Digga Launches HALO System in Pendulum Drilling

HALO is an alignment system built into the hood of the drive unit. A band of green LED lights indicates when the unit is in a plumb position, while a sequence of red and green lights guides the operator back to plumb when the unit goes out of alignment.

There are several advantages of incorporating an alignment system into the hood. It costs significantly less than traditional systems by eliminating the need for a costly in-cab display screen. This in turn means the operator never has to look away from the job in a hole.

Due to the entire system being housed in the hood and the reduced number of electronic components the HALO system can be powered by way of two means.

First: Standard option is via a cable direct to cab to draw power from the cigarette lighter power plug.

Second: Optional Battery, meaning no cables back to the cab. Operators can start drilling plumb within minutes.

HALO alignment systems offer operators much great time and money-saving advantages including eliminating the need for a Spotter with a Spirit Level to guide the operator (HALO does not have holidays or take sick leave). HALO ensures holes are drilled plumb, reducing the number of in-hole angle adjustments which can create an oversized hole. This in turn reduces the amount of concrete required to fill the hole.

In-hole adjustments can also cause sideload on the Auger Bit and Auger Drive, potentially causing damage and expensive repairs. Operators are also able to return to drilling faster after returning the auger into the hole. The process of bringing HALO to market has taken over 4 years, with years of bench and field testing is undertaken to ensure the unit works faultlessly and is capable of enduring the rigor of our industry. A substantial amount of research & development was undertaken on the alignment system. It utilizes a microprocessor and 6 sensors to provide accurate readings to +/- 0.25 degrees, even under heavy vibration.

The HALO system will be available from August 3, 2020, on Digga Drives PD3 to PD7, which suits most machines around the 3 to the 8-tonne range. Digga is looking to release HALO to its entire range of drilling drives in late 2020.