The core idea of this page: new drill rigs give warranty, current safety and automation, and a known wear baseline; used rigs trade a lower price for hidden drill-string, carrier and hydraulic wear. Choose by utilisation and how critical uptime is.
Last updated: October 20, 2026. A used drill rig can be a good buy — or a money pit. The difference is the inspection you do before the cheque clears.
New drill rig
A new rig comes with a warranty, current safety and emissions compliance, the latest automation, and a known service history (zero). You pay a premium, but the operating cost is predictable and the uptime is backed by the manufacturer.
Used drill rig
A used rig costs less up front, but you inherit engine and carrier hours, drill-string and hammer wear, and an unknown maintenance history. The savings can evaporate quickly if the drill, the carrier or the hydraulics fail.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | New | Used |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Warranty | Full | None / limited |
| Wear baseline | Known (zero) | Unknown |
| Automation | Latest | Older |
| Best for | High utilisation, critical uptime | Low utilisation, budget-constrained |
Decision rule
- High utilisation, critical uptime, need latest automation → new.
- Low utilisation, budget-constrained, willing to inspect carefully → used.
How to verify a used rig
- Engine and carrier hours. Confirm the hours against the service log.
- Drill-string condition. Inspect the hammer, shank, rods and bit for wear.
- Hydraulics. Look for leaks and check the oil condition; a hydraulic oil sample reveals wear metals.
- Service history. A complete log is worth more than a low price.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check on a used drill rig?
Engine and carrier hours, drill-string and hammer wear, hydraulic leaks and oil condition, and the maintenance log.
Is a rebuilt rig a good middle ground?
Often yes — a factory or dealer rebuild replaces the main wear items and comes with some warranty, at a price between new and as-is used.
See also: Drilling & Tunneling Buying Guide and Top 10 Drill Rig & TBM Manufacturers.
Source: Drilling rig — Wikipedia
"A drilling rig is an integrated system that drills wells, such as oil or water wells, or holes for piling and other construction purposes, into the earth's subsurface."
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Last verified: October 20, 2026.