Epiroc Equipment: 8 Questions I Wish Someone Had Answered (From a Guy Who's Made the Mistakes)

I've been handling Epiroc equipment orders and support for about 8 years now. In that time, I've personally made (and documented) over 30 significant mistakes – totaling roughly $47,000 in wasted budget. Now I maintain our team's checklist to prevent others from repeating my errors. This FAQ covers the questions I see most often from new operators and buyers. Trust me, I've learned these the hard way so you don't have to.

1. What's the most common mistake when maintaining an Epiroc rock drill?

It's forgetting to check the auto-lubrication system. In my first year (2017), I thought the grease reservoir looked fine – it was half full. What I didn't realize was that the pump filter was clogged. The drill ran dry for two shifts. Result? A $3,200 rebuild and a week of downtime. Here's something vendors won't tell you: the grease filter clogs faster if you use a cheaper grease that doesn't match the spec. Check it every 50 hours, not 100.

2. How does the AC compressor in Epiroc mining equipment affect performance?

Most people think the AC compressor is just for cooling the cab. That's true, but there's a catch. On certain Epiroc drill rigs, the same belt drives the compressor and the cooling fan for the hydraulic oil. If the compressor seizes – which I've seen happen twice – you lose both cab cooling and hydraulic cooling, leading to overheating. Worst case: I once ordered an AC compressor replacement for a SmartROC T45, got the wrong model because I didn't check the pulley diameter. $890 down the drain, plus a two-week delay. Always cross-reference the part number with the serial plate.

3. Can you use a standard concrete mixer with Epiroc's shotcrete system?

Not directly. A standard concrete mixer (like the drum type you see on construction sites) produces a slump mix that's too wet for underground shotcrete applications. Epiroc's shotcrete rigs (like the Meyco series) require a dry-mix or wet-mix with specific aggregate gradation. In Q4 2022, a client tried feeding their Epiroc wet-spray unit with concrete from a standard mixer. It clogged the nozzle within 30 seconds. They had to clean the entire feed line – that cost $2,100 in labor and materials. The lesson: invest in a proper shotcrete batching plant if you're using Epiroc equipment. Mixer specs aren't just suggestions.

4. What's new in Epiroc mining news for 2025?

What was best practice in 2020 may not apply in 2025. The biggest shift I've seen: Epiroc's new ICM (Integrated Control Module) is rolling out across most new drill rigs. It changes how you diagnose faults – no more blinking LED codes. Everything goes through a touchscreen. That means if you're still training operators on the old system, you're setting them up for frustration. I updated our training checklist in January 2025 after a rookie spent three hours trying to clear an error that the new ICM would have shown in 30 seconds. Also: Epiroc recently announced a telematics expansion for underground loaders – live battery health monitoring. That's worth keeping an eye on if you're running battery-electric fleets.

5. How to drive a forklift safely in a mining environment?

This sounds basic, but I've seen more near-misses from forklift mishaps than from drill rigs – honestly. After the third rejection in Q1 2024, I created our pre-check list for forklift operators handling heavy drill components. Key points: (1) never drive with the load more than 4 inches off the ground – you'll tip over if the load shifts; (2) on uneven mine ramps, reduce speed to walking pace; (3) don't assume the handbrake works – test it before every shift. I once saw a forklift roll 15 feet because the operator parked it on a slight incline without chocking the wheels. That error cost $890 in redo plus a 1-week delay – the replacement mast arrived from Epiroc's parts center in Reno. Also: Epiroc actually offers operator training courses for their loaders and underground trucks – ask your local service center if they have a forklift module too.

6. Why is the Epiroc hydraulic hammer so popular?

It's not just the power. What most people don't realize is that the Epiroc SB Series hammers have an automatic pressure regulation that prevents over-stroking. Older hammers – even from reputable brands – would produce uneven impact energy if the carrier's hydraulic flow fluctuated. Epiroc hammers compensate. The question isn't 'how hard does it hit' but 'how consistently does it hit.' That consistency translates to longer wear life on the tool. I've tracked 47 hammer rebuilds over 18 months; Epiroc hammers averaged 1,200 hours between rebuilds, while a competitor's comparable model in the same mine averaged 750 hours. (Data from our maintenance logs, not a scientific study – but the difference is real.)

7. What should I know about Epiroc underground drill rigs?

First: the fundamentals haven't changed, but the execution has transformed. The biggest upgrade is the boom control system on the new Boltec and Simba rigs. They now have a 'virtual envelope' that prevents the boom from hitting the rock walls. In 2020, I watched an operator smash a feed onto a rib – $11,000 damage. With the new system, that's almost impossible. But here's the catch: the virtual envelope requires calibration every time you change the boom configuration. If you skip the calibration (which I've seen rushed crews do), the envelope shifts, and you're back to hitting walls. The most frustrating part: you'd think the system would warn you when calibration is due, but it doesn't – you have to track it manually. Add it to your daily pre-op checklist.

8. Do I really need genuine Epiroc parts for older machines?

Short answer: yes, but for a reason that surprises people. Aftermarket filters and seals might save 30% on the upfront cost, but they often have different tolerances. I had a $4,200 hydraulic pump failure traced back to an aftermarket seal that was 0.2mm too thin. It leaked, the pump lost prime, and the cavitation destroyed the gear set. Better than nothing – that's what I thought at the time. Worse than expected – that's what I got. Genuine Epiroc parts come with a lot history you can't get from generic suppliers. That said, if you're on a tight budget, consider Epiroc's remanufactured exchange program – it's about 60% of the new price and still comes with a warranty. (Based on our parts manager's price list, January 2025.)