New construction equipment tend to be very expensive and takes too long to deliver, so some businesses opt for the more economical choice of buying used machinery.
However, choosing a substandard equipment may expose your business to certain risks and dangers. So, how do you choose the best unit for your business? Check out these tips.
Consider the specific requirements
Each business has different needs. To make sure that you get the best equipment for the best price, consider your specific operational requirements.
Figure out the model, size, attachments, and capabilities of the unit. Do not assume that a piece of equipment is going to work for you simply because it did for its previous owner. Carefully analyze your equipment requirements before settling on your choice.
Equipment history
When buying a used unit, it is critical that you examine its history. There are unreliable businesses out there that sell stolen machinery, and an equipment history ensures that there are no liens against it and that it is not stolen. Check the title of the machinery, and keep in mind that ownership cannot be transferred if the equipment is not paid in full.
There should be necessary documentation to prove that there are no liens. There are resources available online or contact your bank to get you in touch with an organization that can identify whether or not the equipment has liens against it. Always shop with a reliable heavy equipment company to avoid buying stolen goods. Take note of the machine’s PIN (product identification number) or serial number, and check with authorities if it has any issues.
Check the operating hours
The dealer should be able to show you a record of how long the equipment has been operated for. Although it may not indicate the exact condition of the machinery, it gives you a clue of how worn it might be.
Stay away from equipment that seems to have been pushed to its limits or is almost at its limits. If you are keen on buying such an equipment, however, you have to do a quick cost-benefit analysis to determine if the money you are investing in it will be worth the extra maintenance and repair costs, as it might break down often.
Check the fluids
Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, and all the fluids necessary to operate the machine. Analyzing the equipment’s fluids gives you an insight into its present condition and how well it has been maintained.
Dirty or low fluids mean that the previous owner did not keep up with the standard maintenance agenda for the equipment. Other off things about the fluids, like water in the engine oil, may signify a more critical issue.
You need to be extremely meticulous when choosing which used equipment to buy and from whom. If you are careless about such a major investment, you could end up with a subpar stolen piece of equipment that may be cheap but will lead to more costly damages and injuries in the future.
