Iron Roughneck Maintenance: 3 reasons to save your ST80 jaws and exchange used for refurbished

In the fast-paced world of oilfield operations, equipment durability and cost-effectiveness are paramount. IRE, in partnership with Ranger Oilfield Products, has launched a new exchange program, urging customers to rethink how they handle worn-out jaw assemblies from iron roughnecks. Instead of discarding these valuable components, we are offering a smart, sustainable alternative: trade them in for fully rebuilt, refurbished, and upgraded versions. Here are three compelling reasons why participating in this campaign will benefit you and the environment. 

1. Time Saving

Replacing broken jaws with new often requires months of planning.  New OEM jaws are rarely in stock and customers have told us deliveries can stretch up to 6 months for new.  The exchange programs we offer are available either as stock or maximum 8-10 weeks delivery.  Additionally, the refurbished and upgraded jaws you receive in exchange are not just overhauled; they are enhanced to exceed the performance standards of their original versions. This means that you can expect your iron roughneck to operate more efficiently  which reduces the time spent on repairing your unit in the field.

With Ranger's 15 years experience of overhauling iron roughnecks, they identified solutions that address the common points of failure and fatigue that were causing the biggest issues for drilling contractors. Their upgrades helped one drilling contractor in Oman reduce their equipment downtime by 90% after installing the upgraded parts.  This ensures your iron roughneck has  longer service life and better reliability which increases working hours and reduces maintenance interruptions. Click here to read the full case study: 'IRE helps major oilfield service drilling operator cut its equipment downtime by 93% with supply of non-OEM parts'.

2. Cost Efficiency

Buying new jaw assemblies is an expensive endeavour. Due to the high costs associated with new parts, the availability of replacements can be limited, making it crucial for operations to consider other options. By saving your used or broken jaws and participating in trade-in programs, you can gain access to upgraded and refurbished jaws at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

This solution ensures your operations can continue to run seamlessly without having a significant impact on your budgets. One of our customers who faced this situation found that they saved $17,000 USD when exchanging their jaws with the Ranger Rebuilt option, compared with buying new from the OEM. 

3. Environmental Responsibility

Every jaw assembly that is thrown away contributes to environmental waste. By choosing to repair and upgrade old jaws, you are making a responsible choice that benefits the planet. This approach significantly reduces waste and the demand for raw materials needed to manufacture new parts. With National Oil Companies across the middle east setting net zero targets within the next 25 years ( 2045 for ADNOC and 2050 for Aramco and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation), we have already seen carbon footprint reduction initiatives being added to tenders for drilling contractors. 

By reducing the volume of new spare parts your rig consumes and by taking exchange assemblies locally, versus using air freight, this initiative can easily help reduce the carbon footprint of an operating drilling rig.  

The jaws exchange program is not just a service offering; it's a partnership with our clients to improve operational efficiency, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance equipment performance. By saving your old jaws, you contribute to a stock of critical replacements that support not just your operations but the entire community's by providing a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly solution. Join us in making a significant impact—save your jaws from the scrapyard and turn them into a valuable asset once again.

Are you ready to reduce your costs?

If you're ready to reduce costs,  and boost your equipment's performance, contact us today to participate in the jaws exchange. Let's work together to keep your operations running efficiently and sustainably.