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Buying old industrial gear is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever have to make. This is because there are many things to be afraid of. For example, longevity, good functioning condition, and beneficial investment are top concerns for every buyer.
Typically, it is advisable to buy new equipment for industrial use. However, not everyone has the money or time to purchase new industrial machines. This means that sometimes, you might just have to settle for used industrial equipment. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of things you should consider before purchasing a used machine.
Top 6 Considerations To Make Before Purchasing An Old Machine
1. What Is The Seller’s Track Record?
As previously said, the decision to purchase used industrial machinery is a big one. First, you need to evaluate the seller’s genuine reason for selling that machine. Why would anyone want to sell used machinery, after all? The only way to answer this question is to evaluate the seller’s reputation.
Mostly, buying from a well-known and registered company is recommended. This is because it is easy to conduct some preliminary market research on the seller if they have been well known. In addition, look at what previous buyers have to say in the form of reviews and testimonials. Besides this, find out what is the company’s reputation in terms of responsiveness of their support system. Lastly, assess the typical quality of secondhand industrial equipment that they have sold before.
2. How Old Is The Machine?
Every industrial machine has an expected life span. As soon as it leaves the manufacturer’s custody, wear and tear begin. Consequently, this will have an impact on the machine’s strength and functionality. As such, when it reaches the end of its useful life, repairs and maintenance are frequently required to keep it running.
Unfortunately, some people try to sell their industrial machines to unsuspecting buyers at this time. As a result, the buyer incurs additional costs when he could be enjoying the machinery. Therefore, you should always take your time to research what you are purchasing. Find out the date of purchase, how long it’s been in use, and any previous breakdowns or repairs. More importantly, buy from a reputable dealer
3. Request A Copy Of The Maintenance Log
Maintenance culture is crucial when it comes to old industrial machinery. Find out what kind of maintenance is required to prevent a breakdown. Additionally, enquire about how many times it has been serviced since it was purchased. Lastly, how many breakdowns have the industrial machine had? Answers to these and other questions should help you gauge the types of problems you’re likely to face shortly.
4. Request To See The Machine Physically
To be safe, you should not rely solely on what is displayed on the seller’s website. You should be able to inspect the used industrial machinery, especially if the seller has a physical address. Always consider seeing the machine physically, especially if the distance is not an issue.
Preferably, you can travel in the company of an equipment expert just to be sure. However, you don’t need to bring a machinery specialist if the seller is a trustworthy seller of used industrial machinery. Remember, Kitmondo and Exapro are two online marketplaces where you may safely purchase old industrial machinery.
5. Test The Machine Before Purchasing It
There is so much you can learn about a machine, just by watching it in action. That said always request for a test run, to ascertain that everything is working perfectly. Remember, most machines are put away after malfunctioning and there’s a high probability that most are later sold. Therefore, requesting to have the machine tested is very important before making the final purchase decision. If the machine doesn’t run properly after the first test, it is advisable to avoid buying it altogether.
6. Inspect The Machine For Any Signs Of Wear & Tear
The fact that you are not purchasing new machinery does not rule out the possibility of getting the most out of secondhand industrial machinery. Remember, industrial machinery begins to depreciate the day it leaves the manufacturer’s factory. Luckily for buyers, some indicators of degradation are usually obvious.
As with most equipment, one piece of wear and tear leads to the next, especially when attempting to repair it. Therefore, you must be on the lookout for warning indicators to identify potential problems soon. Here are key signs to look out for:
- The type of noise a piece of industrial machinery makes could indicate the level of service you can expect.
- The engine oil, as well as any other fluids it emits, can reveal the maintenance culture.
- If your engine’s exhaust is dark, it could be due to faulty injectors or air filters.
- White smoke could be caused by a faulty head gasket or internal combustion.
- The presence of blue smoke could indicate a worn seal.
Wind Up
As we have seen, choosing used industrial machines entails several important concerns. As a result, we normally don’t recommend purchasing old industrial machines that have passed through a lot of hands. However, if you’ve gone through all of the preceding advice and still want to buy an industrial machine, it is fundamental to inspect the title of ownership. More importantly, you must conduct thorough research to determine whether the previous title of ownership was fulfilled.
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