John Henry Rock Drills (built by Jimco) are designed to run as complete excavator-mounted drilling systems, and Caterpillar platforms are one of the primary carrier options featured across their lineup. If you need an excavator drill that’s built for rock and backed by a team that supports the equipment long after it hits the jobsite, Jimco’s “Cat drill” configurations are a strong fit.
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Why Contractors Like Caterpillar-Based Drill Platforms
A Cat-based drilling platform is popular for straightforward reasons: operators know Caterpillar machines, service support is widely available, and the excavator platform is built for jobsite mobility. Rock drilling isn’t static work—you’re constantly repositioning, changing angles, and moving across uneven ground. A Caterpillar excavator gives you a reliable carrier with reach and control, and when paired with a purpose-built drilling system, you get a “Cat drill” setup that’s practical for real production work instead of being overly specialized or limited to perfect conditions.
Excavator-Mounted Drilling Means Faster Repositioning and Better Access
One of the biggest advantages of a Cat drill setup is simple: it can keep moving. On many sites, drilling slows down not because the rock is impossible—but because the drill can’t reposition efficiently or access tight areas without constant reconfiguration. Excavator-mounted drilling helps crews drill in places that are awkward for rigid setups, while still maintaining controlled alignment and repeatable results. When drilling is part of a bigger schedule (blasting support, trenching, stabilization, foundations), the ability to move efficiently often matters just as much as raw drilling performance.
John Henry + Cat: Built for Consistent Penetration and Predictable Output
A “Cat drill” setup isn’t just about the excavator—it’s about the drilling system being designed to work with it effectively. John Henry model descriptions emphasize production drilling and strong penetration by dedicating excavator power to drilling functions. For contractors, that translates into something you can plan around: steady drilling progress, fewer performance surprises, and a better shot at hitting daily footage targets. Consistency is what makes the rest of the job predictable, and predictable drilling keeps the entire crew schedule healthier.
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Cat Drill Options: JH16/316 and JH20/323F
Jimco highlights specific John Henry configurations that pair directly with Caterpillar platforms. Two of the most relevant for “Cat drill” searches are the JH16/316 and JH20/323F configurations—both presented as excavator-mounted rock drill solutions on Caterpillar excavators. If you’re deciding between setups, the real question usually comes down to what your job needs most: reach and drilling capacity, jobsite footprint, and how much daily production you’re targeting. Jimco’s lineup gives you options so you can match the drill to the work instead of forcing your workflow to match the machine.
Rentals: Get a Cat Drill in the Field Without Purchase Lead Time
Sometimes you don’t need a permanent fleet addition—you need drilling capacity now. Jimco supports rentals across the U.S., and their rental drills are available mounted on late-model Caterpillar excavators. That’s a big deal when a project ramps up fast, a rock section appears unexpectedly, or you need to supplement capacity for a specific phase. Renting a Cat drill setup is also a smart way to validate fit—operators, productivity, maintenance expectations—before committing long term.
Package Mounts: Turn Your Existing Cat Excavator Into a Drill Platform
If you already have a Caterpillar excavator in your fleet, Jimco also supports package mount options for certain John Henry configurations. That lets you keep your existing carrier and add drilling capability in a way that fits your operation. For contractors standardized on Cat machines, this can be an efficient path: familiar platform, familiar operators, and a drilling system that’s engineered to perform. It’s especially useful when you want drilling capability without purchasing a fully separate dedicated drill unit.
Support That Makes a Cat Drill Worth Owning or Renting
A Cat drill setup is only as good as the support behind it—because drilling work is hard on equipment, consumables, and timelines. Jimco’s ecosystem (rentals, parts, and consumables) is built around keeping John Henry drills productive in the field. If you’re evaluating Cat drill options, don’t just compare machines—compare who can keep you running when something wears out mid-project. With the right support structure in place, your drilling system becomes a production tool you can count on rather than a schedule risk you have to babysit. Contact us today!