In any situation or environment, there are always obstacles to avoid. It can be an ineffective way of doing things or, in the case of drilling, it can be outdated technology. Regardless of the circumstances, anticipating these problems is definitely a must.

There are three basic rules to remember when seeking the best possible value in the purchase of horizontal directional drilling-related equipment and services. The first is to work only with an established dealer. An experienced and well-respected dealer can do much of the preliminary evaluation of a potential piece of equipment, and can also make any necessary repairs before your purchase. No one wants unwelcome surprises when buying equipment in the low-to-medium price range. The unexpected circumstances that inevitably arise on any project are enough for any contractor or operator to handle, without adding preventable problems with his equipment.

The contractor or operator should not try act as a dealer himself. It makes more sense to work with an established supplier with a top reputation that consistently delivers good results for their customers. By establishing a relationship with a dealer who is knowledgeable in the new and evolving field of horizontal directional drilling, you can usually avoid seeking additional advice from a separate expert or consultant. Choosing the right dealer solves two problems you want to bypass: 1) acting as your own dealer; and 2) trying to serve as your own equipment specialist. Thirdly, to avoid paying more that you should for HDD equipment, you must shop where it’s possible to secure the best value in price, product knowledge and service in the used horizontal directional drilling market.

By not trying to act as one’s own dealer and product expert, one is able to rely on the expertise of a dealer with proven experience and knowledge. Since the HDD market is less than twenty years old, it is particularly important to rely on only the most experienced dealers in the rapidly growing and changing horizontal directional drilling market. To find a knowledgeable dealer, look for those with the best-established reputations, or follow recommendations from partners’ industry associations and also from operators.

Perhaps the most important warning to bear in mind is to avoid the poorly set up dealer who cannot handle refurbishment and repairs, or who lacks the ability to perform test bores. Finding a dealer with both a service department and an area dedicated exclusively to conducting test bores is critical to your ability to evaluate a piece of equipment. Furthermore, these capabilities are indications that you’ve found an honest and ethical dealer.

Locate a supplier who can provide quality and fair price, and who doesn’t present you with the twin pitfalls of purchasing without testing or purchasing equipment that must be mechanically and/or cosmetically restored. It is also wise to find a dealer who offers all the pre-sale services at a competitive price and one who can guarantee the customer that his machine is “drill-ready” upon sale and delivery. A dealer who operates at this level of professionalism makes it possible for the customer’s purchase to be as streamlined and trouble-free as possible. This, in turn, ensures that the customer can concentrate on his projects aggressively and with confidence. The HDD market is ever-changing, with new advances appearing regularly, and the equipment-purchasing process is best approached with an understanding of the importance of first finding the right supplier.

If you need more detailed information on the process of purchasing high quality, used horizontal direction drilling equipment give us a ring.