If you need to drill through rocks, one strategy you may want to consider is using cluster hammers. To help you decide if cluster hammers work for your situation, here's a look at how they work and a few of the elements you should consider if you hire a contractor.

Width of the Setup

The cluster hammers are put together in a barrel, and that dictates the size of the initial hole you can make while drilling. When talking with your rock drilling contractor, make sure that the size of their cluster hammers work with your needs. Keep in mind, however, that you can drill multiple holes next to each other to create one large hole.

Room for Hydraulics

To drive the clusters of hammers into the ground, you need hydraulics. Typically, compressors need to be connected to the machinery with hoses. Then, the compressors generate air which causes the hammers to pound repeatedly into the ground at very fast rates. At the same time, the excess air moves up alongside the barrel holding the cluster of hammers. That pushes the rock that has been displaced upward, and it falls into the bucket on top of the barrel.

Volume of the Bucket

Eventually, the bucket or calyx basket gets full. Then, the machine operator needs to pull up the bucket, empty it and start the process over again. Before starting your project, consider how the volume of the bucket is going to affect your timeline.

If the bucket is quite small, you will need to pull it up often to empty it. That can increase the time it takes to finish your rock drilling. In contrast, if you use machinery with a larger bucket, you may be able to finish your project faster. Although the larger machinery may cost more, it may be worth the time savings in the long run.

Environmental Considerations

When talking with rock drilling contractors, ask where their equipment can be used. Some equipment can be used under water as well as in dry areas, while others can only be used in dry environments. Note that even if you aren't digging under water, you may need a cluster hammer that can survive in both dry and wet conditions. That way if you hit the water table, you can keep going.

To learn more, contact a rock drilling contractor. They will be able to answer your questions and help you decide if they have the right equipment and experience to help with your drilling needs.