1. What changed in 2025 and 2026
Epiroc made its Common Automation Panel available for RCS-based Pit Viper and SmartROC DTH MKII rigs in 2025 and added digital inspection and remote-operation functions in its 2026 RCS 5.12 update. Sandvik announced a 2026 partnership with Rio Tinto on remote multi-rig, multi-site autonomous surface drilling; My Sandvik Geo turns drilling measurements into geological insights; and Sandvik introduced the all-electric Commando DC310RiE. Epiroc also reported major autonomous-electric fleet activity. These are official product and project announcements, not proof that an older used unit contains the same systems.
- Remote and multi-rig operation
- Automation and digital inspection
- Drilling data used for planning
- Cable-electric and battery-enabled equipment
2. Build a four-status feature matrix
Obtain serial-specific build information where available and list controllers, displays, navigation hardware, cameras, antennas, sensors, automation kits, modem and electric-power configuration. ‘Automation ready’ may only mean a platform can accept options. For every feature, ask whether hardware is installed, software is enabled, usage rights transfer to the new owner and country, and qualified support exists at the destination. Demonstrate enabled functions and record software and faults without exposing passwords or security credentials.
- Original build versus current hardware
- Enabled options and licences
- Transfer rights for buyer and country
- Local software, parts and technical support
3. Verify controllers, sensors and prerequisites
Automation relies on a chain of compatible components. Confirm controller and display part numbers, sensor status, navigation equipment, cameras, communication modules, emergency circuits and required safety systems. Review diagnostic logs with a qualified technician. Epiroc's Common Automation Panel documentation, for example, names RCS, Hole Navigation System and TeleRemote-related prerequisites for applicable rigs; requirements vary by model and release, so obtain the serial-specific option list and current OEM guidance rather than generalizing.
- Controller, display and communication identity
- Sensor, camera and navigation status
- Safety and remote-operation prerequisites
- Diagnostic report and unresolved faults
4. Treat software, accounts and data as sale items
Ask which versions and licences are active, who owns subscriptions, whether fees are current and whether rights transfer. Use an agreed secure handover for administrator access rather than sharing ordinary messages. Determine whether an OEM must re-register the serial, modem, SIM, cloud tenant or telematics account. Define which health data, drilling logs, maintenance records and plans are included, which formats can be exported and which previous-owner operational data must be removed. A reset before export may destroy useful evidence; unauthorized retention creates a different risk.
- Software version, options and licence status
- Secure account and administrator transfer
- Subscription, modem and regional connectivity
- Authorized export or deletion of historical data
5. Test digital functions without overclaiming
A powered display does not prove navigation, automatic positioning, drilling cycles, remote control or cloud upload. Agree tests for only the functions represented in the offer, recording location, network, operator, software, mode and prerequisite equipment. Follow OEM and site procedures for safety-critical remote tests. If a function cannot be tested because a network, subscription or drilling permission is absent, mark it ‘not tested’. OEM diagnostics, licence records or a conditional post-installation acceptance test may reduce uncertainty, but ‘not tested’ must not be translated into ‘working’.
- Function-specific acceptance test
- Network and operating-mode record
- OEM diagnostic or licence evidence
- Explicit status for untested features
6. Add electric-system due diligence
Identify whether the rig is cable powered, battery tramming, battery drilling, hybrid or converted. Record supply voltage and frequency, cable and reel, connector, transformer, charger and destination standards. Voltage alone does not prove compatibility. For batteries, request chemistry, capacity, serial, commissioning date, cycles where available, BMS report, thermal events, health method and transport documents. Qualified specialists must inspect high-voltage systems and isolation. For cable rigs, inspect cable, reel, connectors, interlocks and grounding. Manufacturer benefits apply to the described configuration, not automatically to one used unit.
- Power architecture and site connection
- Cable, charger or transformer scope
- Battery identity and health evidence
- Qualified high-voltage and compliance review
7. Confirm that the destination can use the technology
Automation may require positioning and survey data, network coverage, isolation procedures, trained staff and software governance. Telematics needs connectivity, account administration and people able to act on data. Advanced equipment may deliver little value if these systems are absent. For electrification, model drilling, tramming, waiting, charging or cable moves, gradients, temperature and shifts. Compare energy, infrastructure, maintenance, utilization, battery replacement, training and parts with a suitable diesel alternative instead of relying only on fuel or local-emission claims.
- Survey, positioning and network readiness
- Operator and technician capability
- Power and complete duty cycle
- Lifecycle support, spares and utilization
8. Contract a digital handover
Attach a schedule listing verified hardware, enabled software, subscriptions, included control or communication equipment, manuals, backups, account-transfer actions and tests. Assign reactivation, region-change, training and OEM commissioning costs, and identify referenced features not included. Keep digital findings separate from mechanical findings, then combine them in the risk register. A mechanically sound rig may need digital reactivation, and a connected rig may have worn drilling parts. For any current listing, request the stock ID and unit-specific option evidence before valuing these features.
- Hardware, licence and subscription schedule
- Secure account and data handover
- Commissioning, training and support responsibility
- Separate mechanical and digital acceptance
Topic decision table: Buying a Used Drill Rig in 2026: Automation, Electrification and Telematics Due Diligence
| Topic checkpoint | Buyer action | Evidence-based explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. What changed in 2025 and 2026 | Remote and multi-rig operation | Epiroc made its Common Automation Panel available for RCS-based Pit Viper and SmartROC DTH MKII rigs in 2025 and added digital inspection and remote-operation functions in its 2026 RCS 5.12 update. Sandvik announced a 2026 partnership with Rio Tinto on remote multi-rig, multi-site autonomous surface drilling; My Sandvik Geo turns drilling measurements into geological insights; and Sandvik introduced the all-electric Commando DC310RiE. Epiroc also reported major autonomous-electric fleet activity. These are official product and project announcements, not proof that an older used unit contains the same systems. |
| 2. Build a four-status feature matrix | Original build versus current hardware | Obtain serial-specific build information where available and list controllers, displays, navigation hardware, cameras, antennas, sensors, automation kits, modem and electric-power configuration. ‘Automation ready’ may only mean a platform can accept options. For every feature, ask whether hardware is installed, software is enabled, usage rights transfer to the new owner and country, and qualified support exists at the destination. Demonstrate enabled functions and record software and faults without exposing passwords or security credentials. |
| 3. Verify controllers, sensors and prerequisites | Controller, display and communication identity | Automation relies on a chain of compatible components. Confirm controller and display part numbers, sensor status, navigation equipment, cameras, communication modules, emergency circuits and required safety systems. Review diagnostic logs with a qualified technician. Epiroc's Common Automation Panel documentation, for example, names RCS, Hole Navigation System and TeleRemote-related prerequisites for applicable rigs; requirements vary by model and release, so obtain the serial-specific option list and current OEM guidance rather than generalizing. |
| 4. Treat software, accounts and data as sale items | Software version, options and licence status | Ask which versions and licences are active, who owns subscriptions, whether fees are current and whether rights transfer. Use an agreed secure handover for administrator access rather than sharing ordinary messages. Determine whether an OEM must re-register the serial, modem, SIM, cloud tenant or telematics account. Define which health data, drilling logs, maintenance records and plans are included, which formats can be exported and which previous-owner operational data must be removed. A reset before export may destroy useful evidence; unauthorized retention creates a different risk. |
| 5. Test digital functions without overclaiming | Function-specific acceptance test | A powered display does not prove navigation, automatic positioning, drilling cycles, remote control or cloud upload. Agree tests for only the functions represented in the offer, recording location, network, operator, software, mode and prerequisite equipment. Follow OEM and site procedures for safety-critical remote tests. If a function cannot be tested because a network, subscription or drilling permission is absent, mark it ‘not tested’. OEM diagnostics, licence records or a conditional post-installation acceptance test may reduce uncertainty, but ‘not tested’ must not be translated into ‘working’. |
Apply this guide to current inventory
- Used Inventory →
- Inspection →
- Export planning for Indonesia, the Middle East and Africa →
- Drilling Rigs →
- Air Compressors →
- Sandvik DX700 · used-rig records →
- Sandvik DX800 · used-rig records →
- Sandvik DP1100 — CR-005 · used-rig records →
- Atlas Copco D45 · used-rig records →
- Atlas Copco D50 · used-rig records →
- Atlas Copco D55 · used-rig records →
- Atlas Copco T35 · used-rig records →
- Atlas Copco T40 · used-rig records →
- Used Drilling Rig Inspection Checklist: 12 Evidence-Based Checks Before You Buy →
- How to Size a Portable Air Compressor for DTH Drilling: Pressure, Flow and Site Conditions →
- How to Calculate the Real Cost per Drilled Metre →
Editorial details and evidence notes
How should the evidence be interpreted?
| Evidence type | What it can support | What it cannot prove |
|---|---|---|
| Official or manufacturer source | The cited family, standard or regulatory statement | The configuration or condition of a listed used unit |
| Published inventory record | Stock ID, supplied fields and linked listing photos | Current availability, hidden condition or included scope |
| Unit inspection evidence | Serial-specific observations within the agreed test scope | Performance outside the tested conditions |
Questions about using this guide
Does this guide prove that a listed machine has the feature or compliance discussed?
No. The guide explains a verification method. Confirm the exact stock ID, serial identity, installed configuration and destination rules before relying on it.
What should a buyer do before requesting a final quote?
Send the stock ID, project requirement, destination and requested inspection scope, then ask for current machine-specific evidence.
