
HARDAB 5K6
DTH / RC / Tophammer
- Stage V / Tier 4 Final: 55 kW or 74 kW diesel engine option diesel engine.
- Lower diesel engine emission standard: 74 kW diesel engine.
- Pull up: 50 kN / 11240 lbf
- Patented Rod Handling Arm for handling 6-meter and 3-meter drill pipes.
- Developed for Water Wells, Geothermal, and Mineral Prospecting with Reverse Circulation.
The 5K6 is suitable for a wide range of applications. In addition to the down-the-hole process, its also commonly used for reverse circulation with an optional RC package and an optional top-hammer package for suitable drill methods.
Features at-a-glance
Deutz TD 3.6
John Deere 4045
Engine
Stage V and EPA Tier 4 Final – European Union, and North America
Two engine options available. Deutz TD 3.6 with 55.4 kW / 74 HP or John Deere 4045 with 74 kW / 99 HP.
Deutz TD 3.6 with 55.4 kW / 74 HP is an alternative for the 5K6 without DEF/AdBlue and the SCR approved for use in Europe and North America. HARDAB has chosen the New High Torque engine version for extraordinarily strong performance below 56 kW which is the threshold for no SCR equipment.
HARDAB 5K3 equipped with a Deutz 55 kW engine meets Stage V regulations without DEF/AdBlue and the SCR. This minimizes long-term maintenance costs.
John Deere 4045 with 74 kW / 99 HP with DPF/AdBlue and SCR is ready to meet Stage V emissions regulations with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). John Deere has billions of hours of field experience with off-highway diesel engine technologies and launched many of its engines ahead of EPA and EU deadlines
Tier 3, Stage 3A, and Lesser Regulated Engines:
Wherever you operate your drilling rigs – HARDAB has the engine that complies with your national and regional emission standards whether that is Tier 3 also known as Stage 3A – or any Tier below and above.
DTH Rotation Unit Images
Rotation Unit RC Unit
Rotation Units
DTH Rotation Unit from HARDAB
All parts of a HARDAB down-the-hole rotation unit or top drive as its also called are exclusively manufactured by HARDAB. Because we make our rotation units ourselves from start to finished product, we have a deep knowledge of the product to quickly help when breakdowns happen.
HARDABs latest rotation unit has been in us for almost 10 years with no total breakdown recorded to date.
Features
Power Torque: With the click of a button, you get twice the torque power for when you need to connect the pipes just a little tighter. On Manually Controlled rigs enabling the function is done with the press of a button on the rotation joystick. On Fully-Radio Controlled rigs enabling the function is done with the press of a button on the side of the radio control transmitter and using the rotation joystick. All rigs can enable the function for a longer duration with a button on the iQDrill screen.
Turbo Feed: only on our 6-meter drilling rigs – get quicker feed up for quicker pipe changes. Activate momentarily with a push-button on the feed joystick or activate in iQDrill to enable the function for a longer duration.
Reverse Circulation Rotation Units from HARDAB
HARDAB RC Rotation Units are developed to overcome today’s requirements for Reverse Circulation Exploration and Grade Control.
Reverse Circulation
We make efficient and robust RC Drilling machine. With a patented rod handling system you get real and efficient one-man operations.
Rotation Unit
HARDAB high torque RC rotation unit was developed to overcome today’s requirements for Reverse Circulation (RC) exploration and grade control drilling. To ease drillers’ and mechanics’ life, we designed it with the latest technology of high torque motors and a limited quantity of movable parts. The rotation unit has an optional two-hydraulic speed control to allow torque when needed and speed otherwise.
Air Swivel
Our Reverse Circulation Air Swivel will overcome every requirement for Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling. This Air Swivel is specially designed for High-pressure drilling and an abrasive environment. Simple wear parts made to be easily replaceable, this Air Swivel will allow you to limit your machine downtime.
Pressure: | 1300 [PSI] (90 [bar]) |
Flow: | 1300[SCFM] (610[SLSP]) |
Thread: | 3 1/2 API |
Cyclone
Used in Conventional and Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling, Our 1300 CFM Cyclone, with strategically positioned wear pads, has low maintenance fees and many options like rubber cone, rotator, and leveling arm.
- Rubber cone available
- Cyclone rotation and support optional
Flow: | 1300[SCFM] (610[SLSP]) |
Cyclone Support
Suitable for Reverse Circulation sampling systems and others up to 1500[lbs], this adjustable positioning arm will simplify geologist work. This support is available with three hydraulic and one pneumatic outlet to control your sampling system functions.
Capacity: | 1500[lbs] (680[kg]) |
Vertical displacement: | 36[in] |
Sampling rotation: | 360° |
Arm lateral rot.: | up to 60° |
Tilt angle: | up to 20° |

Hydraulics
Hydraulic Pumps
Equipped with two load-sensing variable axial piston pumps by Danfoss and a dedicated gear pump from our own Made in Europe HARDAB Hydraulics brand dedicated for the pull-up function.
Hydraulic Filters
Nothing is as damaging to operators as breakdowns when you need the machine the most. To hydraulics, nothing is more damaging than dirt, water, and unwanted particles. That’s why all our drilling rigs have seven (7) hydraulic filters to protect critical components and prolong the expected machine life.
- One return filter dedicated to the hydraulic welding machine and optional equipment (on top of the tank)
Protects the hydraulic tank from contamination from the hydraulic motor at the welding machine. - One water-absorbing return hydraulic filter (on top of the tank).
The filter element has a special water-absorbing coating. Water can cavitate on hydraulic spools and make rust inside adapters. - Two LS-filters
To protect the pump load-sensing regulators - One feed pump pressure filter.
Filters oil for feed valve and one of two side function valves. - One rotation pump pressure filter.
Filters oil for rotation valves and one of two side function valves. - One pull-up pump pressure filter
Filters oil from the gear pump to protect the feed valve - Three air breather filters (rotation unit, hydraulic tank, diesel tank)
Protects the hydraulic system tank, the grease inside the rotation unit, and the diesel inside the diesel tank from condensation water. - Optional filter for optional equipment that requires pre-filtering as well as hydraulically driven engine fans (only John Deere 4045).
To protect option valves.
Because HARDAB only chooses high-quality filters you consistently get maximum oil cleanliness in your machine. HARDAB users who change filters according to the maintenance scheme enjoy fewer hydraulic faults than any other machines.
Hydraulic Hose
HARDAB uses a long-life PVC hard-coated hydraulic hose made in the EU that has excellent abrasion resistance. Where needed we add an additional HD-PE plastic protection spiral for even more hose protection.
Hydraulic Servicing
Hydraulic servicing is easy to reach ground level.
The hydraulic system is proven in the field for many years and is easy to faulty search. Many hydraulic faults are solved by the operator with the help of HARDAB technicians by phone.
We mount hydraulic pressure sensors for even simpler hydraulic faulty searching with the iQDrill system over the air with our service technicians or by technicians at the machine.
Hydraulic Water Pump and Welding Machine
HARDAB drilling rigs come equipped with a hydraulic water pump and a hydraulic welding machine as standard. The water pump is located in a heated cabinet. Optionally a larger hydraulic water pump may be purchased.


Robustness
Highly Durable Frame
Your bottom line is improved by the highly durable frame that makes up the rig. Built to last and to be the better option in the most challenging conditions. We build our rigs on steel square tubes carefully selected for their elastic tendencies, which makes cracks less prone. All welding on a HARDAB drilling rig is made according to the highest standard.
Undercarriage
HARDAB designs and manufactures our own undercarriage. Every component is engineered for lasting durability, including rubber/steel or steel tracks, forged steel idlers, and strong drive motors.
The sloped track frame prevents mud and debris accumulation, helping reduce the risk of track damage due to the build-up of debris.
Repairs
Our use of mild steel for the frame, derrick, and other components keeps field repairs simple. We do not cover up the rig in unnecessary thin metal plates that make repairs harder and more time-consuming than they should be.
Paint
All frame components are painted with a two-component, high-gloss polyurethane paint to form a durable, easy-to-clean, and non-chalking topcoat with outstanding gloss and color retention. Our own paint color, HARDAB Yellow was developed jointly by HARDAB and our paint provider to look good during the harshest drilling operations.
Serviceability
Warranty
We believe in our product so; we give a comprehensive warranty against defects. 12 months or 1500 machine hours whichever occurs first.
Greasing
Centralized grease points and easy access to other maintenance items including the battery, oil filter, air cleaner, fuel filter, and other components simplify servicing and reduce time spent on regular maintenance procedures.
Fluid Checks
Hydraulic fluid level checks are made easier with a sight gauge.
Electrical
Electrical connectors are sealed to lock out dust and moisture. Harnesses are covered for protection. Wires are color and number coded for easy diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics are straightforward with our iQDrill System. HARDAB Service Technicians offer both over-the-air 4G diagnostics from our offices in Sweden or On-Site Diagnostics at your site with the closest HARDAB service technicians.
Many diagnostic points are available to the customer through the iQDrill touchscreen which means the operator can identify the faulty part before contacting HARDAB.
FaceTime and WhatsApp Online Help
HARDAB Service Technicians can be contacted over FaceTime, WhatsApp Video Call, or the video call service of the operator’s choice for quick faulty searching. HARDAB conducts approximately 95% of all our faulty searching this way.
Technology
Keypad iQDrill
Intuitive symbols and large graphics of the keypad simplify usage with quick access to diesel engine RPM, drill counter, safety system verification, and activation of the radio transmitter.
Display iQDrill
The large LCD display shows machine information, letting you know exactly how the machine is performing.
Use the quick touchscreen to enable options, change machine parameters, and more.
See the rotation unit RPM, depth counter, diesel fluid level, and much more in the LCD display.
Engine Data Display
Both John Deere and Deutz have intuitive displays that are easy to use for the operator with all necessary information and inputs.
Customer Support
The Essence of a Good Customer Relationship
For HARDAB, customer support is the essence of a good customer relationship. It’s often the one of the reasons why HARDAB’s customers come back and buy additional HARDAB rigs.
Languages
We offer customer support in English, French, and Swedish.
VideoCall
HARDAB Service Technicians can be contacted over FaceTime, WhatsApp Video Call or the videocall service of the operator’s choice for quick faulty searching. HARDAB conducts approximately 95 % of all our faulty searching this way.
iQDrill Online Service
Diagnostics are simple with our iQDrill System. HARDAB Service Technicians offer both over-the-air 4G diagnostics from our offices in Sweden or On-Site Diagnostics at your site with the closest HARDAB service technicians.
Many diagnostic points are available to the customer through the iQDrill touchscreen which means the operator can identify the faulty part before contacting HARDAB.
Service and Maintenace Packs and Containers
HARDAB offers service and maintenance packages to be bought together with the drilling rig including common spare parts, wear parts, and drilling consumables and accessories. Especially popular with our many mineral exploration customers.
Patented Pipe Handling System

The Patented Pipe Handling System from HARDAB is the only pipe handling system that is easy to use, doesn’t rely on electronics or sensors, and in which the arm has a simple singular motion – up and down. Pipes are loaded by tilting the pipe basket and letting a pipe roll into the arm.
Learn the many more reasons why operators choose HARDAB drilling rigs with our Patented Pipe Handling System
How it works:
Drill Rod Basket
Pipe Handling Arm and Drilling
Picking Up


Benefits of a 6-meter rig
Using longer drill pipes in DTH (down-the-hole) drilling and Reverse Circulation drilling can provide several benefits that can help to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity. Some of the key benefits of using longer drill pipes include:
- Improved efficiency: Using longer drill pipes can increase the efficiency of the drilling process, as you can drill more footage with each drill pipe, reducing the number of connections that need to be made thus saving time and improving productivity.
- Reduced fuel consumption: The longer drill pipes and the fewer connections allow the compressor to operate at a reduced work rate, which helps to lower fuel consumption and operating costs.
- Pipe handling system: Our pipe handling system allows the operator to load and unload drill pipes more efficiently, increasing the overall productivity of your operations.
Manual Control or Full Radio Control
All HARDAB rigs are available with a classic control panel or easy-to-use full radio control.

Manual Control
The HARDAB Manual Control Panel is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, with all necessary machine functions conveniently located in one place. The control panel is equipped with two high-quality German-made control valves and two Parker joysticks for feed and rotation with integrated buttons for Power Torque and Turbo Feed (only available for 6-meter models).

Full Radio Control
By using a HARDAB drilling rig with full radio control and our patented rod handling system, the operator’s safety and comfort are significantly enhanced.
- The radio control has as many proportional functions as possible, including rotation, feed, support legs, mast, winch, and pipe handling system.
- Toggle switches are used to activate or deactivate only certain functions, such as the welding machine, the water pump, and the breakout key cylinders.
- Having up to 20 hours of battery time allows you to be productive throughout the entire day.
Specifications
Drilling
Pull Up (Lift) | 50 kN 11 240 lbf ≈ 5 tons |
Pull Down (Feed) | 35 kN 7 868 lbf ≈ 3.5 tons |
Drill Pipe Length | 6 meters |
Drilling Method | DTH, open pit/blasting, and optional RC drilling package. For other drilling methods contact us. |
Drilling Depth Capacity | Depends on the drill pipe weight. |
Rotation Unit | DTH Package 1: DTH Package 2: DTH Package 3: DTH Package 4: RC Rotation Units. Click here. |
Control system | Manual control or optional Full Radio Control |
Carrier option | Fixed track or optional skid for truck mount |
Engine
Net Power and Engine Model | Stage V / Tier 4 Final 55 kW – Deutz TD 3.6 L4 Without DEF/AdBlue and SCR 74 kW – John Deere 4045 HI550 For lower emissions like Tier 3 etc. 74 kW – John Deere 4045 |
Hydraulic System
Main System – Maximum Flow | 310 bar max. 260 nominal max pressure. |
Hydraulic Pump Configuration | Two axial piston pumps made by Hawe Hydraulik & one gear pump made by HARDAB Hydraulics in the EU |
Hydraulic Oil | FUCHS HYDRAULIC OIL 131 – pumpable down to negative 40° C Optional bio-degradable oil. |
Service Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank Capacity | |
Hydraulic Tank | |
Track Drives | 2.2 liters |
Dimensions
Frame length (excl. mast) | Coming soon. Contact HARDAB |
Mast (length) | Coming soon. Contact HARDAB |
Ground Clearance | Coming soon. Contact HARDAB |
Track Length | Coming soon. Contact HARDAB |
Transport Width | Coming soon. Contact HARDAB |
Weight (without drill pipes) | Coming soon. Contact HARDAB |

Standard and Optional
Equipment
Standard equipment refers to the components or features that are included as part of the base package for the rig. Optional equipment refers to additional components or features that are available for an extra cost.
Standard Equipment
- 3 robust stabilizer legs for maximum stability in uneven terrain and market-leading 1-meter extension. Read more
- Durable two-component, high-solids glossy polyurethane paint – with a cure process of one week for outstanding hardening properties for paint longevity.
- Five emergency stops. Four red mushroom emergency stops, and one cable pull switch.
- Three big heated storage cabinets with lockable doors (integrated keylock and padlock)
- Top winch with 350 kg lifting capacity.
- Dual axial piston pump and one gear pump
Optional Equipment
- Stabilizer legs with a horizontal extension of 300 mm.
- Huge selection of optional led lights. Up to 14 pcs per drilling rig.
- Extra Heavy Duty drill pipe basket with a max weight of 3200 kg.
- Rotating top winch with 360 degree slew drive and jib extension incl. hand control.

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