Anyone who’s spent time in this industry knows how quickly bad equipment can turn into a money pit. A pump that won't hold pressure, a rig with a twisted mast, or a generator that won’t stay running—it all costs time, and time out here costs real money.
So if you're eyeing a used mud pump, service truck, or walking rig and thinking, “This could save me a fortune”—you might be right. But you’ve got to know what you're looking at.
At Power Drive Supply, we deal in equipment that’s been around the block, but still has a lot of life left in it. We’re big believers that used doesn’t mean worn-out—as long as you know what to check. Here’s a straightforward, no-BS guide to spotting a good deal before you shake on it.
1. Ask for the History—Then Actually Read It
Any seller worth their salt should be able to show you some kind of paper trail. Service logs, inspection reports, engine hour tracking, recent repairs—it all matters.
If someone says, “It runs great” but can’t tell you when the last oil change was or how many hours are on the motor, you’re flying blind. And when you’re talking about gear that’s supposed to run in harsh conditions, guessing doesn’t cut it.
Red flag: No maintenance records or vague answers
Green light: Full logs, recent service work, and photos to match
2. Look Beyond the Paint Job
We’ve all seen it—a fresh coat of paint to make a tired unit look clean. But rust, leaks, and wear don’t go away with primer. Don’t get distracted by shine.
Instead, take a good look at:
- Weld seams for cracks or rework
- Undercarriage rust (especially if it came from a northern yard)
- Hydraulic hoses and fittings for signs of fatigue
- Grease points—are they bone dry or freshly serviced?
What you want is honest wear. Used equipment should have signs of work—but not signs of neglect.
3. Listen to It Run (Not Just Idle)
If the engine won’t start, walk away. If it only runs at idle, that’s not enough. Always ask for a full-function demo—whether that means firing up a generator under load, pulling suction on a pump, or walking a rig across the yard.
You want to hear how it sounds under stress, not just how it hums at idle. Grinding, knocking, or lagging during power-up? That’s where trouble hides.
Tip: If you're remote, ask for a video with a cold start, throttle-up, and system test. We provide this with every unit we sell.
4. Make Sure the Specs Match the Job
A killer deal on the wrong equipment is still the wrong deal. Make sure the horsepower, torque, pressure rating, or load capacity match what your project actually requires.
If you’re not sure, ask. We’ve had customers nearly buy pumps that wouldn’t hit required PSI, or rigs that couldn’t meet height clearances. We’d rather lose a sale than send someone out with the wrong gear for the job.
5. Be Wary of “Too Clean” Listings
A few nice photos don’t mean a piece of equipment is ready to go. In fact, if everything looks too perfect, it might be hiding something. We’ve seen online listings with photos taken ten years ago—or pulled from a manufacturer’s website altogether.
Look for sellers who show:
- Current photos from multiple angles
- Shots of wear points, not just the good side
- Serial numbers and nameplates visible
- Candid notes on what’s been fixed or still needs work
That’s how we list everything on our site—because we’ve been on the other end of too many equipment deals that turned out to be smoke and mirrors.
6. Buy from People Who Know the Equipment
At the end of the day, you're not just buying iron—you're buying trust. And that comes from buying from someone who’s actually worked with this kind of gear, not just listed it online.
At Power Drive Supply, our crew has been in the field. We’ve run pumps, wrenched on rigs, and handled real-world logistics for getting gear from yard to site. When we say a piece is ready to go, we mean it. And if it needs work, we’ll tell you that too.
Buy Smart or Pay for It Later
Buying used oilfield equipment doesn’t have to be a gamble. With the right eye—and the right questions—you can land solid, hard-working gear that delivers real value without the heavy price tag.
The key is doing your homework, knowing where to look, and working with folks who are honest about what they’re selling. Because a good deal isn’t just about the price—it’s about whether the machine is going to show up, hold up, and pay for itself in the field.
Need help finding the right unit?
We’ve got pumps, rigs, service trucks, and generators ready to ship. Everything is inspected, documented, and backed by people who know what this equipment needs to do.
Reach out today for photos, inspection reports, or a walk-around video—no pressure, just straight answers.