Pre-Drilling Inspection of Hydraulic Rock Drills Is Not a Formality—It Is the Baseline for Safety and Productivity
Frontline crews often call pre-start inspection the “life-saving checkpoint” and the “equipment protection gate.” Many people skip it, not realizing it directly affects machine life, worker safety, and project progress. Here is why inspection before startup and drilling is non-negotiable.
1) Prevent “Operating with Hidden Faults” and Protect the Machine
Hydraulic rock drills run under heavy load. After shutdown, hidden issues such as loosened components or abnormal pressure can remain and quickly trigger failures after restart.
Accumulator pressure is the key check and should be performed every shift:
High-pressure accumulator: 3–4 MPa below collaring pressure (maximum 11 MPa)
Low-pressure accumulator: 2.0–2.5 MPa
If pressure is too high, hoses may burst and mechanisms may seize. If too low, impact energy drops and part wear accelerates.
A quick check of the drill steel, hoses, and switches also helps eliminate minor defects early, reducing repair cost and downtime.
2) Protect Personnel and Build a Real Safety Barrier
Hydraulic drills operate at high pressure and high speed. Without inspection, safety incidents are much more likely:
Abnormal accumulator pressure can cause hose rupture and hot-oil injuries
Loose drill steel can detach and strike personnel
Damaged water seals can leak and lead to electrical short circuits
A pre-drilling check identifies these hazards in advance and prevents accidents at the source, allowing operators to work with confidence.
3) Improve Productivity and Reduce Construction Cost
Skipping inspection may look like a time saver, but breakdowns can cause long shutdowns, delay schedules, and waste money.
A proper inspection keeps equipment in optimal condition, supports continuous operation, extends service life, and lowers maintenance frequency—saving time, labor, and cost.
4) Five Must-Check Practical Items Before Drilling
The procedure is not complicated. Focus on these five points:
Accumulator pressure: High pressure should be 3–4 MPa below collaring pressure (max 11 MPa); low pressure should be 2.0–2.5 MPa. Adjust immediately if out of range.
Critical components: Check drill steel and flushing-head seals; replace damaged water seals at once.
Connection points: Inspect side bolts and rear end-cover bolts; fix or replace any loose or damaged parts.
Support systems: Confirm air lubrication is unobstructed, lubricant grade is correct, and oil volume is sufficient.
Control functions: Test switches and control levers for proper sensitivity and response.
Pre-start inspection is not box-ticking. It is a direct responsibility to equipment, personnel, and project delivery.
A small amount of time prevents hidden-fault operation, reduces accident risk, and raises efficiency. The rule for every crew should be simple: inspect before every startup, and inspect thoroughly. With disciplined implementation, contractors can achieve both safety and productivity and keep projects moving smoothly.
