The first product to be released from the range is the 152mm Cat DTH hammer. According to the manufacturer, the valved design of the hammer can provide reliable operation, low air consumption, easy maintenance and cost-effective rebuild, while the piston design can deliver long life and efficient energy transfer.

The new hammer is rated to run with compressed air systems driving working pressures of up to 34.5bar.

"This additional back-head pressure, when combined with corresponding airflow demanded, generates more blows-per-minute to generate faster penetration rates in the hardest of materials," Caterpillar said.

In addition to the hammers, the company will also offer bits for DTH drilling. Several different configurations of 171mm bits are now available in both standard and heavy-duty versions to allow matching the bit to the rock characteristics and job requirements.

The bit selections include a variety of carbide shapes (spherical, ballistic) and face shapes (concave, flat, convex).

Caterpillar said the bits, with long-lasting cutting structures, are optimised for high wear resistance and improved rock chipping.

It also claimed that, in head-to-head tests conducted in iron ore and quarry applications, Cat DTH hammers and bits demonstrated a lower total cost of drilling compared to other products.