Did you know which are the three frequently asked questions when buying heavy machinery?
Buying used heavy equipment can be a viable option in many cases. But even if you are purchasing a used heavy equipment by first time or have a bit more experience in the field. There are key questions you might want to look prior to any negotiation when procuring secondhand machinery. Thus, the three main questions advisable to review and bear on mind are:

  1. What is the quality and reliability of the machinery? As a secondhand purchaser, you need to be able to decide and forecast how the prospect equipment might result for your operations and needs. Hence, it is important to research about the history and condition (including its maintenance and any major repairs made), find out how the machinery was used before, as this can affect its wear and useful life.
    In an ideal world, personally inspect the machinery or have a heavy equipment expert examining it to assess its overall condition is the most advisable. Together with other recommendations like digging into the manufacturer’s reputation, read reviews, and seek recommendations to ensure you purchase quality equipment that meets required standards.
    In a nutshell, having a business partner or third party that accompanies you during the procurement and negotiation process becomes ideal, especially when you are not too familiarized with the equipment, or you are just far from the machinery is located. You invest not only in the equipment but in earning peace of mind through an expert´s support, covering your back from a technical, professional, and even budget standpoint.
  2. What is the total cost of ownership? In addition to the purchase price, it is essential to consider the associated costs, such as type of fuel used, how is the consumption, where it has been used before, and potential long-term repairs. Estimating the total cost of ownership will help you make an informed decision about the financial viability of the acquisition. The purchase price of used heavy equipment is generally lower than that of a new one, but you must consider the possible costs of repair and maintenance.
  3. Does it meet my specific needs and requirements? Each project or application may have unique requirements. It is important to assess whether the heavy machinery you are considering meets your specific needs in terms of capacity, performance, technical features, and adaptability to your future projects.

In overall, remember that it is advisable to seek specialized advice and compare different options before deciding to purchase heavy machinery. This is when it is highly recommended to get consulting and ideally, extra support during the selection and purchase process. Hence, you will feel more confident about the machinery and the overall deal evaluation. It is invaluable to have an expert eye in whom you can rely on.