Purchasing used industrial equipment is often a cost-effective way to solve your company’s needs. However, evaluating the equipment’s condition is important before making an informed purchase decision. When it comes to purchasing used industrial equipment, there is a common misconception that you get what you pay for. However, this does not always have to be the case.
With proper research and due thoroughness, you can find high-quality used equipment that meets your needs. Used industrial equipment comes in different working conditions. The quality of the equipment is highly variable and sometimes you find an item that’s completely broken down and unfit for use or as best as the new one. The key to a successful purchase is properly assessing the condition of the equipment before making a decision.
In this blog post, we are going to provide you with tips and guidelines to help you evaluate the condition of used industrial equipment before making a purchase.
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Examine the equipment thoroughly
The first thing you need to do when you’re assessing the condition of used equipment is to look closely at it. When inspecting the equipment, ask a few questions and note them down such as:
- Does it have any rust?
- Is there any damage to the metal?
- Are there any cracks or dents in the metal that could result in more damage later on?
Also, ensure that all moving parts are working properly and smoothly when turned by hand. Make sure that there is no excessive wear or damage to these parts before purchase so as not to affect the performance of the machinery when in use again later on.
If you don’t know how to assess the condition, get some help from a professional. They can tell you whether an item is in good condition or not. You can also make a checklist during this walk-through inspection and tick the points you find in reasonable condition
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Test drive the equipment
Before you buy any piece of used construction equipment, make sure you have a chance to test it out. This will allow you to identify any issues with the machine before it is shipped to your facility. Ensure to drive the equipment in an area which is free from other equipment to avoid any accidents. Also, try to drive when other people do not get bothered by the activity. During the test drive, pay really close attention to every aspect of it. Check if the brakes are working well or not. Also, check the engine if it takes more time to start or is easy to get into operation. All these factors have a great influence on the future productivity of the equipment. If you are not aware of all these techniques, be accompanied by an expert and pay for his time. This way you will get good equipment at a reasonable price with more satisfaction.
Furthermore, the best way to determine if an industrial machine is working properly is by performing a physical inspection of it. You can do this by making yourself comfortable inside the machine and then looking for any damage or signs of wear due to misuse or abuse. If there are signs of wear on the machine’s exterior, then there may be problems inside and it should not be used until repaired.
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Check for quality marks
A good quality mark means that the equipment was in good maintenance and that there are no major issues with it. First and foremost, check for quality marks. If it has manufacturers or another quality mark on the machine, you’ll know immediately that it’s been inspected by someone who knows what they’re looking for. This will help you get a better idea of how much time and effort went into inspecting the machine. Do the following checkups on the machine you are going to buy:
- Check the condition of an industrial machine by looking at its appearance
- Check by driving it to know whether it’s running smoothly or not.
- Check if the wheels have been properly lubricated and if there are any signs of damage on the machinery itself.
- Check for paint chips and scratches on the exterior surface of the machine.
- Check for rust spots or other signs of wear or tear on parts of the machine.
If there are no marks, then you may have to dig a little deeper to figure out what kind of care has gone into maintaining this piece of machinery over the years. You may directly ask the industrial equipment supplier or trader for its service history.
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Ask for the maintenance logs
Asking for the maintenance log of the machine is a buyer’s right. You should not take it lightly. Be sure and ask for the maintenance log from the dealer. This log will tell you how well the previous owner kept the machine. It will also let you know about the past service and maintenance history of the machine.
Normally, a professional dealer shows the maintenance log beforehand but if he is not doing so, do not hesitate to ask for it. Check it thoroughly and beware of every point made in it.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing used industrial equipment is not an easy job. It may take enough effort to find the best-used equipment of your choice. There are many factors you need to consider while inspecting the used equipment. It may include taking the walkthrough of the equipment and asking for the maintenance log from the dealer. You may find more details in this article about the tips to assess the Condition of Used Industrial Equipment Before Purchase.