A hydraulic core drilling machine is specialized equipment designed for extracting intact cylindrical rock samples (cores) from deep underground. These samples provide critical data for metallic and non-metallic mineral exploration, engineering geological investigation, hydrogeological surveys and preliminary oil and gas prospecting. Unlike conventional drilling methods that only produce cuttings, core drilling preserves the full structural integrity of subsurface materials, allowing engineers and geologists to make accurate assessments.
YG offers a complete range of high-performance core drilling solutions tailored to diverse project requirements. Our rigs are built with heavy-duty components and advanced hydraulic systems to deliver reliable performance in even the most challenging geological conditions. We provide full technical support and customized configurations to ensure our equipment meets your specific operational needs.
Core Sampling Methods & Tool Compatibility
This core drilling machine for mining supports three primary core sampling methods to handle all types of subsurface conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines on a single project.
- Diamond core drilling for rock formations: The most common method for hard rock exploration, it uses a complete set of tools including core barrels, head assemblies, casing pipes and industrial diamond bits. This method produces continuous, undisturbed rock cores that reveal the true geological structure and mineral content of the subsurface.
- SPT (Standard Penetration Test) for soil layers: This geotechnical testing method uses a 63.5kg hammer falling freely from a height of 76cm to drive a standard split-spoon sampler (51mm outer diameter, 35mm inner diameter) into the soil. The number of blows required to penetrate 30cm (called the N-value) provides a direct measurement of soil strength and compaction, which is essential for foundation design.
- Wireline core drilling for deep projects: The most efficient method for deep drilling, it uses industry-standard NQ (NTW) and HQ (HTW) core retrieval systems. With wireline technology, you can retrieve core samples without pulling the entire drill string to the surface, reducing tripping time by up to 70% and significantly improving overall productivity.
Our rigs are fully compatible with all standard core barrel sizes including BQ (36.5mm), NQ (60.3mm), HQ (88.9mm) and PQ (120.7mm), allowing you to select the appropriate core diameter based on your project depth and sample requirements.
Hydraulic Core Drilling Machine Parameter
| Model | YGX-400 | YGX-600 | YGX-800 | YGX-1000 |
| Drilling Depth(M) | 180-400-500 | 200-600-650 | 400-800-1000 | 500-1000-1100 |
| Rated pressure(MPA) | 21 | 21 | 25 | 28 |
| Rated Flow(L/min) | 168 | 192 | 260 | 300 |
| Heat Dissipation Mode | Air cooling+water cooling | |||
| Engine Brand | Yuchai | Yuchai | Yuchai | Cummins |
| Rated power/speed | 78kW/ 2400r/min | 92kW/ 2400r/min | 92kW/ 2400r/min | 154kW/2400r/min |
| Drilling Angle(°) | 0-90 | 45-90 | 45-90 | 45-90 |
| Lifting Force(T) | 12 | 16 | 24 | 30 |
| Feed Force(T) | 6 | 8 | 12 | 15 |
| Hydraulic Mud pump flow | 30-90（L/min） | 30-90（L/min） | 90-180（L/min） | 90-180（L/min） |
| Hydraulic Mud pump power | 4-7(MPA) | 4-7(MPA) | 4-7(MPA) | 4-7(MPA) |
| Dimension | 4000*1900*1800mm | 4000*2000*1800mm | 5500*2100*2000mm | 6000*2200*2400mm |
| Weight | 4.3T | 4.5/5.5T | 6.5T | 7.5T |
Industry Applications & Global Market Trends
This hydraulic rock drilling machine has become the industry standard for modern exploration and geotechnical work worldwide. Over the past decade, most developed countries have fully transitioned from mechanical rigs to full hydraulic systems, and developing countries are now following this trend as their mineral exploration and infrastructure investment grow. Global demand for core drilling equipment continues to rise steadily, driven by increasing investment in mineral resource exploration and large-scale infrastructure projects. Core drilling machine for mining is preferred over older mechanical models due to their higher drilling efficiency, better core recovery rates, lower maintenance requirements and improved operator safety.
Our hydraulic core drilling machine are used across a wide range of industries:
- Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for mining projects
- Foundation investigation for buildings, bridges and dams
- Groundwater resource assessment and well drilling
- Slope stability analysis for road and railway construction
- Environmental site assessment and contamination monitoring
Hydraulic Core Drilling Machine Success Cases: Mexico & Singapore Projects
A small-scale mineral exploration company in Mexico needed a compact rig for gold prospecting in remote mountainous regions. They faced narrow, unpaved roads and 35°C+ summer temperatures that overheated their old equipment, requiring a 400m-depth rig suitable for small pickup trucks. YG recommended the YGX-400, with a 4000×1900×1800mm footprint, 4.3T weight and a critical dual air+water cooling system. After three months of operation, it performed reliably at 38°C, achieved 92% core recovery, completed the 12-hole program two weeks early, and the client ordered a second unit.
A private geotechnical engineering firm in Singapore needed high-precision drilling for downtown subway foundation testing. Strict requirements included <75dB noise limits, 5×6m limited work space and high core sample accuracy. YG provided the YGX-600, with a low-noise hydraulic system, compact design and precise feed control. It passed all environmental inspections on the first try, delivered 95% core integrity accepted by the authority, finished testing three days ahead of schedule, and earned referrals to three local firms.
YG Core Drill Machine For Sale
Investing in a high-quality hydraulic core drilling machine is essential for the success of your exploration or geotechnical project. YG’s rigs are built to international quality standards and tested extensively before delivery to ensure optimal performance in the field. If you are looking for a reliable core drill machine for sale that combines power, efficiency and durability, we have the perfect solution for you. Contact us today to get a free quote for the hydraulic rock drilling machine that best fits your project requirements. Our team of drilling experts will work with you to understand your specific needs and provide a customized solution that helps you achieve your project goals on time and on budget.
