Rotary Drilling Rig Types and Models for Different Work Scenarios

Yuxuan
2026-01-17 16:54:52
View produc：Rotary Drilling Rig >>

Rotary drilling rigs, or rotary piling rigs, are specialized for creating deep foundation piles. They are categorized by their mounting type, torque output, drilling depth, and diameter capacity, each suited for specific soil conditions and project requirements. The market is led by Chinese manufacturers in volume, with strong European and Japanese players in the premium segment.

1. Classification by Mounting Type & Mobility

The carrier defines the rig's mobility, stability, and site adaptability.

  • Crawler-Mounted Rigs:
    • Offer superior stability and ground pressure distribution for soft or uneven terrain.
    • Ideal for large, open construction sites, bridge foundations, and projects requiring heavy-duty drilling.
  • Wheel-Mounted (Truck-Mounted) Rigs:
    • Mounted on a commercial truck chassis for high road mobility and fast relocation between sites.
    • Best for urban projects, scattered locations, and projects requiring frequent moves.
  • Self-Propelled/Walking Rigs:
    • Feature a dedicated movable base, offering a compromise between stability and some mobility on site.
    • Used in specific applications where precise positioning is needed.

2. Classification by Drilling Method & Application

Defined by the primary drilling technique and intended geological conditions.

  • Kelly Bar Rigs (Standard Rotary):
    • Use telescopic kelly bars to transmit torque and crowd force. Most common type.
    • Excels in soft to medium soils, clay, and sandy layers. Can use buckets or augers.
    • Scenario: Building foundations, cast-in-situ piles.
  • Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Rigs:
    • Drill and concrete simultaneously using a hollow-stem continuous flight auger.
    • Minimizes soil collapse, ideal for unstable soils (sand, gravel).
    • Scenario: Piles in granular soils, urban projects near existing structures.
  • Down-The-Hole (DTH) / Rotary Percussive Rigs:
    • Combine rotation with a high-frequency hammer at the bottom of the drill string.
    • Designed for hard rock, boulders, and highly compacted formations.
    • Scenario: Foundations in rocky terrain, mining, geotechnical engineering.
  • Large Diameter & Deep Foundation Rigs:
    • High torque and pullback capacity for extra-large diameter (3m+) and deep piles (100m+).
    • Scenario: Large bridge pylons, offshore platforms, mega infrastructure.

3. Leading International & Chinese Brands and Models

International Brands (Premium/Technology Leaders)

  • Bauer (Germany): A global leader in deep foundation technology.
    • Models: BG Series (e.g., BG 28, BG 40), MC Series.
  • Soilmec (Italy - part of Trevi Group): Renowned for innovation and reliability.
    • Models: SR Series (e.g., SR-30, SR-65), R-6, R-12.
  • Casagrande (Italy): Known for high-performance rigs.
    • Models: C Series (e.g., C-6, C-8, C-10).
  • Junttan (Finland): Specialist in hydraulic piling rigs.
    • Models: PM Series.
  • Liebherr (Germany): Offers premium deep foundation equipment.
    • Models: LB Series (e.g., LB 24, LB 36).

Leading Chinese Brands (Volume Market Leaders)

  • XCMG (徐工集团): Market leader in China with a full range.
    • Models: XR Series (e.g., XR130, XR180, XR240, XR280, XR360, XR460).
  • SANY (三一重工): Major global competitor with advanced models.
    • Models: SR Series (e.g., SR150, SR220, SR280, SR360, SR460).
  • Zoomlion (中联重科): Strong in technology and product breadth.
    • Models: ZR Series (e.g., ZR160, ZR220, ZR280, ZR360).
  • Sunward (山河智能): A specialist in piling equipment.
    • Models: SWDM Series (e.g., SWDM160, SWDM220, SWDM280, SWDM360).
  • Hongda (宏达重工): Significant player in the domestic market.
    • Models: Various models across different series.
  • Yutong Heavy Industry (宇通重工): Known for reliable rigs.
    • Models: YTR Series.

Rig Type and Model Selection Table by Scenario

Work Scenario / Soil Condition Recommended Rig Type International Model Example Chinese Model Example Typical Torque Range (kN.m)
Urban Building Foundations (Soft/Medium Soil) Wheel-Mounted, Kelly Bar Soilmec SR-30 XCMG XR180 180-220
Unstable Sand/Gravel (CFA Piles) Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Rig Bauer BG 22 CFA SANY SR220 CFA 200-250
Bridge Piers, Large Sites Crawler-Mounted, Large Kelly Bar Casagrande C-10 Zoomlion ZR360 350-400
Hard Rock & Boulder Layers Crawler-Mounted, DTH/Percussive Soilmec R-6 Sunward SWDM360HD (DTH) High Torque + Percussion
Mega Bridges & Deep Piles Ultra-Large Diameter Rig Bauer BG 48 XCMG XR460, SANY SR460 450-500+
Fast-Moving Multi-Site Projects Truck-Mounted, Rapid Deployment Liebherr LB 24 SANY SR150 Truck-Mounted 150-180

Conclusion: Selecting a rotary drilling rig requires matching its type (mounting & drilling method) to the project's geological conditions, pile specifications, and site logistics. For standard urban foundations, wheel-mounted kelly bar rigs (XCMG XR series, Soilmec SR series) dominate. For unstable soils, CFA rigs are essential. For hard rock, DTH/percussive rigs are mandatory. European brands (Bauer, Soilmec) lead in advanced technology and specialized applications, while Chinese brands (XCMG, SANY, Zoomlion) offer exceptional value, a complete product range, and dominate the global volume market for general and heavy-duty piling.