Rock hardness guides DTH drill selection. Forsoft rock (f<5), light drills (<8t) work best, like KQD100. 15MPa pressure suffices; 40% faster relocation than heavy models.
Medium-hard rock (f=5-8) needs medium drills (10-15t). Choose 20MPa hydraulic systems and Φ110mm bits, e.g., Xuanhua JKS350. Balances efficiency and energy economy.
Hard rock (f>8) requires heavy drills (>20t), such as Atlas Copco D7. 30MPa ultra-high pressure + Φ150mm bits achieve 12cm/min in granite. 2.5x energy use but better overall efficiency.