When purchasing used heavy equipment, it’s crucial to understand the red flags to avoid faulty equipment and keep your crew safe. A thorough test drive, where the machine is tested as if it’s performing your day-to-day tasks, is essential. It’s also important to conduct a walk-around inspection to identify any potential issues. Simply running the equipment for a few minutes won’t suffice, as it’s necessary to test it to its limit.

These points might help you make a better purchase decision next time you are looking at used drilling rigs.

Defective engine or excessive wear and tear:

Check for signs of damage or wear and tear on the engine, including oil leaks, unusual noises, or excessive smoke.

History of the machine:

Try to obtain as much information as possible about the rig’s history, including any accidents, repairs, or previous owners.

Improper regular maintenance:

Look for evidence that the rig has been regularly maintained, including proper lubrication, filter changes, and other routine maintenance tasks. A lack of maintenance can be a sign of neglect and potential issues.

Leaking fluids:

Check for any signs of leaking fluids, such as hydraulic oil or coolant, which can indicate problems with the rig’s seals, hoses, or other components.

Uncommon or odd noises:

Listen for any unusual or uncommon noises coming from the rig, which can indicate mechanical problems or worn components.

Excessive welding marks:

Check for any signs of excessive welding or repair work, which may indicate that the rig has been repaired or modified in a non-standard way.

Lack of service records:

If the seller cannot provide any service records, this may be a red flag, indicating that the rig has not been properly maintained.

Poor overall condition:

Look for any signs of poor overall condition, such as rust, dents, or cracks in the frame or other components.

Incomplete or missing parts:

Make sure that all necessary components are included and in good condition, including drilling tools, cables, and other accessories.

Price too good to be true:

If the price of the rig seems too good to be true, it may be a sign that the seller is trying to offload a problem rig that has significant issues.

Non-standard modifications:

Look for any non-standard modifications that have been made to the rig, as these can indicate poor workmanship or potential safety issues.

Inconsistent or incomplete documentation:

If the rig comes with documentation, such as manuals, inspection reports, or maintenance logs, review them carefully to ensure they are complete and accurate. Inconsistent or incomplete documentation can be a sign of neglect or dishonesty.

Irregularities in the odometer or hour meter:

Check the odometer or hour meter to ensure that it is consistent with the age and condition of the rig. If there are discrepancies or irregularities, this could indicate that the rig has been tampered with or has had its hours falsely recorded.

Signs of previous accidents or damage:

Check for any signs of previous accidents or damage, such as bent or cracked frames, misaligned parts, or other issues. These can indicate that the rig has been in a serious accident or has been poorly maintained.

Lack of certification or compliance:

If your clients require certification or compliance with certain regulations, such as OSHA regulations or environmental standards on diesel engines, ensure that it meets these requirements. A lack of certification or compliance can result in fines or legal issues down the line. Or just not getting the job you wanted.

Seller’s reputation:

Research the reputation of the seller or dealer, and check for any complaints or negative reviews. This can help you to avoid unscrupulous or unreliable sellers.

It is important to thoroughly inspect a used drilling rig before purchasing it, as these red flags can indicate significant issues or potential safety hazards.