Previously, we discussed the impact that major components can have on buying a used drilling rig. At Champion Equipment Sales, we believe in providing our customers with the finest new and used drilling rigs and components available on the market today. We live and breathe drilling rigs and we know what quality craftsmanship looks like and we are partnered with Soilmec, some of the finest drilling rigs in the world. Our new and used inventory is a catalog of exceptional equipment, all for a reasonable investment. We understand that buying a new rig for your fleet is a major investment and, by offering the finest used equipment, we believe in helping your money go as far as it possibly can. We want to provide you with the most up to date information about what a piece of quality equipment looks like. If you would like to see what an exceptional used drilling rig looks like, give one of our knowledgeable reps a call today and let us help!

Key Components: Hydraulic System

We have been looking at the key components that make up a piece of drilling equipment. We talked about tracks as a propulsion system and what to look for when inspecting them for wear. Moving up the ladder, so to speak, is the hydraulic system. They hydraulic system is made up of many different components and driving the tracks is generally a set of hydraulic motors. Basically a hydraulic motor is utilized to turn the tracks through fluid power. The system works like this, a pump provides pressurized fluid to the motor through a series of valves. Drive motors are generally of a variable displacement configuration allowing the speed of output to be regulated.

All About The Fluid

Unlike the drive motors, the main hydraulic pump is generally of a fixed displacement and has a set GPM, (gallons per minute). The pressure of the hydraulic fluid is generally regulated by relief valves and components that provide a certain amount of leakage. There can be literally hundreds of small orifices and check valves to regulate pressure and if one of these passages are compromised, the entire system will not function correctly. This being the case, the most important thing to remember when inspecting the hydraulic system is that the fluid must be in good shape. Checking the hydraulic fluid is as easy as popping the cap and putting some of the fluid onto a white rag or paper towel. Fluid in good shape (depending on the brand) will smell sort of like plastic and be tan in color. Fluid that should be suspect will have a brown tint and maybe small flakes of metal floating in it. This could indicate an issue in the pump, the motors or anywhere inbetween.                      

At Champion Equipment Sales it is our business to provide you with the best machines available at the best value. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call, our knowledgeable sales team will assist you in finding the rig that is right for you!