Abstract: A method of installing a rock bolt is provided. A bolt hole can be formed by applying an insertion force to a drill rod and while the insertion force is being applied, applying a rotational force on the drill rod to rotate the drill rod and bore the bolt hole. A rock bolt can then be installed in the bolt hole by applying an insertion force to the rock bolt to insert the rock bolt into a bolt hole and while the insertion force is applied to the rock bolt, applying a rotational force on the rock bolt to rotate the rock bolt in the bolt hole. As the rotational force being applied to the rock bolt increases, the insertion force applied to the rock bolt can be decreased until no insertion force is being applied and the rock bolt has been torqued to a desired torque amount.

Abstract: A rock bolting machine for installing a rock bolt in a roof of an underground space is provided. The rock bolting machine can include a vehicle having a direction of travel, a rock bolting apparatus having a drilling portion adapted to drill a hole in the roof of the underground space and a bolting portion adapted to install a rock bolt in a hole created with the drilling portion. A boom can be provided with the distal end of the boom connected to the rock bolting apparatus and the proximal end moveably connected to the vehicle. Movement of the proximal end of the boom in the direction of travel of the vehicle causes the distal end of the boom to move in the same direction.

Abstract: A method of installing a rock bolt is provided. A bolt hole can be formed by applying an insertion force to a drill rod and while the insertion force is being applied, applying a rotational force on the drill rod to rotate the drill rod and bore the bolt hole. A rock bolt can then be installed in the bolt hole by applying an insertion force to the rock bolt to insert the rock bolt into a bolt hole and while the insertion force is applied to the rock bolt, applying a rotational force on the rock bolt to rotate the rock bolt in the bolt hole. As the rotational force being applied to the rock bolt increases, the insertion force applied to the rock bolt can be decreased until no insertion force is being applied and the rock bolt has been torqued to a desired torque amount.

Abstract: A rock bolting machine for installing a rock bolt in a roof of an underground space is provided. The rock bolting machine can include a vehicle and a boom. A rock bolting assembly can be attached to the boom. The rock bolting assembly can have a drill bolt mast with a frame, a drilling portion adapted to drill a bolt hole and a bolting portion adapted to secure the rock bolt in the bolt hole. The drilling portion can have a drill rod, a drive unit and a drill motor, where the drive unit comprises an input on a top of the drive unit and an output on the top of the drive unit. The input of the drive unit can be connected to the drill motor and the output connected to a bottom end of the drill rod.