Generally, this is determined by your drilling depth and drilling conditions.
Most manufacturers’ model numbers correspond to drilling depths under 8-inch borehole diameter conditions. For example, our MW300 model can theoretically drill to 300 metres deep with an 8-inch final hole diameter.
However, we recommend choosing a larger model number. For an 800m hole, MW1000 or bigger one is better.
If the ground conditions are unstable—such as collapsible sandy soil requiring casing or PVC tubing—doubling the model capacity is essential. For example, for a 300m borehole, choose a 600m capacity rig. The reason is that under generally drilling conditions, the rig only needs to hoist the drill pipe, the DTH hammer and the drill bit. However, in unstable geological conditions, in addition to the above, approximately 100 metres of casing or root pipe must be hoisted, along with heavier eccentric or concentric drill bits, nearly doubling the overall weight of the drill tools.
The above covers conventional hydraulic top-drive water well drilling rigs. In addition, there will be other options on the market, which we shall now outline:
This model suits small water wells, supporting depths up to 150 metres. Available in both electric and diesel-powered versions, it offers simple, lightweight operation in agricultural settings. A complete set including drill pipes and bits costs just over $3,000 USD, making it a relatively affordable rig.
Its drawback lies in limited capability for handling drilling incidents and difficulty penetrating rock layers, making it suitable only for soil strata ranging from tens to a hundred metres in depth.
However, if the budget can be stretched a little further, buying a small air compressor to use with the dth hammer would also enable rock drilling.
PS: We previously published such products on our TK channel, attracting considerable enquiry.
Although the product offers excellent value for money, import costs will be expensive than you imagine. Except for the sea freight and import duties, numerous miscellaneous customs clearance fees apply.
Importation is a complex process requiring the importer to possess the necessary import licence. Without this, one must engage a local import agency to handle the entire import and customs clearance procedure. Therefore, prospective buyers should be fully prepared for these considerations.
We have also learnt from past clients that due to low cost and readily available spare parts, many core drilling rigs would be used as water well drilling equipment.
One Iranian client, facing import restrictions, even purchased all components of a geological drilling rig from us, subsequently shipping them to their country for self-assembly.
Compared with the first type of drilling rig mentioned above, it would offer greater capability in handling operational incidents and accommodating diverse drill bit configurations.
Small models can’t drill too big and deep hole. Most models support boreholes around 70mm in diameter and depths up to 200m. If you have highly experienced operators, you may attempt to drill holes exceeding these specifications.
For larger and deeper water wells, the larger XY-4 model is recommended, though its price is approximately double that of the smaller units.
However, these machines are so heavy that they are different to relocate.
PS: Track attachments can be custom-fitted to the XY-4.
These machines exclusively require mud pumps for operation. Drilling efficiency is lower than air drilling. (cleck here to check the reason)
This is our flagship model, water and air drilling are both ok with rapid switching via a dual-mode valve. Models ranging from 200m to 1000m are available. Increasingly popular, many larger water well companies like it now. Some even integrate the drilling rig, mud pump, and air compressor onto a single truck for enhanced mobility.
For enhanced specifications, customised drilling towers with increased pulling capacity and primary/secondary winches can be provided. Higher automation requirements can also be accommodated through modifications such as remote control, rotary head lateral movement, and horizontal traversing. Naturally, the price increases accordingly.
D Miningwell, a drill rig manufacturer for 20 years, is an expert in programme planning for the drilling industry, serving more than 30 countries. We sell not only products, but also services. We think about more details for our customers and reduce their worries. Choosing us is choosing to save your mind!
