There are a lot of benefits you can expect to get by buying used machinery. However, it can be a little challenging to find reliable second-hand equipment. Below are some tips that are going to help you with the process. Knowing what questions to ask the seller and what to look for is going to be important because it helps you find the right equipment according to Consignment Service..
Doing your research
There are a lot of sellers out there dealing with used equipment, which makes it important to work with a seller who is trustworthy. You need to invest time and effort in researching. Once you have figured out the used equipment that is right for your business, the next step is researching more about the seller. You should research and see whether you are comfortable buying from the seller. If you have any doubts, don’t do it. Make sure they are trustworthy and legit before buying from them.
You should find out if the seller has the legal authority to sell equipment on the behalf of the owner or if they are the outright owner. Make sure you get proof.
The equipment needs to have a clear title free of any liens. The ownership of the machine is not going to be transferred to you if there is any existing debt attached to it. Make sure you check this before you proceed with the purchase.
Checking the equipment’s operating hours
When you are happy with the legal history, the next step is doing the same for the work history. Find out the operating hours of the equipment. While this is not going to indicate the condition of the machine, you can get a full picture when you combine it with other factors.
Maintenance history is another thing you need to look at. You can find a machine that has only 2,000 operating hours and assume that it is a good purchase, but it might not be after looking at its maintenance history. It is better to invest in a machine that has eight times the operating hours but a good maintenance record. A condition report will help in learning more about the condition of the different components. This lets you know what maintenance the equipment is going to need in the future.
Looking out for signs of wear and tear
You can expect some signs of wear and tear and rust since you are buying used equipment. This is not that big of a deal provided you know what you should avoid. A good machine is one with benign signs of use. Signs of rust and cracks are not very reassuring.
Checking the fluids
The condition of the fluids can tell you a lot about the condition of the equipment. Make sure you analyze the transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant. This is going to tell you a lot about the condition of the machine and the quality of care.
A piece of equipment that was properly maintained and taken care of is going to have a good report.
Checking the tires
The assessment is not going to focus on the technical aspects. You should check out other parts like the tires. You are going to spend a pretty sum when investing in construction equipment and the costs add up with every additional tire you need to replace. You most likely don’t want to spend a lot of money on buying equipment and then realize that you have to spend more on buying tires.
Closely look at the tires so you can determine whether they have been retreaded or patched. If the tires have ruts, make sure they aren’t that serious. If you see damage that is larger than a quarter, then it is a bad sign.
You should also see any signs of uneven wear on the tread. This is a sign of poor alignment.