If you’re a landowner or farmer exploring the idea of drilling your own borehole, one of the biggest questions you may have is: How much does a borehole drilling machine cost in South Africa? The short answer — it depends on size, power, drilling depth, and whether you’re buying new, used, or hiring a contractor. But understanding the pricing helps you make smarter decisions, especially when water independence is becoming more valuable every year.
Before we break down the numbers, it’s important to know that LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions subcontracts all drilling to SABS-compliant professionals, ensuring top-quality results without requiring you to buy expensive machinery — unless you genuinely need your own drilling unit for commercial or agricultural operations.
1. What Influences the Price of a Borehole Drilling Machine?
Borehole drilling equipment comes in different sizes and capabilities, and each factor affects the price:
- Drilling depth capacity – Machines rated for deeper drilling cost significantly more.
- Rig size (truck-mounted vs trailer-mounted) – The bigger the rig, the higher the upfront investment.
- Power type – Hydraulic, pneumatic, and diesel engine rigs each fall within different price brackets.
- Brand and origin – Local rigs are cheaper; imported models with advanced tech cost more.
- Condition – New rigs are pricey, while used ones offer affordability but may require maintenance.
2. How Much Does a Borehole Drilling Machine Cost in South Africa?
Here’s the general pricing range you can expect:
- Small portable rigs: R80,000 – R250,000
- Trailer-mounted drilling machines: R250,000 – R750,000
- Truck-mounted (professional-grade) drilling rigs: R1.2 million – R3.5 million+
For landowners or farmers considering drilling multiple boreholes for large-scale irrigation, a truck-mounted rig is usually required — and that’s where the bulk of the investment lies.
If you’ve ever wondered “how much is a borehole drilling truck in South Africa?”, this is the range you’re looking at. Prices vary depending on features like rotary capabilities, mud pumps, compressors, and automation systems.
3. Should You Buy a Borehole Drilling Machine or Hire a Professional?
For most homeowners and even many farmers, buying your own drilling machine isn’t necessary — and often isn’t cost-effective. Between the price of the rig, transport, maintenance, and compliance with SABS SANS 10299-:2003 standards, it’s usually far more economical to hire certified experts.
LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions partners with trusted, compliant drilling contractors so you get:
- Professional equipment
- Skilled operators
- Safe, accurate drilling
- Time and cost savings
- SABS-approved processes
This ensures your borehole is drilled correctly, safely, and at the right depth for maximum yield.
4. When Does Buying a Drilling Machine Make Sense?
Purchasing your own rig may be worth considering if:
- You’re a commercial farmer with multiple boreholes planned long-term
- You want to start a professional drilling business
- You’re working on large-scale water supply projects
- In these cases, owning a rig gives you flexibility and long-term savings — but it’s still a serious commitment that requires operational training, maintenance, and compliance.
5. A Smarter Option: Get the Borehole Without the Machinery Costs
Instead of investing millions into heavy equipment, most landowners prefer letting LiquaFlo manage everything from:
- Geo surveying
- Subcontracted drilling
- Pump installation
- Tanks & stands
- Purification systems
- Repairs & maintenance
Plus, our off-grid water solutions help reduce your dependency on municipal supply — and lower long-term costs.