There are many advantages to buying used machinery. It can often save you a substantial amount of money on the machinery. In fact, used machinery can be just as effective as new machinery, without the extreme initial expense. However, there are many things that you need to keep in mind when buying used machinery to protect your business and your investment. Here are some of the best tips for buying used machinery!
Check Fluids
Take a look at the fluids of the machine when you are planning on purchasing used machinery. The fluids can help to provide you with a significant amount of information regarding how well the machine has been maintained. The condition of the fluids can help to indicate the current condition of the machine. It can also help to provide you with information regarding the overall maintenance that the machine has obtained over time. It is important to be very wary of a machine that currently has low or dirty fluids. This can indicate that the machine has had less than adequate maintenance.
Consider the Age of the Machine
Ensure that you know exactly how old the machine is. While this may not necessarily relate to the condition of the machine, it can tell you about the specifications of the machinery. Newer machines may have additional features, depending on when they were manufactured. In addition, as a machine becomes older, it may require more frequent maintenance in order to prevent repairs. Keep this in mind when you are buying a used machine.
Operating Hours
Just like you would pay attention to the mileage of a car, you will want to find out the number of hours that the machine has been in operation. A machine that has been used much more will likely break down sooner. It is critical to keep this in mind when considering the purchase of a used machine. If you purchase a machine with a significant amount of operating hours, you will want to ensure that you plan for the possibility of repairs.
Look at the Maintenance Record
Regular maintenance is an incredibly important component of keeping any machine in good condition. When the machine hasn’t received regular maintenance, there are many issues that can potentially arise. It is important to ask for the maintenance record of the machine. Be extremely cautious if a maintenance record can’t be provided. This either means that the machine has not received the necessary maintenance, or they didn’t accurately track to ensure that the machine was maintained on a regular basis. It is important to know that the machine was cared for properly when you intend to buy a used machine.
Signs of Wear
Every machine will pick up some signs of wear over time. It is important to understand the difference between normal wear and various indications of damage that can result in significant problems. It is perfectly acceptable to purchase a used machine that has a few dings and scratches. However, it is necessary to pay careful attention to other signs of wear, such as rust, hairline cracks, and significant amounts of damage. These can lead to substantial issues over time.
Run the Engine
Do a test run before purchasing the used machine. This will help you to find potential problems with the functionality of the machine. Pay attention to the sound of the engine and how smoothly it functions. It is important to perform this test run before buying a used machine. It is also important to ensure that you inspect the machine in person prior to purchase. You can’t always trust everything that you see on the internet, especially if you aren’t purchasing from a particularly trustworthy source.
Know your Requirements
Consider why you need the machine and what your requirements will be. When you know your requirements, you will be better equipped to ensure that your used machine will meet all of your requirements. It is important to learn all of your specific requirements, so that you will be able to tailor the machine to your expectations. Without this information, you may find that you purchased a used machine that won’t meet your needs.
Research Market Value
It is crucial to understand the market value of the machine prior to purchasing a used machine. This can help you to know that you are getting a fair deal on the machine. When you are unaware of the market value, you may find that you are simply purchasing a used machine for the same cost as a new one! The main benefit of purchasing a used machine is to save money and increase your profit margin. When you know the market value of the machine, you will be able to make a better decision regarding your purchase.
Ensure you Know how to Operate Safely
It is always incredibly important to understand how to safely operate machinery. When you don’t follow safe practices, many potential issues can arise. It is crucial to ensure that you know how to operate the machine safely before you purchase it. This will help to protect everyone that uses the machine. Do your research prior to the purchase of a used machine.
Review Warranty
It is beneficial to understand any warranties that may come along with the machine. This will help you to weigh any advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a used machine. A machine with a comprehensive warranty will help to reduce any risks associated with the purchase.
At Sanson Machinery, we offer a large array of services to ensure that you can obtain the best machine for all of your needs. We carry both used and new machinery to meet all of your specific expectations. Following these tips for buying a used machine can help to ensure that your machine meets all of your requirements. Consider your specific situation in order to determine the best solution for your company. To learn more about the best way to purchase a used machine or the used machines that we have in stock, contact us at Sanson Machinery today!