Most businesses prefer to buy new equipment when their old ones fail. However, at times you might prefer to purchase used equipment. Although it might not be much different from making new purchases, the process is still time-consuming. Some of the most important things that should be considered when buying used industrial equipment include buying experience, price, and quality.
When you are planning to purchase used equipment, the following are six points to keep in mind.
Take Your Exact Requirements Into Consideration
Before you make a final decision, consider the capabilities, attachment, model, and size of the equipment. More than one option may be available that meets your needs. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research equipment. Don’t assume that just because the equipment worked for the previous owner that it will for you. Carefully analyze your requirements before you make your final choice.
Review The Equipment’s History
When it comes to purchasing used equipment, its history is a very important thing that needs to be considered. Make sure the equipment is not stolen and doesn’t have any liens against it. Check the equipment’s title and keep in mind that if the equipment is not fully paid for, ownership cannot be transferred from the seller to the buyer.
Make sure that all of the necessary documentation is available. It will also prove that the equipment does not have any liens. You can either contact your bank or conduct an online search to help you find an organization that can assist you with determining whether or not there are any liens against the equipment. To avoid getting stolen goods, buy from someone who is trustworthy. Write down the PIN or the serial number of the machine and either check with a business that deals with them or call the police department.
Check the Fluids
There are certain fluids that should be checked. They include the coolant, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and transmission fluid. Checking the fluids will give you a good idea of the equipment’s current condition and how well it has been maintained over time.
Low or dirty fluids are an indication that the previous owner did not maintain a standard maintenance schedule. Other indicators such as water in the engine oil can be a sign of a more serious or significant problem.
Equipment’s Operating Hours
Find out how many hours the equipment has been used. Although it might not indicate the construction equipment’s exact condition, it is still a good starting point. It might be a good idea to avoid equipment that is near its upper limits. However, if you are still interested in purchasing it, then perform a quick benefit/cost analysis to help you determine if the money you can save on buying older equipment will be worth the extra maintenance expenses of having to take care of a machine that might break down more frequently.
Make sure that the equipment had regular maintenance performed on it. A poorly maintained machine with only 1,00 operating is not a good buy when compared with a machine that has been well-maintained and used for more than 10,000 hours.
Look For Signs of Wear and Wear
Used equipment will undoubtedly show signs of wear and tear. However, you need to make sure that there is no major damage. Look for damage, rust, or hairline cracks that can cause future major equipment breakdowns..
If heavy construction equipment needs to be repaired, it will be expensive but also you run the risk of having to deal with increased downtime or needing to completely get rid of the equipment, which will make your purchase totally useless.
Accuracy
If you are purchasing used equipment that includes something critical like truck scales, then they should be checked for accuracy. If your truck scale’s precision is compromised, that can cause errors that can adversely affect your business’s reputation. So when you buy a truck scale make sure that it works at optimal efficiency and is calibrated.