Buying used construction equipment is a smart option for many businesses. It can be less expensive and more Eco-friendly, giving you access to quality equipment your business needs to grow. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you buy used equipment.
This article will cover what you should know about buying used machinery and machinery parts, as well as how to identify the best sources of used machinery.
Purchase from a Reputable Company
If you’re buying used equipment, you want to make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable company like Boom and Bucket. The best way to check a company’s reputation is by looking at its eBay feedback and rating.
A good rule of thumb is to look for sellers with an average rating of at least 95% or higher and more than 300 transactions. This means the seller has been around for a while, has an established history of positive feedback, and has maintained an excellent track record with customers.
You can also check what other customers have said about the seller by reading their feedback on the product page or contacting them directly via eBay’s messaging system. If a seller has less than 95% positive feedback, it may be worth researching before making your purchase decision.
If you can’t find any information about the seller in their profile or if there are several negative comments about them, look for someone else who might have better reviews and give them your business instead.
Do Your Market Research
When buying used construction equipment, it’s important to do your market research. You’ll want to know the going rate for similar items and how much they’ve been selling. You’ll also want to know how much the item has been listed for in the past and how often it’s been listed.
If you’re looking at a specific piece of equipment that doesn’t have an established market value, research similar items and see what they’ve sold for. If there are no comparable items out there, look at other equipment that might be used in conjunction with what you’re buying, or use identical pieces of equipment from other companies as a benchmark.
You can also call around town or check online forums for prices on used equipment. Remember that people who sell stuff online often have inflated prices because they don’t want to come down much from their asking price. So don’t take those prices as gospel when negotiating with sellers.
Check the Condition of the Equipment
Inspect the outside of the machine for signs of wear and tear. Look for dents, scratches, and rust. Check for oil leaks from hoses, lines, and fittings. If there are any visible signs of damage, it’s best to stay away from that machine.
Look at all control panels/switches and gauges on the machine. Ensure they’re in good working order with no broken or missing parts.Check for leaks in hydraulic lines by spraying water on them (while the engine is off). If there are any leaks from hydraulic lines, this may indicate a more serious problem with the machine that makes it unsafe to operate.
Inspect tires and wheels for cracks or damage; ensure they’re properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Also, check underneath the machine for any loose or missing nuts/bolts/fasteners, etc.