| Application Suitability | 15% | Drilling method, formation type, hole diameter, hole depth, terrain and operating environment | Confirm that the proposed configuration matches rotary, down-the-hole or top-hammer drilling requirements; common surface applications range from construction and quarrying to mining and water-well drilling. | Provide the planned hole diameter, maximum depth, rock hardness, elevation, ambient temperature and daily operating hours before requesting a quotation. | Configuration sheet, application references, drilling case records and a written technical suitability statement |
| Drilling Performance | 15% | Rated drilling depth, maximum hole diameter, feed force, rotation torque, rotation speed and penetration rate | Compare rated values under the same drilling method and ground conditions. Surface rigs commonly offer drilling depths from several tens to several hundred metres, depending on configuration. | Use a standardized test hole or verified field data rather than comparing maximum catalogue values alone. | Factory test report, performance curves, drilling logs and independently verifiable project data |
| Powertrain and Fuel Efficiency | 10% | Engine power, emissions compliance, fuel consumption, cooling capacity and power transmission efficiency | Engine power should be matched to compressor demand, hydraulic load and drilling depth. Fuel use should be measured in litres per operating hour under a defined load. | Request fuel-consumption data at idle, normal drilling and maximum load; verify the applicable emissions standard for the destination market. | Engine certificate, emissions documentation, fuel-consumption test conditions and maintenance schedule |
| Structural Quality and Durability | 12% | Mast design, frame strength, weld quality, component protection, corrosion resistance and service life | Inspect load-bearing welds, mast alignment, hydraulic-cylinder mounting points and protection of hoses, cables and control components. | Review material specifications and conduct a pre-delivery inspection covering welds, fasteners, alignment and hydraulic leakage. | Material certificates, welding-quality records, structural drawings, inspection checklist and warranty terms |
| Hydraulic and Control System | 10% | Hydraulic pressure, flow capacity, control precision, automation level, monitoring system and alarm functions | The hydraulic system should deliver stable feed and rotation performance without excessive heat generation, pressure fluctuation or control delay. | Assess response during start-up, drilling, rod handling, emergency stop and simultaneous hydraulic operations. | Hydraulic schematic, control-system description, alarm list, software documentation and demonstration results |
| Compressor and Air System | 8% | Air pressure, free air delivery, compressor type, air filtration, cooling and moisture management | For down-the-hole drilling, compressor output must be matched to the selected hammer, hole diameter, depth and altitude; pressure and flow should be assessed together. | Verify air delivery at the stated operating pressure and account for altitude-related performance reduction where applicable. | Compressor data sheet, pressure-flow curve, filtration specification and altitude derating information |
| Operator Safety and Ergonomics | 10% | Emergency stops, guards, access platforms, visibility, noise, vibration, rollover protection and maintenance access | Safety equipment should be suitable for the intended jurisdiction and include clearly labelled controls, guarded moving parts and accessible emergency isolation points. | Conduct a safety walk-around and functional test before shipment or acceptance; evaluate operator visibility and routine service access. | Risk assessment, safety manual, conformity documentation, noise or vibration data and inspection records |
| Component Availability | 8% | Availability of engines, pumps, valves, filters, drilling tools, hoses and electronic components | Standardized components and clearly identified replacement parts generally reduce downtime and simplify local maintenance. | Request a recommended spare-parts list for the first 12 months and confirm lead times for critical wear parts. | Parts catalogue, component-origin list, stock policy, lead-time statement and interchangeability information |
| After-Sales Service | 7% | Warranty period, commissioning, training, remote support, field-service response and technical documentation | A practical support plan should define response channels, service responsibilities, training scope and parts-supply commitments. | Score the supplier on documented service procedures rather than verbal promises; identify the responsible service contact before ordering. | Warranty policy, service-level agreement, training plan, service network details and troubleshooting manuals |
| Compliance and Export Readiness | 3% | Safety conformity, electrical requirements, emissions rules, import documentation and destination-country standards | Requirements vary by destination. Confirm applicable machinery, emissions, electrical, transport and customs documentation before production. | Have the importer, local authority or qualified compliance professional review the documentation before shipment. | Declaration of conformity, test certificates, user manuals, packing list, origin documents and export records |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 2% | Purchase price, freight, tooling, fuel, maintenance, downtime, spare parts and resale value | The lowest purchase price does not necessarily provide the lowest cost per drilled metre; operating cost and productivity should be included. | Calculate estimated cost per drilled metre using the same working hours, fuel price, labour assumptions, tool life and maintenance intervals. | Itemized quotation, operating-cost assumptions, maintenance intervals, tooling prices and five-year cost estimate |