An apparatus includes a carriage movable along a drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage, at least one actuator extending between the carriage and the linking member to pivot the linking member between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive pivotally coupled to the linking member. According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a drilling tower, a carriage movably coupled to the drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage to permit the linking member to pivot between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive extending longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower, the top drive being pivotally coupled to the linking member to permit the top drive to continue to extend longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower when the linking member pivots between the first and second pivot positions.

An apparatus includes a carriage movable along a drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage, at least one actuator extending between the carriage and the linking member to pivot the linking member between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive pivotally coupled to the linking member. According to another aspect, an apparatus includes a drilling tower, a carriage movably coupled to the drilling tower, a linking member pivotally coupled to the carriage to permit the linking member to pivot between first and second pivot positions, and a top drive extending longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower, the top drive being pivotally coupled to the linking member to permit the top drive to continue to extend longitudinally in a parallel relation to the drilling tower when the linking member pivots between the first and second pivot positions.

A method automatically for adjusting the hoist speed of a drill is disclosed. The method includes determining the mast angle of the drilling implement relative to a work surface, and changing the hoisting speed of the drill implement depending on the mast angle.

A method automatically for adjusting the hoist speed of a drill is disclosed. The method includes determining the mast angle of the drilling implement relative to a work surface, and changing the hoisting speed of the drill implement depending on the mast angle.

A machine and a method for earth-working with a machine, having a mast, along which a top drive can be moved vertically by an adjusting device, through which top drive a telescopic kelly bar is displaceably guided, which has at least one outer kelly bar, which is designed to come to lie on the top drive, and one inner kelly bar, which comprises a rope suspension for a rope, through which the inner kelly bar is moved vertically by a rope winch. The adjusting device for the top drive and/or the main rope winch for the kelly bar is/are automatically controlled, wherein the inner kelly bar is moved relative to the top drive in some areas in a rapid travel mode at a first speed and in some areas in a conservative travel mode, in which the speed is reduced in comparison with the first speed.

A machine and a method for earth-working with a machine, having a mast, along which a top drive can be moved vertically by an adjusting device, through which top drive a telescopic kelly bar is displaceably guided, which has at least one outer kelly bar, which is designed to come to lie on the top drive, and one inner kelly bar, which comprises a rope suspension for a rope, through which the inner kelly bar is moved vertically by a rope winch. The adjusting device for the top drive and/or the main rope winch for the kelly bar is/are automatically controlled, wherein the inner kelly bar is moved relative to the top drive in some areas in a rapid travel mode at a first speed and in some areas in a conservative travel mode, in which the speed is reduced in comparison with the first speed.

A method includes receiving a user input to conduct a coarse pivot movement of a drill mast. A locking-pin withdraw signal is sent to a locking pin actuator for a first period of time. Responsive to determining that a locking pin is engaged with a locking hole after the first period of time, the drill mast is repositioned from a current angle to an initial angle. A second locking-pin withdraw signal is sent to the locking pin actuator for a second period of time. Responsive to determining that the locking pin is engaged with the locking hole after the second period of time, the drill mast is repositioned between a minimum drill mast angle and a maximum drill mast angle and sending a third locking-pin withdraw signal to the locking pin actuator for a third period of time.

A method of assembling a drilling rig may include aligning a trailer with a drilling rig support structure, the trailer carrying a mast and the drilling rig support structure including a step-down substructure. A first end of the mast may be positioned over the drilling rig support structure and arms may be extended from the mast to the drilling rig support structure so that the drilling rig support structure supports the first end of the mast. The mast may translate along a length of the drilling rig support structure. The mast may be coupled to the drilling rig support structure.

A method of assembling a drilling rig may include aligning a trailer with a drilling rig support structure, the trailer carrying a mast and the drilling rig support structure including a step-down substructure. A first end of the mast may be positioned over the drilling rig support structure and arms may be extended from the mast to the drilling rig support structure so that the drilling rig support structure supports the first end of the mast. The mast may translate along a length of the drilling rig support structure. The mast may be coupled to the drilling rig support structure.

A land-based drilling rig includes a first substructure and a second substructure, the second substructure being positioned generally parallel to the first substructure. The land-based drilling rig also includes a drill rig floor coupled to the first and second substructures, the drill rig floor including a V-door. The side of the drill rig floor has the V-door defining a V-door side of the drill rig floor, where the V-door side of the drill rig floor is parallel to the first substructure. The first and second substructures pivotably support the drill rig floor. The land-based drilling rig also includes a mast, the mast mechanically coupled to one or more of the first substructure, the second substructure, and the drill rig floor. The mast is pivotably coupled to one or more of the first substructure, the second substructure, and the drill rig floor by a mast pivot point. The mast includes a V-door side, the V-door side of the mast parallel to the first or second substructure. In addition, the land-based drilling rig includes a mast hydraulic lift cylinder coupled to the mast at a mast lift point and a choke manifold, the choke manifold positioned on the drill rig floor.