When contractors search for a rock drill, they’re usually looking for one thing: a machine that can keep production moving in hard ground without constant downtime or compromises. John Henry Rock Drills (built by Jimco) are excavator-mounted rock drilling machines designed around jobsite realities—tight schedules, uneven terrain, changing access, and rock that doesn’t care about your timeline. Whether your work involves drilling for blasting, foundations, trenching, or other rock drilling applications, the right rock drill setup is the one that stays dependable and predictable when conditions get tough.
Rock Drill
Why Excavator-Mounted Rock Drills Are a Practical Choice
Excavator-mounted rock drills combine drilling performance with the mobility contractors need. Instead of using a stationary rig that’s slower to reposition, an excavator platform lets crews move quickly, work in tighter areas, and adjust positioning with more flexibility. That matters because rock drilling is rarely “set it and forget it”—you’re often drilling across varying elevations, uneven benches, or constrained jobsite footprints. A rock drill mounted to a proven excavator platform gives operators the reach and control to drill efficiently without turning every relocation into a time sink.
The John Henry Approach: Built for Accuracy and Production
A rock drill should do two things consistently: drill accurately and drill efficiently. John Henry Rock Drills are positioned around a production-focused approach—delivering performance that helps crews keep patterns clean and output steady. Across the John Henry lineup, the focus is on practical drilling power and jobsite-ready construction, so operators can maintain control and consistency across long shifts. When your team is drilling in rock, accuracy isn’t a luxury—it affects rework, downstream production, and the quality of the overall result.
Model Options: Choose the Right Rock Drill for the Job
Different jobs call for different rock drill configurations, which is why Jimco supports multiple John Henry models and setups. The product lineup includes JH16 and JH20 models, plus options like the LTS and specialty configurations designed for compact or constrained sites. Reach and capability options are available in multiple drilling ranges, helping contractors choose the best fit for the depth and positioning demands of the work. The goal isn’t to oversell a single “perfect” machine—it’s to help you match a rock drill setup to what you actually need on the jobsite.
Drills For Jobs Of Any Size
Versatility Across Rock Drilling Applications
A rock drill’s value shows up when your work varies from project to project. John Henry Rock Drills are presented for use across a range of rock drilling needs—including drilling and blasting support, pipeline ditch work, soil nailing, and other applications where rock has to be drilled efficiently. That kind of versatility is important for contractors who don’t want a rock drill that only shines in one narrow scenario. When your workload shifts, the equipment should still deliver steady performance and predictable results.
Rent a Rock Drill When Schedules Don’t Wait
Sometimes the fastest path to production is renting. Jimco provides John Henry rock drill rentals to projects across the United States, with drills available mounted on late-model Caterpillar and Komatsu excavators. Renting can be ideal when you need to scale up for a major push, cover a short-term need, or keep a project moving while your own equipment is tied up. It’s also a practical way to validate a rock drill configuration for your typical work—so you can confirm workflow and performance before making a long-term decision.
Package Mounts for Your Existing Excavator
If you already have a late-model excavator and want to add rock drilling capability without replacing your carrier, Jimco also offers package mount options. This approach supports contractors who want to leverage their own machine and operators, while still running a John Henry rock drill system. With the right planning, a package mount can be a clean way to expand capability while keeping your fleet familiar and consistent—especially if you’re already standardized on certain excavator platforms.
Parts, Drill Steel, and Support That Keeps You Working
A rock drill is only as valuable as the support behind it. Jimco supports John Henry operators with parts availability, service guidance, and shipping coverage designed to reduce downtime risk. They also provide drill steel and consumables, including common top-hammer components and thread types used in the field. For contractors, this matters as much as the machine itself—because when you’re drilling in rock, delays get expensive fast. If you want a rock drill solution backed by a manufacturer that supports the equipment long after it hits the jobsite, the John Henry team is built around that long-term mindset.