Factors To Consider When Buying A Water Well Drilling Rig

Choosing a water well drilling rig requires careful consideration before you sign on the dotted line. This is not an impulsive decision. While price is the most common consideration for many people, there are many other aspects to consider - some of which may outweigh the impact of price. Consider service and support, training and quality; and don't forget the ever-important slurry pump.

Whether you are buying new or used, a little research and education will help determine the right drill for your needs.

Training.

Proper training is vital to the success of your operation, so work with a manufacturer that provides an overview of safety and operation.

Operating a new piece of equipment presents a number of potential challenges. If operators have not worked on water well rigs before, or if they have but lack experience with the make or model, training is essential.

Quality.

If you want a drill that performs well and lasts, don't cut corners on materials and components.

A higher-quality product may cost more, but when it performs better, causes fewer problems, and lasts longer, the few dollars are worth it. In addition, lower quality bits usually have little resale value compared to higher quality models.

Truck Water Well Drilling Rig     

Welded steel frames

Look for a manufacturer that is open about the quality of materials they use and the assembly process. Look for heavy-duty welded steel frames and thick drill pipes to ensure the rig can withstand challenging conditions. Some manufacturers cut corners by using thinner steel. This can cause the frame to bend or twist while driving, or wear prematurely due to corrosion in hot, humid climates.

Having strong water well drill rods and other sturdy components can also make a huge difference. Some manufacturers cut costs by offering inferior water pipes instead of heavy-duty ASTM A500 specification drill pipes. While drill pipe can cost 10 times as much as water pipe, a broken pipe can mean a major setback if your rig goes 100 feet underground in a remote area and you hit hard soil or rock. The situation can take hours to resolve or mean moving to a new site and abandoning the pipe to correct it. Look for manufacturers that use at least 1 ¾ inch diameter drill pipe and connections made from heat-treated alloy steel. Lower quality drill bits often use ¾ or 1-inch water pipes for lower strength applications.

With quality components, the drilling operator can also limit access to the repair shop for replacement parts for water well rigs.

 Mud Pump

The secret is in the mud pump

The power of your system and the depth of your hole are directly related to the quality and power of your centrifugal pump.

The mud pump is an essential component of the water well drilling process.  A powerful centrifugal pump is needed to flush the well of drill cuttings to obtain the proper drilling depth and high-quality borehole. Once your pump can no longer flush out the rock chips, you have reached your maximum depth capacity. The power and efficiency of the mud pump add to this depth and you can drill deeper compared to other methods.

Some people may choose to cut corners and buy a cheaper mud pump from another manufacturer, which may result in poor performance by buying a pump with specifications that don't fit their particular rig. Choosing an OEM mud pump means that it will provide the best performance when paired with a drilling rig.

Choosing well water drilling equipment

A knowledgeable drill bit manufacturer will work with you to identify the ideal bit to meet your needs. Soil type, geographic location, and intended use will help determine which drill rig is best. Work with a company that will support your drilling mission at every step of the process. A true partnership will deliver the best results.

If you want to know more information about factors to consider when buying a water well drilling rig, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.