Drilling & Blasting

Drilling & Blasting Starts With the Right Rock Drill

Drilling and blasting is a production game. If your blast holes aren’t consistent, everything downstream slows down: loading, shot timing, fragmentation, hauling, and cleanup. John Henry Rock Drills (built by Jimco) are designed for contractors who need dependable drilling performance in hard ground and tight schedules. Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, the John Henry lineup focuses on practical, jobsite-ready excavator-mounted drilling—so crews can drill accurately, keep patterns clean, and stay on pace when the pressure is on.

Why Excavator-Mounted Drilling Wins on Real Job Sites

Excavator-mounted rock drills bring mobility and flexibility that’s hard to beat. On many jobs, you’re drilling in areas where traditional setups are awkward or slow—tight corridors, uneven terrain, or work zones with limited access. An excavator platform gives you reach, positioning control, and the ability to move quickly from hole to hole without constant re-setup. That efficiency matters in drilling and blasting because the best drill plan is the one you can execute smoothly—without turning every relocation into a half-hour event.

Purpose-Built for Blast Hole Productivity

John Henry drills are built around a straightforward philosophy: maximize drilling performance by dedicating the excavator’s power to drilling functions. That focus shows up in the core build: heavy-duty feed construction, stable positioning features, and drilling systems designed to keep the tool working consistently in rough conditions. When you’re drilling blast patterns, consistency is everything—hole alignment, depth, and repeatability. A dependable setup helps reduce rework, supports predictable fragmentation, and keeps your crew’s pacing steady from the first hole to the last.

Match the Machine to the Hole Plan

Not every blast plan is the same, and your equipment should match the job. John Henry Rock Drills are offered in multiple models and configurations, including options associated with JH16, JH20, LTS, and specialty solutions like the Revolver. Capability ranges include 12’, 16’, and 20’ drilling options, with an available single automatic rod changer option for added depth and efficiency. Whether you’re drilling standard patterns, working around obstructions, or dealing with limited access, Jimco can help you align the right drill configuration to your production goals.

Drilling With Our Tools Is A Blast!

The Details That Keep Crews Drilling

Good drilling and blasting equipment isn’t just about hitting rock hard—it’s about staying smooth and controllable across a full shift. John Henry model pages highlight features aimed at stable, repeatable drilling: heavy-duty feed designs, stainless steel rails and low-friction slide components for consistent travel, strong retraction force, and hydraulic centralizers for positioning. Operator controls are designed to be adjustable where it counts—rotation speed, feed pressure, air volume, and water suppression—so crews can tune the drill to rock conditions instead of fighting the machine. That translates directly to cleaner patterns and less time wasted.

Dust Control, Flushing Air, and Jobsite Practicality

Blast hole drilling has to be productive and manageable on the jobsite. John Henry configurations commonly feature a flushing air setup and dust-control options that support cleaner drilling environments. Water suppression systems and optional dust collection solutions are available depending on project requirements, which can be especially important when dust is regulated or water isn’t an ideal fit for a site. The goal is simple: keep the drilling operation efficient, keep visibility and cleanup reasonable, and help crews operate safely and comfortably while maintaining production.

Rentals, Parts, and Drill Steel Support That Actually Matters

Drilling and blasting schedules don’t always wait for a purchase cycle—and that’s where Jimco’s support ecosystem becomes a real advantage. Jimco provides John Henry rock drill rentals to major construction projects across the United States, with drills available mounted on late-model Caterpillar and Komatsu excavators. Beyond rentals, Jimco supports customers with OEM parts and phone support to help ensure correct parts placement, plus fast shipping coverage. They also carry top-hammer drill steel, bits, and striker bars, stocking major thread types like T38, T45, and T51 to help keep fleets supplied.

Talk to Jimco About Your Drilling & Blasting Needs

If you’re planning a drilling and blasting job and want equipment support that’s built around real production, reach out to Jimco and the John Henry Rock Drill team. Share your project goals, hole diameter and depth requirements, site constraints, and schedule—and they can help you narrow down the best-fit model, configuration, and support plan. Whether you need a full rental package, guidance on machine selection, or reliable access to parts and drill steel, Jimco is positioned to help you drill efficiently, keep patterns consistent, and move your project forward with confidence.