There are many benefits of investing in used machinery. But looking for reliable used machinery is quite tricky. Here is a guide that helps you ask the right questions from sellers when investing in used machinery.
1. Do Your Homework
If you stray from reliable dealers, doing your homework properly is the most important factor when buying used machinery. You should do your research properly when buying used construction equipment for your construction project. Look at the right machine for your business as well as the right seller. Is the business trusted in the industry? You should spend a couple of minutes online to investigate the seller and make sure they are legit.
Ask if the potential seller owns the equipment outright. If not, has he or she legal authority to sell the machinery on behalf of his/her owner? Be wary, if the seller isn’t in a position to confirm this. The status of the title is another important consideration when buying used industrial equipment. If the seller doesn’t fully own the equipment, he or she cannot transfer the ownership of the equipment to the buyer. Check if the title used for the machinery is clear of liens before you proceed to buy the unit.
2. Check the Operating Hours
Once you cover the legal history of the machinery, look at the work history. By now, you should have identified the used machinery for sale of your choice. The operating hours may not always be an immediate indicator of the machine’s condition, but it’s a good starting point. Check the operating hours of the equipment.
Was the machine serviced regularly? Ask the seller about the maintenance history of the equipment. For example, investing in a used machine with 1,200 operating hours and poor maintenance isn’t a good decision. In fact, a machine with 8 times more hours and a good history of care is a better choice. Get a condition report so that you can identify the condition of the various components of the machine. It helps you predict the kind of maintenance required by the equipment in the future.
3. Consider Signs of Wear
You should expect to see some signs of wear on the machine since you are looking for used equipment. It is not bad news just like operating hours. Look for a machine with benign signs of wear. In fact, you shouldn’t purchase a machine that will cause you problems in the long run. For example, if a used piece of skid steer attachment has a hairline crack, it isn’t a great investment.
Avoid this kind of pitfall by investing in used machinery from trusted dealers. A reliable dealer will offer well-maintained and affordable equipment.
4. Check the Fluids
You will have a better understanding of the condition of the used machine by investigating the fluids of the equipment. Get an analysis of the hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, and coolant. It helps develop an idea of the equipment’s maintenance history and fitness. Used equipment with a good maintenance history will return a good report.
5. Look at the Tires
Most buyers forget to give the required attention to the tires of the machine. The price of construction-industry tires can add up fast. Don’t budget for a piece of used machinery to find out that you need to spend money to replace the tires in a couple of months.
Check for evidence that the tires have been patched or retreated. If there are cuts in the tires, check if they are serious or superficial. Damage wider than a quarter of an inch can be a problem.
