Wayne Nash offers some pointers on what to do and what to look for when buying a used rig.
First, consider the actual size rig you will need. Make an honest appraisal of the depth and size of the holes you typically drill, and match the rig to the job. I know a driller who bought a rig about two sizes too big for his work. He wanted it for the occasional big job, and to cut down on maintenance, he wanted it heavy enough so he wasn’t ever in a bind. Guess what? In addition to a bigger rig, he got bigger payments, a lot of locations he can’t fit in and, while his competitor is going to the next job, he’s either winching out or filling ruts! Bottom line: less bottom line.