Buyer Guide

Drills Buyer Guide

Drills are essential heavy equipment used across construction, mining, and quarrying for creating boreholes. These machines are bought by contractors, mining companies, and specialized drilling firms requiring precise and powerful earth penetration.

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Fast facts

Used price ranges from $50,000 for older, smaller units to over $1,000,000 for modern, large-scale models.
Operating weight ranges from 15,000 lbs (7,000 kg) for compact drills to 200,000+ lbs (90,000+ kg) for large blast hole rigs.
Typical hours-of-life often exceed 15,000-20,000 hours with proper maintenance; some robust models can reach 30,000+.
Fuel usage varies significantly by size and application, from 5 GPH for small geotechnical drills to 30-50 GPH for large blast hole drills.
Common attachments include various drill bits (tri-cone, DTH, rotary, auger), rod changers, and dust collection systems.
Jobsite uses span blast hole drilling, geotechnical investigation, piling, anchoring, and water well drilling.
Maintenance costs are substantial due to wear on drilling components and high-pressure hydraulic systems.
Modern drills often feature advanced GPS and automation for increased precision and efficiency.

What to look for

1Inspect drill mast for cracks, bends, or signs of welding repairs, especially around pivot points and rod handler areas.
2Check hydraulic cylinders, hoses, and pumps for leaks, scoring, and proper function; pay attention to pressure readings if available.
3Examine the rotary head or hammer mechanism for excessive play, wear on bearings, and signs of overheating.
4Assess the undercarriage (tracks) or tires for wear beyond acceptable limits, looking for worn sprockets, idlers, rollers, or deep cuts in rubber.
5Verify the condition of the rod carousel or changer system, ensuring smooth operation and no bent components.
6Look for unusual wear patterns on drill bits included or recent replacement records, indicating specific ground conditions or operational stress.
7Review service history for consistent maintenance, oil analysis reports, and records of major component replacements (e.g., engine rebuild, hydraulic pump).
8Compare hour meter readings with general machine wear and historical service records; significant discrepancies are red flags.
9Inspect the cabin for intact controls, functional gauges, and air conditioning, indicating operator care and comfort.
10If equipped, review telematics data for fault codes, fuel consumption trends, and operational patterns, which can reveal hidden issues.

Best makes & models

Atlas Copco (now Epiroc)

SmartROC, FlexiROC, Boomer series

Known for robust construction, advanced automation, fuel efficiency, and global parts availability, particularly in blast hole and surface drilling.

Sandvik

Pantera, Commando, Leopard series

Offers highly reliable and productive drills with a focus on operator safety and advanced technology, strong in both surface and underground applications.

Caterpillar

MD series

Leverages extensive dealer networks and strong engine reliability, integrating well with other Cat equipment on large-scale mining and quarry sites.

Furukawa

HCR series

Praised for their durability, powerful penetration rates, and relatively straightforward maintenance, making them a solid choice for quarrying and construction.

Liebherr

R 9800, R 996B (drill attachments)

While known for excavators, their large hydraulic mining shovels with specialized drill attachments are highly regarded for massive-scale production and reliability in extreme conditions.

Models with known issues

Commonly-reported issues from operators and technicians. Every machine varies — always inspect before you buy.

Brand X (hypothetical) Older Series Y (e.g., pre-2010)

Commonly reported issues with hydraulic pump seals and electrical harness corrosion leading to frequent downtime and high repair costs.

Brand Z (hypothetical) Model A (e.g., 2012-2015 production)

Industry chatter suggests persistent DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system failures due to design flaws, impacting uptime and emissions compliance.

Brand W (hypothetical) Compact Drill Model B (e.g., 2017-2019)

Users have reported difficulties in sourcing common wear parts and specialized components, leading to extended service delays and increased operational expense.

Frequently asked questions

What is a realistic price range for a used, mid-sized blast hole drill?

A used, mid-sized blast hole drill in good condition might range from $300,000 to $700,000, depending on age, hours, and features.

How many operating hours are too many for a drill?

While 15,000-20,000 hours is a good lifespan, higher hours aren't necessarily 'too many' if the machine has a meticulously documented maintenance history and recent major component replacements.

What financing options are available for purchasing heavy drills?

Financing typically includes traditional equipment loans from banks, leasing agreements, or specialized heavy equipment lenders offering terms tailored to your business's cash flow.

How should I plan for shipping a large drill?

Shipping large drills requires specialized heavy haul carriers, often necessitating permits for oversized loads and careful disassembly of components like the mast for transport.

Do used drills come with a warranty?

Most used drills are sold 'as-is,' but some dealers may offer limited warranties on certain components or for a short period, especially on fully reconditioned units.

What impacts the resale value of a drill?

Resale value is heavily influenced by total operating hours, maintenance records, overall condition, manufacturer reputation, and whether it's equipped with desirable modern features like GPS and automation.