What To Stay Away From When Purchasing Used Construction Equipment
If you own your own construction business, and you are in the are in the market for a new piece of machinery to do your job properly, you will most likely want to shop around a bit to get the best deal if purchasing a used piece of equipment. While having new construction equipment will ensure you having a machine that will run perfectly, cost issues make it next to impossible to go this route. Buying used construction equipment can prove to be profitable in the long run if you take the time to look over the machine before laying out cash to purchase it. Here are some tips to use when purchasing a new piece of construction equipment so you are sure the machine you end up with will be able to handle the work without needing repair.
Follow Reputation
When purchasing used equipment, you put yourself at risk for losing a great deal of money by buying through a personal seller. Unless you know the person well, there is no telling what they had done to the equipment in the past, making you vulnerable for picking up a machine that has not been cared for during its use. Purchasing used equipment through an automotive dealer or at an auction will give you the peace of mind you are buying something that has been inspected for wear beforehand.
Auto dealers and large equipment auction services will have their service departments look over the machinery for flaws before putting a price tag upon it. Many dealers will also offer a warranty, making a purchase more enticing as you will know you are covered if the machine doesn't work up to your expectations.
Look For Key Flaws
When looking at a piece of heavy equipment, you will want to thoroughly inspect each portion of the machine for wear and tear that may clue you in to its prior usage. If you notice areas with welded metal, this raises a red flag as you can run into structural issues down the line. Welded steel will not be as strong as it was when it was intact, making it a risky purchase overall.
If you notice liquid pooling underneath the machine, it may be suffering from oil or gas loss. Another poor purchase would be a piece of equipment that does not start. If you are told you will just need to replace an engine, you are still not guaranteed the rest of the machine will work after you do so. Pass these pieces of equipment by and look for another one.
Stick With Familiarity
It is best to buy heavy equipment with a brand name you are familiar with. You will be able to contact the manufacturer for an instruction manual if needed. You will also be able to order replacement parts easier than obscure construction equipment companies.
Share