Big Easy series drilling rig
Technical Specifications
Big Easy Series – BE550 / BE770 / BE1100
| Parameter | BE550 (ZJ40/2250D) | BE770 (ZJ50/3150D) | BE1100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal depth (4‑1/2″ drill pipe) | 4,000 m (13,200 ft) | 5,000 m (16,400 ft) | 6,000 – 7,000 m |
| Hook load maximum (kN) | 2,450 (550,000 lb) | 3,430 (770,000 lb) | 5,000+ (1,100,000+ lb) |
| Hook load (US ton) | 275 | 385 | 500+ |
| Hook maximum hoisting speed (10 lines) | 0.25 – 1.64 m/s | 0.23 – 1.5 m/s | — |
| Wireline diameter (mm/in) | 32 mm / 1.26″ | 35 mm / 1.38″ | 38 mm / 1.5″ |
| Number of active lines | 10 | 10 / 12 | 12 / 14 |
| Drive system | AC VFD | AC VFD | AC VFD |
| Drawworks mounting | Optional high/low position | Optional high/low position | Low position |
| Mast type | 3‑section telescoping | 3‑section telescoping | 3‑section telescoping |
| Substructure type | Parallel linkage (folded) | Parallel linkage (folded) | Parallel linkage (folded) |
| Substructure height (m) | 6 – 8 | 7 – 9 | 8 – 10 |
| Total transport modules | 6 – 7 | 6 – 8 | 7 – 9 |
| Crane required? | No | No | No |
| Rig‑up time (hours) | 8 – 12 | 10 – 16 | 12 – 20 |
| API compliance | 4F, 7K, 8C | 4F, 7K, 8C | 4F, 7K, 8C |
Product Types – Big Easy Series Configurations
| Model | Depth Capacity | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE550 (ZJ40/2250D) | 4,000 m | Six‑trailer design, ideal balance of capacity and mobility | Standard land drilling, medium‑depth wells |
| BE770 (ZJ50/3150D) | 5,000 m | 770,000 lb hook load, most popular configuration | Deep conventional wells, North American operators |
| BE1100 | 6,000 – 7,000 m | Extended depth rating, heavier substructure | High‑depth requirements, extended reach drilling |
| BE Desert AC Rig | 3,000 – 5,000 m | Desert‑spec trailerized AC rig with optional skidding | Middle East, Sahara, Gobi desert operations |
| BE Low‑Temp Rig | 4,000 – 5,000 m | Winterized version, heated enclosures, -35°C rating | Northern US, Canada, Kazakhstan |
All Big Easy series rigs can be customized with:
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Top drive integration – for faster tripping and precise torque control
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Walking or skidding system – for multi‑well pad drilling without dismantling
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Remote monitoring and automation – data acquisition, real‑time KPI tracking
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Climate packages – desert cooling, arctic heating, tropical corrosion resistance
Applications – Where the Big Easy Delivers Maximum Value
| Application | Why the Big Easy Excels | Industry Context |
|---|---|---|
| Multi‑well pad drilling | Optional walking/skidding system moves the entire rig between wellheads without breaking down modules. | Achieve 20‑30% faster pad completion times. |
| Remote / infrastructure‑poor locations | No crane required means drilling where access roads are poor or no heavy lifting equipment exists. | Drilling in jungles, mountains, or arctic regions becomes viable. |
| Short‑term rental / contract drilling | Fast mobilization between contracts reduces non‑revenue days. One operator reported moving a FlexRig and drilling a well in under 30 days, with a big assist from the rig’s design for fast moves. | Maximize revenue by drilling more wells per year. |
| Workover / re‑entry | Compact footprint and fast setup make it ideal for sidetracking from existing wellheads. | Extend field life at 30‑50% lower cost than new wells. |
| Export to demanding markets (US, Middle East) | More than 75 units exported with proven reliability. | Trusted by operators in the world’s most competitive drilling markets. |
| Cold climate drilling | Designed for efficient winterization; optional low‑temp package rated to -35°C. | Maintain year‑round operations in northern regions. |
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Big Easy Drilling Rig?
1. Original Big Easy Developer – Not a Copy
The Big Easy series was co‑developed by SJ Petro and Loadmaster. We are not a later imitator. SJ Petro holds the China national invention patent for "A drilling rig capable of fast disassembly and assembly and its moving method”. When you buy a Big Easy rig from us, you are getting the authentic, field‑proven design – not a reverse‑engineered copy.
2. Two Decades of Export Success
Since 2004, SJ Petro has been building and exporting Big Easy rigs to the world's most demanding drilling markets. Between 2005 and 2007 alone, SJ Petro and Loadmaster signed contracts for 40 Big Easy drilling rigs. In September 2008, a single contract added another 20 BE550 rigs for export to the United States. To date, more than 75 units have been exported to the US, the Middle East, and other countries. This is not a prototype — it’s a proven production machine.
3. Recognized by the Industry
The Big Easy series has been hailed by American Oil & Gas Magazine as a "modern land drilling rig”. The original fast‑move‑without‑a‑crane concept was the first of its kind in the world and fundamentally changed the way the industry thinks about rig mobility.
4. Integrated Design — One Supplier, One System
SJ Petro supplies the complete integrated package: mast, substructure, drawworks, AC VFD drives, control system, and walking system options. You aren't piecing together components from multiple vendors. One engineering team, one warranty, one after‑sales contact — and a system that was designed to work together from day one.
5. Backed by Sinopec Group – Financial Strength
SJ Petro is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation, part of the Fortune Global 500 Sinopec Group. This means financial stability, global supply chain access, and decades of drilling engineering expertise. When you buy a Big Easy rig, you are buying from one of the world's largest energy equipment manufacturers.
6. API Certified Quality
All Big Easy series rigs are designed and manufactured to meet API 4F (masts and substructures), API 7K (drawworks), and API 8C (top drives). Third‑party inspection (ABS, DNV, BV) is available at the customer's request. Full material traceability and inspection records are provided with every rig.
7. Global Service Network
SJ Petro provides:
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24/7 remote diagnostics – our engineers can log into the control system (with your permission) to troubleshoot
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On‑site commissioning and training – included with every rig
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Regional parts hubs – for fast delivery of critical spares
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Technical documentation – full manuals in English, Russian, and Arabic on request
FAQ – Big Easy Drilling Rig
Q1: What does "Big Easy” actually mean?
A: The name reflects the core design philosophy: bigger, more integrated modules that are easier to transport, rig up, and drill with. Larger modules mean fewer pieces to handle. And the hydraulic self‑erecting mast and substructure eliminate the need for cranes — making the entire process easy.
Q2: How many trailers does it take to move a Big Easy rig?
A: A complete Big Easy rig can be transported using as few as six trailers. The exact count depends on the model and optional equipment. For the BE550, the standard configuration includes: mast trailer, substructure trailer, drawworks trailer, power module trailer, mud pump trailer, and BOP / auxiliary trailer. Moving a full drilling rig with only six loads is a significant reduction compared to conventional rigs, which may require 20 or more loads.
Q3: What is the rig‑up time for a Big Easy drilling rig?
A: With a trained crew of 6‑8 people, a Big Easy rig can be fully rigged up and ready to spud in 8‑16 hours, depending on the model and site conditions. The mast and substructure are raised hydraulically. After the modules are aligned and connected with pins, the electrical and hydraulic lines are plugged into pre‑installed manifolds. This is far faster than conventional rigs that require crane lifts for each major component.
Q4: How does the AC VFD drive benefit drilling operations?
A: The AC VFD drive system provides infinitely variable speed control, precise torque management, and 20‑25% higher energy efficiency compared to equivalent DC rigs. It also provides smoother acceleration and deceleration, reducing mechanical shock and extending the service life of the drawworks, mast, and drill string. In addition, AC VFD systems are more compatible with modern automation, remote monitoring, and top drives, making the Big Easy easier to upgrade as new technologies emerge.
Q5: Can the Big Easy rig walk between wells on a pad?
A: Yes. The Big Easy series can be equipped with an optional skidding or hydraulic walking system. When walking is required, the substructure is equipped with lift cylinders and traverse cylinders that move the entire rig laterally. Because the mast and substructure are already designed for hydraulic actuation, adding walking is a straightforward integration.
Q6: Is the Big Easy available as a cold‑climate rig?
A: Yes. The Big Easy series has been successfully supplied as a low‑temperature drilling rig for winter operations. We also provide a separate 低温轮轨钻机 (low‑temperature rail‑mounted rig) that has passed Russian GOST certification and is adapted for cold cluster well drilling. The standard Big Easy can be fitted with heated enclosures, heat‑traced lines, and low‑temperature lubricants — contact us for a cold‑weather configuration.
Q7: Where can I see Big Easy rigs in operation?
A: Big Easy drilling rigs have been deployed across North America, the Middle East, and China. More than 75 units have been exported to the United States and other countries, including contracts for 20 BE550 rigs to the US in 2008. We can arrange visits to operating rigs in suitable locations for qualified buyers.
Q8: What is the typical lead time for a Big Easy drilling rig?
A: Standard models (BE550, BE770) are available in 4‑6 months from order confirmation. This includes fabrication, assembly, full system testing at our factory, and export packing. Custom configurations (walking system, winterization, BE1100 extended depth) require 6‑8 months.
Q9: Do you offer financing for Big Easy rig purchases?
A: Yes. SJ Petro offers flexible commercial options through Sinopec’s financial partners, including outright purchase, operating leases (12‑60 months), lease‑to‑own programs (24‑36 months), and short‑term rental for specific campaigns.
Q10: Can I get training for my crew on the Big Easy rig‑up process?
A: Yes. Every Big Easy rig purchase includes on‑site training covering: trailer alignment and module placement, hydraulic mast and substructure raising, pinning procedures, and emergency manual backup procedures. We also provide detailed video tutorials and laminated quick‑reference guides.











