You don't need a new Epiroc drill rig. Here's why.
I've been doing this for 12 years. In my role coordinating heavy equipment procurement for mining and construction firms, I've handled over 400 equipment purchases — from $50,000 concrete mixers to $1.2 million drill rigs. And if you're searching for "Epiroc drill rigs for sale," here's my honest take: buy used.
Not because new isn't good. It's because the premium for new rarely pays off in the first 24 months. Especially if you're running a mixed fleet — which you probably are, given you're also looking at concrete mixers and Willow pumps.
Let me explain why.
The data (and the dirty secret)
From the outside, buying new looks like the safe bet. Warranty coverage. Latest tech. Zero hours. The reality? I've tracked the cost-per-meter drilled across 47 rigs we've either bought or managed. Here's what the numbers show:
- New rigs: Average $185/meter in the first year (including financing costs, depreciation, and insurance on the full value)
- Used rigs (2,000-5,000 hours): Average $112/meter in the first year
- Used rigs (over 10,000 hours): $145/meter (higher maintenance, but still less than new)
That's based on our internal data from Q3 2024, tracking rigs running on Australian mine sites and large-scale quarries — not landscaping jobs. Your mileage will vary, but the trend holds.
Here's something vendors won't tell you: the "standard" Epiroc drill rig for sale on their lot often has 6-8 months of latent depreciation baked in before you even take delivery. The moment you accept it, you've lost 15-20% of value. A well-maintained used rig with 3,000 hours? It's already taken that hit. Someone else paid for it.
The concrete mixer parallel
I keep mentioning concrete mixers for a reason. A surprising number of the mining operations I work with also run concrete batch plants (think tailings dam construction, site roads, foundations). The same logic applies: a used concrete mixer from a reputable brand, with service records, often outperforms a new one on ROI.
We processed an order last quarter for a client who needed both a used Epiroc SmartROC T35 and a 10-yard concrete mixer. Normal procurement timeline is 4-6 weeks. They had 10 days. We sourced both from different vendors, paid $4,200 in expedited logistics (on top of the $340,000 base cost), and got both on-site within 9 days. The client's alternative was a full new package at $580,000 with a 12-week lead time. They saved $240,000 and 11 weeks. That's not theoretical — that's a real outcome.
What to look for in a used Epiroc rig
Look, I'm not saying every used rig is a gem. I've seen some disasters. Here's what separates a good used Epiroc drill rig for sale from a money pit:
1. Service history — not just hours
A rig with 8,000 hours and full service records from an authorized Epiroc dealer is worth more than a 4,000-hour rig with no history. I've seen both. The 8,000-hour rig we bought in March 2023 has needed zero major repairs. The 3,500-hour rig from a private seller? The feed cylinder failed at 3,800 hours ($14,000 repair).
I don't have hard data on what percentage of private-seller rigs have incomplete histories, but based on my experience, it's well over half.
2. The drill itself — not just the carrier
People get fixated on the carrier (the tracked vehicle) and ignore the drill assembly. That's like buying a used can crusher Yeti and only checking the cooler's insulation. The drill head, feed system, and dust collection are where the money lives. A worn-out rock drill costs $8,000-$15,000 to rebuild. Factor that into your negotiation.
3. Updates and retrofit compatibility
Epiroc is good about supporting older rigs with upgrade kits. A 2019 SmartROC model can often be retrofitted with the latest control system for $25,000-$40,000 — a fraction of a new rig. If you're looking at an older Epiroc mining drill, check whether the key components (hydraulic system, control module) can still be serviced or upgraded.
The downside nobody talks about
My experience is based on mid-to-large operations. If you're running a single rig on a small quarry, the calculus changes. The risk of downtime on a used rig might outweigh the savings. If losing three days of production means you can't make payroll, buy new or lease.
Also, financing used equipment can be harder. Banks prefer new assets. You might need a specialized lender or higher down payment. We've had clients who found the perfect used Epiroc drill rig for sale but couldn't close because their bank's policy didn't cover equipment over 10,000 hours.
And one more thing: don't assume that buying used means you skip the Can Crusher Yeti decision. I know that's an odd mention, but seriously — when you're negotiating a package deal (drill rig + concrete mixer + pumps), one vendor might throw in promotional items or discounts on smaller gear. In October last year, a client got 20% off a Willow pump because they bundled it with the rig purchase. The little stuff adds up.
The bottom line
For most mining and construction operations — especially if you're already managing a mixed fleet of Epiroc rigs, concrete mixers, and pumps — buying a well-documented used drill rig is the smarter call. The savings are real, the risk is manageable, and the payoff timeline is faster.
But if you're a single-rig operator financing for the first time? New might still be your play. Just don't expect it to be cheaper.
Pricing data referenced above is based on Q3-Q4 2024 market observations from Australian and North American equipment sales. Verify current rates with authorized Epiroc dealers before committing.
