The ManipAll rod and casing handler is our answer to unsafe situations and physical discomfort while drilling with large rigs. At Royal Eijkelkamp, safety always comes first, so our machines are designed to be safer than the industry standard.
In 2025, our efforts were recognized with the Ground Engineering Health and Safety Award for the ManipAll.
The judging panel noted that “this innovation directly tackles long-standing risks related to musculoskeletal injury in drilling operations – not just on their own rigs, but through ancillary tools designed for integration with any manufacturer’s setup.”
Richard Gussinklo, Manager of Rig Engineering at Royal Eijkelkamp, explains why and how the ManipAll was developed, as well as how it was received by the market.
“Sonic drilling is focused on efficiency and optimal drilling performance, and we continue to innovate every day to achieve this. We pay close attention to detail and safety when developing our rigs. But we wanted to go beyond simply improving the drilling operation itself; we wanted to optimize all drilling site operations.
With the goal of reducing the workload for drilling personnel, we set out to develop a flexible solution that makes handling drill rods and casings easier. An added benefit would be reduced downtime, because in the event of an accident, the drilling site is often temporarily closed for safety inspection, and work comes to a standstill.
Safety is everything in the drilling world, and "hands off steel" is increasingly used as a guideline on the drilling site. A lost finger is unfortunately not uncommon, nor are back, shoulder, and arm injuries.
Tooling is typically lifted by hand or with a winch. This winch lifts the rods so they can be positioned. However, a hanging rod weighing several hundred kilos can still cause significant damage in the event of entrapment or operator error.
Our new solution therefore had to eliminate both manual handling and the use of the winch to prevent as many accidents as possible on the drilling site.
Developments for the ManipAll began in 2010. The first model developed, the ManipAll 200, could lift tooling weighing up to 100 kg and measuring 2 meters in length, but the need soon arose to handle heavier and longer tooling. This was achieved in the form of the ManipAll 250. The next version was the remote-controlled version, allowing for completely hands-free operation. The ManipAll 250 RC also features a PLC for simplified operation and allows programming of recurring positions.
Initial reactions to the ManipAll were mixed. There was a perception that working with the ManipAll would be slower. And speed is key in the drilling world. But if the driller doing the work gets tired, they'll also slow down. With lighter work, it's much more manageable and you can work efficiently for longer periods. A 12-hour workday is quite common in the drilling world, and fatigue can quickly lead to accidents.
Once crews get used to the ManipAll, the speed is no less than working with the old method, and they often don't want to be without it. Safety regulations are also changing. In mining, for example, sometimes no one is allowed within 10 meters of the machine. In those cases, the remote-controlled ManipAll is the only option.
The ManipAll offers a high degree of flexibility, for example, in the location of the tooling around the machine, as well as the diameter of the tooling being used. It can easily switch between 3 inches and 5.5 inches. The ManipAll 250 can even handle casing sizes up to 10-3/4 inches.
Furthermore, there is flexibility in mounting. The ManipAll is suitable for Eijkelkamp machines as well as those from other manufacturers, and can even be mounted on other vehicles. Universal mounting kits are available for this purpose.
Where the ManipAll truly excels is in applications involving angled drilling. The drill mast is tilted in these situations, which complicates the delivery of drill rods and casings. Working with a winch is then insufficient. The ManipAll securely holds the tooling and can also deliver it at an angle, for safe and efficient work.
The ManipAll was awarded the 2025 Health and Safety Award by Ground Engineering Magazine. The jury awarded us the prize based on its benefits for both safety and productivity, as practical experience has proven that the ManipAll not only allows for safer drilling, but also faster. A fitting accolade for this exceptional product!
