In this episode of TerraQUIP Talk, host Mike Dobrota walks through the realities of purchasing a drilling or piling rig, and what it truly takes to start and sustain a successful drilling business. From high upfront costs and financing challenges to equipment selection, site preparation, and contingency planning, Mike lays out the full picture of what buyers should expect.

With stories from the yard and field spanning over 15 years of firsthand experience, this episode is a must-watch for contractors, business owners, and anyone serious about entering the drilling industry with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re assessing rig options, planning your first purchase, or scaling operations, this episode will sharpen your decision-making and help you build a resilient, profitable foundation.

🛠 Ready to find the right piling or drilling rig for your next project?

Get expert guidance and tailored solutions at https://terraquip.com.au/

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:43 - Purchasing a Drilling and Piling Rig

00:02:27 - Purchase or Lease Options

00:03:08 - Auxiliary Equipment Needs

00:04:23 - Transportation Costs

00:05:05 - Site Preparation and Setup

00:07:12 - Consumables and Overhead Costs

00:09:45 - Importance of a Business Plan

00:10:06 - Consulting with Industry Experts

00:10:59 - Finding and Securing Contracts

00:11:21 - Networking and Marketing

00:13:07 - Regulatory Compliance

00:14:00 - Fluctuating Market Conditions

00:15:27 - Dealer Perspective: Forecasting and Configuration

00:17:02 - Shipping and Logistics

00:22:05 - Testing the Machine

00:24:05 - Commissioning and Startup