Exploration Fleet

High-Performance Exploration Fleets Engineered for Discovery

Our exploration drilling fleet is specifically configured to deliver deep, high-quality core samples and rapid resource definition across Australia’s most challenging terrains.

These versatile, heavy-duty rigs deliver the immense rotational speed and depth capacity required to penetrate complex geological formations efficiently while maximising core recovery rates.

Every asset in this category integrates seamlessly with our automated rod handling technology and advanced wireline systems to prioritise safety and operational uptime.

By pairing these multi-purpose rigs with real-time sampling and downhole telemetry, our crews consistently deliver high-precision core data and reliable geological insights under demanding field conditions.

AUSTEX X1550T MKII

The X1550 MKII is a truck mounted multipurpose drill rig for deep diamond core and large-diameter drilling up to 20 inches, featuring Cummins power, advance clamping, and fully automated, hands-free operation.

Features and Benefits

  • Compact robust design
  • Tier 1 safety features
  • Drilling capacity up to 2500m NQ
  • Total weight 36,000k g (79,300 lbs)

Safer Drilling Through Remote Operation

  • Enables remote control of all drilling functions from a stationary control terminal, keeping operators up to ~20 m away wirelessly or 10 m tethered, within line of sight
  • Integrated emergency stop system, fire suppression control, and safety‑controlled power shutdown to reduce risk during operations
  • Extensive interlock system designed to prevent collisions, equipment damage, and unsafe movements

SCHRAMM 685

The Schramm 685 is a world-proven, heavy-duty truck-mounted drill rig engineered for deep-hole exploration and high-load directional projects, featuring a high-pressure onboard compressor package, robust sliding angle mast capabilities, and high pullback capacity for extreme drilling environments.

Features and Benefits

  • Compact robust design
  • Tier 1 safety features
  • Pullback capacity up to 34,000 kg (74,000 lbs)
  • Onboard high-pressure air compressor (1,350 cfm @ 500 psi)

Precision Steering & High-Precision Intersections

  • Powerful hydraulic pull-down and pullback loops provide the high mechanical reserve needed to manage severe drag in deep trajectories
  • Precision top-head drive configuration yields continuous, smooth spindle torque to maintain alignment through shifting ground conditions
  • Engineered to easily manage heavy drill string weight, ensuring strict grade control well beyond standard exploration depths

SCHRAMM T450

The Schramm T450 is a truck-mounted multipurpose drill rig for high-efficiency exploration and shallow production drilling, featuring Caterpillar power, high-pressure onboard air compression, and integrated hands-free tubular handling.

Features and Benefits

  • Compact, highly mobile design
  • Tier 1 safety features
  • Pull-down capacity up to 30,000 lbs (13,605 kg)
  • Heavy-duty Volvo 8x4 carrier footprint

Safer Drilling Through Mechanical Handling

  • Enables mechanical rod handling via a fully compliant UDR KL-type loader, removing personnel from heavy manual lifting zones.
  • Integrated Rapspan automated breakout system designed to reduce line-of-fire exposure during pipe connection cycles.
  • Top head hydraulically slides off-hole to provide safe, unobstructed clearance during casing handling operations

SANDVIK UDR1000

The Sandvik UDR1000 is a truck-mounted multi-purpose drill rig for high-efficiency slim-hole diamond coring up to 1,000 metres HQ, featuring dual-speed UDR rotation, robust hydraulic setup, and integrated hands-free safety automation.

Features and Benefits

  • Compact, high-mobility design
  • Tier 1 safety features
  • Pull-back force up to 25,179 lbf (11,445 kg)
  • Depth capacity up to 1,000 m HQ

Safer Drilling Through Hands-Free Operation

  • Enables mechanical rod handling via an automated KL rod loader and Safe-T-Spin wireline tool, removing personnel from active BHA handling zones.
  • Integrated physical rod spin guards, whip guards, and hoist travel limiters engineered to protect crews from rotational and mechanical hazards.
  • Twin mast-raising cylinders with built-in flow restrictors and certified engine sound suppression cabinets to maximize site safety and reduce operational noise.

SANDVIK UDR1200

The Sandvik UDR1200 is a highly versatile multi-purpose drill rig for deep wireline diamond core and reverse circulation (RC) drilling, featuring Cummins power, high-torque rotation, and an advanced pilot-controlled rod handling system.

Features and Benefits

  • Versatile multi-purpose design
  • Tier 1 safety features
  • Pull-back capacity up to 50,700 lbf (23,000 kg)
  • Deep wireline capacity up to 2,400 m

Safer Drilling Through Integrated Automation

  • Enables pilot hydraulic rod handling to safely manage all 3" to 4 1/2" RC drill rods directly from onboard bins or support trucks.
  • Integrated Safe T-Spin automated tool provides hands-free make, break, and pre-torque operations across wireline rod sizes.
  • Dedicated folding work platform fitted with safety-interlocked controls to keep operators isolated from active rotation zones.

SANDVIK UDR810

The Sandvik UDR810 is a truck-mounted multipurpose drill rig for versatile exploration applications with a 6-metre rod pull capability, featuring Cummins power, high-speed head traverse, and fully interlocked safety automation.

Features and Benefits

  • Compact, high-mobility design
  • Tier 1 safety features
  • Pull-out capacity up to 7,640 kg (75 kN)
  • Robust Volvo FM11 8x4 carrier footprint

Safer Drilling Through Integrated Automation

  • Enables mechanical rod handling via a fully compliant Sandvik/UDR KL-type loader, completely isolating operators from heavy tubulars.
  • Sandvik-designed Rod Fall Protection system fitted to the head drive, fully interlocked with the rod loader to prevent dropped-pipe hazards.
  • Hydraulically operated walkways, handrails, and automated breakout spanners engineered to keep crew members out of the line of fire.

Bring Field-Proven Precision to Your Next Campaign.

Our project history proves that we thrive where standard drilling practices fail.
Whether you are planning a high-complexity directional drilling programme or a critical asset-servicing campaign, Lucas has the technical fleet and the engineering insight to deliver.

Let's discuss how we can de-risk your upcoming scope of work.