Buying Cementing Units: A Practical Buying Guide

If you're in the market for cementing units, you're probably starting a cementing service company, or expanding an existing one. Cementing units are a big investment — a new one can cost $200,000 to $800,000 or more — so you want to make sure you're buying the right equipment. Here's a practical buying guide to help you through the process.

New vs. Used: The Big Decision

Buy New If: You're starting a new operation, you don't have a mechanic on staff, you need a warranty, or you want the latest technology. New cementing units come with factory support, and you know exactly what you're getting. But they're expensive, and you lose 20-30% the second you take delivery.

Buy Used If: You have experience with cementing equipment, you have a good mechanic, you're on a tight budget, or you just need equipment that works. Used cementing units can be 40-60% cheaper than new. But you have to do your homework. Bring an experienced cementer or a mechanic with you to inspect any used unit before you buy.

What to Look For When Buying Used

When you're looking at a used cementing unit, check these things:

- Pump condition: How many hours on the pumps? Are they worn? Do they leak? The pumps are the most expensive part of the unit, and they're the most important.
- Mixer condition: Does the mixer work properly? Are there worn parts?
- Engine hours: How many hours on the power unit engine? Engines are expensive to overhaul.
- Manifold and valves: Do all the valves work? Any leaks?
- Control system: Does the control panel work? Are the gauges accurate?
- Truck chassis: How many miles? Is it rusty? Does it start easily?
- Service records: Has the unit been maintained properly? Can you see the records?

What Size to Buy

What size cementing unit should you buy? It depends on what kind of work you'll be doing:

- Small single-pump units: Good for shallow wells and small jobs. They're cheap and mobile, but they can't handle deep, high-pressure wells.
- Twin-pump units: The sweet spot. They can handle most onshore wells, and they have a backup pump. This is what most cementing service companies start with.
- Big high-pressure units: For deep, high-pressure wells. They're more expensive, but they're the only way to handle deep wells.

Don't buy more unit than you need. If you're mostly working on shallow wells, a small unit is enough. You can always upgrade later. But also don't buy a unit that's too small — you'll regret it when you get a big job and can't handle it.

FAQ

Q: How much does a cementing unit cost?
A: A new cementing unit costs $200,000 to $800,000, depending on the size and features. A small single-pump unit starts around $200,000. A big twin-pump high-pressure unit can cost $800,000 or more. Used units are 40-60% cheaper.