Buying a Fracture Pump Unit: A Practical Buying Guide

If you're in the market for a fracture pump unit, you're probably getting into the pressure pumping business, or expanding an existing fleet. Fracture pump units are a big investment — a new one can cost $1.5-2.5 million — 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 fracture pump 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 fracking equipment, you have a good mechanic, you're on a tight budget, or you just need equipment that works. Used fracture pump units can be 40-60% cheaper than new. But you have to do your homework. Bring an experienced fracking operator 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 fracture pump unit, check these things:

- Pump condition: How many hours on the pump? Are the plungers, valves, and fluid ends worn? The pump is the heart of the unit, and it's the most expensive part to rebuild.
- Engine hours: How many hours on the diesel engine? Engines are expensive to overhaul.
- Transmission and drivetrain: Does the transmission work? Are there any problems with the drivetrain?
- Control system: Does the control panel work? Are the gauges accurate? Can you control all the functions?
- Manifold and piping: Do all the valves work? Any leaks?
- 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 fracture pump unit should you buy? It depends on what kind of work you'll be doing:

- 1,500 horsepower units: These are smaller, cheaper units. They're good for shallow wells and smaller fracking jobs. But they can't handle deep, high-pressure wells.
- 2,000 horsepower units: This is the industry standard. They can handle most onshore shale wells. This is what most pressure pumping companies use.
- 2,500+ horsepower units: These are big, high-power units, for deep, high-pressure wells. They're more expensive, but they're the only way to handle the biggest fracking jobs.

Don't buy more unit than you need. If you're mostly working on shallow wells, a 1,500 hp 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 fracture pump unit cost?
A: A new fracture pump unit costs $1.5-2.5 million, depending on the size and features. A 2,000 hp unit is the most common, and it costs about $2 million. Used units are 40-60% cheaper, depending on the age and condition.