From the beginning of time we have been drilling holes in rocks to make smaller rocks for building materials.
With the downturn of the American economy from 2007 through 2011, Larmee Equipment & Supply, Inc. principals, Ray Larmee and John Hall, realized that there would not be an abundance of good used equipment becoming available to the construction marketplace.
Management at Larmee Equipment began to research and look for a new hydraulic rock drill line of equipment that would fit the needs of their customer’s wishes for a simple, reliable, and cost effective drilling equipment that was easy to maintain and simple to repair, if downtime ever occurred.
Larmee Equipment & Supply, Inc. visited with various manufacturers in several countries, and eventually came across Junjin CSM in South Korea. It turned out they were using the components familiar to the rock drilling industry worldwide that had been the standard of the industry in America: Yamamomo drifters, Ingersoll-Rand Air Compressors, Cummins Diesel Engines, Kawasaki and Bosh Rex Roth hydraulic components, as well as many other components well known in the construction industry in the USA. All of these components were used in the past in a leading dominant brand which was being phased out by a competitive manufacturer. Junjin CSM was at this time building 5 different models and selling them worldwide.
Larmee Equipment & Supply, Inc. partnered with Junjin CSM to develop the JD-1400E model of the Rock Commander drill line for the North American market. The deciding factor for this model was its ability to handle holes sizes from 3 inch to 5 inch diameter in an array of different applications. Updates and improvements have been made along the way with input from customers and drillers in the field. The partnership between Larmee Equipment and Junjin CSM was formed as Junjin America LLC with the headquarters based in Louisville, Kentucky.
Our guiding principles are parts availability, cost effectiveness and simplicity. Many units are out working today in the quarries and on construction sites; with many of the original users utilizing multiple Rock Commander drills to meet their needs.
Due to the economy upturn in 2017, the housing market and related infrastructure demands dramatically increased. Many of these projects could utilize a mid-size rock drill. To fill the rising demand for a mid–size drill Junjin America LLC commissioned two drill models to be manufactured. The JD-800ENC is a non-cab unit with drilling controls on the feed for jobs that require the close attention of the operators. The JD-800E-II filled the demand for a mid-size cab model. Both models of the new drills utilize the well known and time tested YH80A drifter. These units are able to drill from 2 ½ inch hole up to a 4 inch hole depending on the setup. To meet special needs, options include a 20 foot mast , rod changer, water mist system and an available rear winch.
In December 2018 Soosan CSM, of Soul South Korea, purchased the assets of Junjin CSM. Out of respect to Soosan CSM, Junjin America LLC was renamed Soosan America LLC. The Rock Commander series of drills have remained unchanged. Sales, parts distribution, and marketing campaigns will continue from Soosan America LLC, located in Louisville, Kentucky. In the near future, there may be a second line of drills available through Soosan along with the continued availability of the Rock Commander line. Larmee Equipment & Supply Co., Inc. and Soosan CSM have each been in the rock drilling business for over 30 years each and are looking to continue this partnership for years to come serving the drillers and blasters of North America.
Larmee Equipment & Supply, Louisville, KY has all models of the Rock Commander units for monthly rentals or rent-to-own options.
