In addition to increasing performance, the drilling industry faces ever-growing demands regarding energy efficiency and cost control. These are all issues the H Series hammer line seeks to tackle.

A modular breakthrough in hammer design
The H Series represents a novel approach to hammer design. Primarily designed for drill and blast operations and water well drilling, the hammer range is available in four sizes: 4, 5, 6, and 8 inches.

To meet the diverse demands of different drilling environments, the hammer’s modular design enables up to twelve configurations of a single base assembly for each hammer size. A lighter hammer weight combined with heavier pistons results in higher penetration rates while consuming less energy. The inner cylinders come in two displacements designed to either maximize the power output or enhance efficiency with reduced airflow demand. In addition, by swapping out only two parts, the hammers can be changed from a conventional model using bits with foot valves to tubeless versions and vice versa.

Field-proven performance
The H Series hammer line has been in development for several years, with end-user customers conducting validation trial drillings over several months in real-world settings worldwide, including South Africa. The drill and blast company Brauteseth Blasting, operating the Phalaborwa open-pit phosphate mine in the Limpopo province, has been testing the 6″ H Series hammer there. Brauteseth’s Plant Manager, Owen Du Plooy, reports an increase in the penetration rate, resulting in a 5% lower cost per meter. Other benefits he mentions include easy maintenance, good sleeve life, and a reasonable price. New technologies also bring new challenges, but Du Plooy gives credit to the technical support Robit has been able to provide at short notice.

Another Robit customer, the Drilling and Blasting Division of Zizwe Opencast Mining, serves as the drill and blast operator at the Lwala open-pit chrome mine in the Limpopo province, which is owned by Samancor Chrome. Zizwe started testing the 6″ H Series hammer in October 2024. The mixed ground conditions include fractured rock, sandstone, and clay. In line with Brauteseth’s results, Zizwe has also observed better penetration rates and quicker maintenance on the hammer, as confirmed by Operational Manager Derik Van Deventer.

Next step: the H Marathon Series
Robit has recently introduced a new version of the H Series hammer: the H Marathon Series. Engineered for extended wear life and improved durability, the Marathon focuses on reinforcing the hammer’s most wear-prone parts, such as the drive chuck and wear sleeve.

Brauteseth Blasting has also tested the Marathon hammer at the Phalaborwa phosphate mine. The trials confirmed a significantly longer service life for key components, with only one chuck needed across the entire lifespan of the hammer. The even wear distribution helped reduce downtime and replacement costs, adding another proof point to the H Series’ performance claims.

“A simple fact affects all manufacturers of drilling consumables: no two drilling sites are the same. Consequently, they need to provide the market with a vast range of tools to meet varying needs. As far as Down the Hole hammers go, Robit is looking to change this with the modular H Series hammers.”

Applications

Drilling methods / services