How to Make the Right Choice When You Buy Used Factory Equipment

Scooping up used factory equipment is a smart way to save – if you know how to find the right piece at the right price. Bargain hunters can be undone by their own ambitions, picking up a machine at auction that should have been bound for the scrapyard. Sometimes, paying a bit more and buying through a used machinery dealer that guarantees the product and provides repairs proves to be a safer expenditure.

You can definitely save money and buy used equipment but to make sure the deal you’re getting is a good one, consider these aspects of buying used.

Delivery and Installation

Are you ready to ship a delicate piece of equipment like a CMM yourself? Even heavy-duty gantry CMM machines that take up massive floor space are delicate where it counts, and damage during shipment can permanently prevent the machine from taking accurate measurements.

Unless you’re confident in your ability to ship and install any piece of used equipment yourself, going with a dealer over an auction is the safer option.

Getting the Equipment Operational

Whether you’re buying the equipment to increase capacity or to replace a broken-down machine, you likely want to get it operational as soon as possible. Setting up a used machine only to discover that it needs further repairs will set your schedule back. Have a plan for getting the equipment up and running quickly. Another advantage to buying from a dealer is that they may offer an operational guarantee and handle any necessary repairs as part of it if your new (to you) machine arrives with problems.

Who Are You Buying From?

Do you trust the source of the equipment? Picking up used machinery at auction or directly from another shop may not be the most reliable way to go. If you want to remove any doubt about your purchase, think about buying from a member of the MDNA, the Machinery Dealers National Association.

Members follow a code of ethics when selling machinery which includes advising buyers of the condition and circumstances of equipment and making all necessary repairs to a machine that they sold if it is found to be unsatisfactory within 30 days.

Training Employees

When you introduce another piece of equipment into the shop, you need a plan for training employees, especially for emerging technologies you haven’t implemented before. Not only will you need to source a training program, which may involve online learning or even sending employees away for a course, you should also keep in mind retention. A great training program comes with resources that are quick to look up at a moment’s notice. Retention is never perfect, and you need answers quickly.

Price Comparisons

Whatever your budget, it isn’t a good deal unless you know your other options. You can’t shy away from getting quotes and finding what else is out there on the market, and what trade-offs you have to accept to buy a piece at a lower price.

Used equipment is a smart call, but you have to go in with your eyes open. Know what you need out of the deal and take precautions to make sure you get it right.