FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Of each type of machine sold, all parts and wear parts are sufficiently stocked. If parts are needed, they are brought directly via our own mobile service department or shipped via our logistics partners. NG Quality Drilling works with its own mechanics who communicate in the working language of the on-site personnel. The focus is on the Germany, so the work area is of such a size that we can always be on site within 2 to 4 hours to repair faults.
The Apollo drilling machines, parts and wear parts are produced in India; a low-wage country. As a result, the costs for both the machine and the various parts are significantly lower, while, if we also consider that the Apollo has long been an established name within HDD in Asia, the quality is at least comparable to the providers, as we currently know them in Europe.
That math is easy to do:
The machine is manufactured in India. The low wages there result in a much lower cost of manufacturing the machine. In addition, there are no middlemen pushing the price up unnecessarily. NG Quality Drilling communicates and trades directly with the producing party in India. The lines are short, which also ensures that the cost of the machines is kept to a minimum.
The bottom line is that we ship the machine, which can be produced cheaply in India at the same if not higher quality (compared to the existing brands in the EU) directly to Europe, without third party intervention. This allows the price of the Apollo to be a lot lower than that of the machines, as we know them now in Europe.
Apollo is a manufacturer that has been in business for more than 55 years. An established name in Asia and thus a reliable partner, for now and in the future.
Our technicians speak English as well as German, so they can always properly support the driller on site. According to European regulations, the manuals are delivered in the local language. Within the Benelux, where we operate, this is Dutch, French, German and English.
NG Quality Drilling holds the Apollo dealership in the Benelux and is also the distributor for the rest of Europe. Before the Apollo could be imported at all, much attention was paid to the conversion of the machine according to all European standards. The diesel engine meets all environmental requirements with regard to CO2 emissions and is therefore fully CE certified.
The engine in the machine is from the well-known Caterpillar brand and is supplied to Apollo via Europe.
The Apollo comes with all the accessories needed to operate. The full package can be purchased. However, you can also choose to purchase just the machine and use your own tooling with it. We understand that existing tooling may still be in good condition and have designed the Apollo so that the machine can be used flexibly. In other words, all your own tooling and accessories can be used on the Apollo at any time.
What doesn’t need to be replaced, don’t replace it is our motto. But if the machine is nearing the end of its operation, we would certainly like to bring the Apollo to your attention for replacement. The Apollo is designed to meet all, and increasingly stringent, European CO2 emission requirements. In addition, it is fully compatible with the accessories and tooling of all existing drills.
The biggest advantage of the Apollo is its low price. A price that, thanks to smarter marketing, by producing in a low-wage country and cutting out all the middlemen, is a lot lower than the well-known (American and German) machines. By working with a manufacturer and supplier that can boast a long track record and thus can offer comparable if not higher quality. An important technical advantage of the Apollo drills is also that the tractive power and pump capacity are higher or greater than the comparable models of the well-known brands.
Apollo is a well-known name in Asia. The manufacturer has been in business since 1967 and is one of the major players in the Asian market. Initially they produced Vertical Drilling machines, 15 years ago they also concentrated on Horizontal Drilling rigs.
The manufacturer boasts a long track record and many satisfied customers. The reliability of the machine is thus beyond question.
The Apollo is similar to the machines now used in the European market. Nevertheless, we spend time on commissioning the machine. Each machine comes with a comprehensive, clearly written manual in its own language. We also take the time to answer all questions about the machine. We do this on site, at the driller’s premises, in person. The German support comes directly from the manufacturer and is therefore well versed in the machine from the start and also knows how to communicate this clearly. In short, every machine comes with on-site training and is given to the people who will operate the machine.
We use the usual warranty of 1 year or 1,000 hours of operation. There is no difference in this with alternative providers. What does distinguish us is our level of support and service. If there are any problems, we are ready to help you 24/7. Because we understand the (financial) consequences if a machine comes to a standstill. We know what is going on in the field and are ready to help you further. Our mobile service department is ready to come to you directly to solve any problems. We work with our own mechanics who are both skilled in the field and communicate in both English and German.
NG Quality Drilling rolled out the Apollo in Europe this year. One of the early adopters is Martin Jansen, owner of Twegron Infra GMBH. His consideration of going for Apollo was a well-considered one and was prompted by the dissatisfaction he experienced with the machine he was currently working with. Martin’s considerations are articulated and clarified in detail in this article.
Each machine comes with comprehensive product training. The training is conducted in the native language on site with the people who will be working with the machine. Full time is taken to explain the full operation of the machine on all parts. The manual provided is in the user’s own language and is clearly formulated. Should there still be issues that are not clear after the training, our service team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide the necessary support. Still need help on site? We will be there to help you within 2-3 hours.
In view of the goal of climate-neutral operations by 2050 and the upcoming environmental requirements that will be imposed on us by 2030, it is important that we are ready to meet the demands that will be made. We have taken this into account. Initially, there will be an opportunity to convert an existing diesel-powered drill to electric. In our industry, it will be some time before an all-electric machine without generator support comes on the market, but work is being done behind the scenes on this.
In addition, we are deliberately keeping the price of the Apollo low so that the depreciation time is also as short as possible. In this way, we are risk-free ready with high-quality electric machines.
At our distribution centers in Holland and Germany, we make sure that all parts are always in sufficient supply at all times so that, should the need arise, we are ready to come and replace them on site. With our direct lines to the factory and quick transport solutions, deliveries can also be made to us or the customer very quickly from India.
The machine is red, but, keeping in mind our own corporate identity colors, it can be delivered in any color.
We understand that downtime comes at a huge cost. We therefore ensure that we are ready 24/7 to provide you with the support you need. With a German and Benelux working area, the distances are manageable from our mobile maintenance unit and allows us to be with you within 2 to 3 hours. We work with our own mechanics who communicate in their own language (German and English) with the crew on site.
We keep an eye on the regular maintenance for you and will give timely notice that maintenance is required and schedule the maintenance service at a time when the machine itself is not in use. This prevents unnecessary downtime and lost sales.
