes and steady speed improve results.
A6: Standard diesel-hydraulic models suit remote sites without grid power. Contact us for your local supply.
Ready to Buy a Diamond Drill Rig for Sale?
If you explore or mine in Mexico and Latin America, YG Machinery can help. We supply a core drilling machine for mining matched to your depth, terrain, and budget, with transparent pricing.
Contact us today for:
- Free project evaluation and rig recommendation
- Landed cost quotation with all fees stated
- Mexico import and customs guidance
- On-site assembly and operator training
- 24-month warranty and regional parts support
Send your drilling details, and we will respond within 8 hours. Let us help you drill deeper, faster, and at lower risk.
