User-friendly, Modern Water Well Rotary Drilling Rig

Started as a family business in 1971, Tom McNeil and Ryan Felix took over the reins of Smokey's Pump Service & Well Drilling in 2021 after each working for the company 20 years. Initially the duo completed residential and commercial wells in Ocala, Florida, using a 2007 DRILLMAX^® water well rotary drilling rig. It was purchased new by the former owners and drilled many wells during its 17 years of operation. Once the repair bill became more than the profit margins, along with a recent surge in people moving to the area from out-of-state, increasing the need for water wells in the area, the decision was made to purchase a new water well rotary drilling rig.

“We were in dire need of something dependable, and we also wanted to be able to get some return on the sale of the older model while using the decent economy to buy a new one," Felix said.

They looked at other water well rotary drilling rig manufacturers, but ultimately the Southeast Service Center in Ocala, Florida, was the deciding factor.

“With local service, we felt confident if we had issues we could get parts quickly,” Felix said. “Having regional support around to be able to get us back up and running quickly is monumental. Other drillers in the area who have other manufacturer's rigs are down for weeks waiting on support and parts.”

Decreased downtime relieves a huge burden.

“When you only have one rig, if something breaks down, it’s really hard on you," McNeil said.

They’ve achieved the desired efficiency by purchasing a new Geoprobe^®DM450 water well rotary drilling rig. Their main driller is excited to work on a newer machine with modern technology, "but it's pretty user-friendly," Felix said.

They’ve drilled 10 or more wells with it so far and are pleased with the results.

They describe the Geoprobe^®DM450 as a stronger design and better built rig than their older legacy 2007 model.

“The top head slide is much better, and the plates on the table are much sturdier,” Felix said. “The rod carousel makes it easy enough for one person to operate.”

Once they get through the learning curve, ultimately the DM450 water well rotary drilling rig will allow them to speed up the process of drilling a well along with a lot less downtime for repairs.

“We love the new design and look forward to the future with the new rig,” McNeil said.