A Deep Dive Into the Soilmec SR-65: Performance and Capabilities

Soilmec SR-65 drilling rig at a construction site near an American Airlines airplane, with foundation drilling rigs in operation and industrial equipment in the background.

In foundation construction efficiency, versatility, and reliability are essential capabilities required by foundation drilling equipment to ensure success. Among the most advanced rigs on the market, the Soilmec SR-65 stands out as a powerhouse in its class, offering unmatched performance and adaptability for a variety of foundation drilling projects.

The Soilmec SR-65  is engineered to tackle diverse challenges easily. The versatile drilling capabilities support kelly bar, CFA, displacement piling, and cased bored piles. Additionally, the Soilmec SR-65 is the largest class foundation drill rig capable to mobilize in one truck load with Kelly Bar on and ready to drill.

In this blog, we’ll explore the capabilities and features of the Soilmec SR-65 and why it’s a top choice for contractors worldwide. Keep reading to learn more!

Soilmec SR-65 drilling rig at a construction site, equipped for foundation drilling with a large auger and a yellow casing rotator, under a partly cloudy sky.

The power behind the Soilmec SR-65

At the heart of this drilling rig is a robust 365 hp engine providing the power to deliver 190,000 ft lbs of torque and 62,945 lbs of crowd force pull (down/up), allowing it to drill faster and more effectively than many competitors.

This power enables the SR-65 to maintain consistent performance across various soil types, ensuring efficient, precise drilling without compromising speed or accuracy. 

Its torque capacity enhances penetration in difficult terrains and supports handling large-diameter piles and working with casing, making it ideal for high-demand projects like bridge foundations, skyscrapers, and industrial complexes.

When compared to other rigs in its weight class, the SR-65 demonstrates superior torque performance, giving contractors an edge in productivity. Its powerful engine allows operators to drill with confidence, knowing the rig can withstand the pressure of challenging environments while maintaining efficiency.

The combination of strength, reliability, and performance makes the Soilmec SR-65 a powerhouse in foundation construction. It provides the necessary muscle for projects that demand precision and endurance. 

Key features of the SR-65

The Soilmec Drilling Mate System (DMS) is an advanced real-time monitoring and control system designed for Soilmec foundation drilling rigs. It enhances efficiency, precision, and safety by providing operators with real-time data on key drilling parameters.

Real-time data monitoring

The system tracks essential drilling parameters, including torque, crowd force, drilling depth, rotational speed, and hydraulic pressures. By continuously monitoring these factors, it provides real-time feedback to optimize drilling performance, ensuring greater efficiency, precision, and equipment longevity.

Automated controls and assistance

The system includes semi-automatic functions that enhance operator precision, improving overall drilling accuracy. It also features auto-parking and auto-drilling modes, streamlining operations for increased efficiency and ease of use.

Data logging & reporting

The system stores drilling data for analysis and project documentation, allowing operators to review performance and track progress. This data also plays a crucial role in quality control and productivity assessment, ensuring that drilling operations meet project specifications and efficiency standards.

Touchscreen interface

The system features a user-friendly display designed for easy navigation, allowing operators to access critical information with minimal effort. Additionally, users can customize the display to highlight specific drilling parameters, ensuring they have real-time access to the data most relevant to their operation.

Remote monitoring and diagnostics

The system enables remote troubleshooting and performance analysis, allowing operators to quickly identify and address issues without on-site intervention. This capability also enhances maintenance planning, helping to prevent unexpected failures and reduce downtime, ultimately improving overall efficiency and equipment longevity.

Integration with GPS and telematics

The system enables borehole georeferencing, ensuring precise positioning for accurate drilling. This feature also helps track project progress, allowing operators to monitor completed work and maintain alignment with project specifications.

Why DMS is important

The DMS system enhances operational efficiency, ensures better accuracy, and reduces machine downtime, making Soilmec rigs some of the most advanced in the foundation drilling industry.

Large drilling capacity

The Soilmec SR-65 sets a high standard in the drilling industry with its impressive capacity for handling large-diameter piles and significant drilling depths, all while being able to transport in a single load. This capability makes it a go-to choice for demanding projects where stability and load-bearing strength are critical.

The SR-65 is engineered to accommodate piles with diameters of up to 3 meters (118”), providing the versatility needed for a wide range of applications. 

Whether constructing high-rise buildings, bridges, or industrial facilities, the rig’s ability to manage any type of drilling process ensures a robust foundation that withstands heavy loads and long-term usage. 

Its advanced engineering also allows it to achieve deep drilling depths, essential for reaching stable soil layers or bedrock in challenging terrains.

What sets the SR-65 apart is its ability to deliver consistent performance even when working at these larger scales. Its precision design ensures efficiency during the drilling process, minimizing delays and maximizing output. 

Operators can rely on the rig to maintain accuracy and speed, even when dealing with complex soil conditions or substantial drilling depths.

For projects requiring deep, stable foundations, the Soilmec SR-65 offers the capacity to meet and exceed expectations. Its large-diameter and deep-drilling capabilities provide contractors with the flexibility and reliability needed to complete high-demand foundation work with confidence and precision.

Unmatched versatility

The Soilmec SR-65 is renowned for its unmatched versatility. It offers a broad range of drilling capabilities, making it suitable for various foundation construction methods. The SR-65 also offers fuel efficiency and lower operating costs while maintaining high power output. 

Its adaptability allows contractors to seamlessly transition between different techniques, ensuring efficiency and precision regardless of the project requirements or site conditions. The SR-65 has different mast configurations, enabling drillers to have a tall mast with low headroom. 

One of the SR-65’s standout features is its ability to perform Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) drilling. This technique is ideal for constructing piles with minimal soil disturbance, making it a preferred choice in urban environments or sensitive areas. 

The rig also excels in displacement pile drilling, a method that compacts the surrounding soil during installation, enhancing stability while reducing the need for soil removal. 

For projects requiring additional support and safety, the SR-65 is equipped to handle cased auger piles, which provide reinforced stability in challenging soil conditions, through the use of either permanent or temporary casing.

This versatility extends to the rig’s adaptability across diverse terrains. From cohesive clay soils to granular sand or even rock formations, the SR-65 is engineered to tackle them all with ease. Its ability to switch between drilling methods reduces downtime and makes it a cost-effective choice for contractors managing complex or multi-phase projects.

The Soilmec SR-65’s versatility ensures it is more than a piece of equipment — it is a multi-functional tool that empowers construction teams to take on a wide array of foundation challenges with confidence and efficiency. 

Whether working in urban areas, remote sites, or environmentally sensitive zones, the SR-65 consistently outperforms competitors with its combination of power, efficiency, and advanced technology.

Soilmec SR-65 drilling rig loaded on a flatbed trailer at night, with construction equipment and safety lights illuminating the wet ground.

Designed for transportability

The Soilmec SR-65 is a powerhouse of performance engineered with transportability in mind. It is a practical choice for contractors who need to move equipment between job sites efficiently. Its thoughtful design ensures that even with its impressive capabilities, the rig remains easy to transport, saving both time and resources.

The SR-65’s weight and dimensions fall within manageable ranges for its class, allowing it to comply with standard transportation regulations. This eliminates the need for excessive permits or specialized equipment, simplifying logistics for contractors. 

Additionally, its modular design enables quick disassembly and reassembly, further streamlining the process of mobilizing the rig to new locations.

Once on-site, the SR-65 is designed for swift setup and minimal preparation time, allowing crews to begin drilling operations without unnecessary delays. Its compact design makes it an ideal solution for navigating tight or restricted spaces, such as urban construction sites or areas with limited access.

Additional features

The Soilmec SR-65 features Drilling Mate System (DMS) 4.0, an advanced real-time monitoring and control system. The DMS works well for real-time monitoring of drilling parameters, which improves accuracy and reduces errors. 

Get your foundation drilling rig from Western Equipment Solutions

Ready to take your foundation construction projects to the next level? Western Equipment Solutions is your trusted partner for all Soilmec equipment, including the powerful and versatile SR-65. 

Whether you’re tackling large-diameter piles, CFA drilling, or displacement piles, the Soilmec SR-65 delivers unmatched performance and reliability to get the job done right. Our team of experts is here to help you select the perfect foundation drilling rig for your specific needs, ensuring you have the tools to succeed. 

Contact Western Equipment Solutions today and equip your projects with the best in the industry. Let’s build your foundation for success!