In drilling, time is money. When a rig goes down unexpectedly, crews aren’t just waiting on repairs—they’re watching profits slip away with every idle hour. While it’s easy to push maintenance down the priority list when the jobsite is busy, the reality is clear: proactive service costs far less than unplanned downtime.
At Bore Logic, we’ve worked with drilling contractors across geothermal, water well, and mining projects who learned this lesson firsthand. Here’s a closer look at how preventative equipment maintenance protects both production schedules and bottom lines.
Case Study: A Rig Brought to a Standstill
One contractor we supported was operating a geothermal rig on a tight timeline. After weeks of hard drilling, the team began noticing unusual vibration and decreased penetration rates. Instead of pausing to investigate, the crew pushed forward—until the equipment began to fail.
The result? Three full days of downtime. Not only did the crew lose valuable production time, but the emergency parts order, shipping, and expedited labor costs all began to add up. That doesn’t include the ripple effect of delayed deadlines and frustrated clients.
Looking back, a simple inspection and routine servicing could have caught the wear long before it became a major failure.
Preventative Maintenance in Action
Contrast that with another client who has partnered with Bore Logic’s field service program into their operations. Our technicians have spent the needed time on site performing routine maintenance and repairs. Small issues that appear on any rig that is in the field —were identified and addressed before they grew into bigger problems.
The investment in preventative maintenance amounted to much less of what a single major breakdown could have cost. More importantly, the rig stayed operational, the project stayed on track, and the contractor built a reputation for reliability.
Hidden Costs That Add Up
Downtime isn’t just about the price tag of replacement parts. The true cost includes:
- Idle labor: Crews still need to be paid even when rigs are silent.
- Lost production: Falling behind schedule can mean missed deadlines and missed future opportunities.
- Customer confidence: Reliability is everything—unplanned downtime can erode trust.
- Stress on equipment: Quick fixes under pressure often shorten the lifespan of other components.
By addressing small issues proactively, contractors not only save money but also protect their crews, equipment, and reputation.
Why It Pays for Itself
Preventative maintenance is like insurance: the upfront cost is predictable, while the alternative can be financially devastating. By keeping equipment in peak condition, drillers avoid catastrophic breakdowns and extend the life of their equipment and tooling.
Conclusion
In drilling, downtime is the silent profit killer. The most cost-effective way to keep rigs turning is to prevent problems before they start. Proactive equipment maintenance doesn’t just pay for itself, it delivers peace of mind, consistent production, and long-term savings.
At Bore Logic, we bring seasoned technicians who have experience repairing & performing routine maintenance on most drill rig brands. Bringing peace of mind to you that Bore Logic has your back with your equipment service & maintenance needs.
