Whether you’re an established manufacturer or a local start-up machine shop, when you’re looking to purchase machinery, you typically consider two options: buying new or used.

New machinery certainly has its pros, and businesses will opt to source new equipment based on assumptions of advantages such as better efficiency and cheaper maintenance.

Likewise, buying used machinery has its advantages too. Today’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are designing products that have longer life expectancy, giving these machines many years of efficiency and usefulness.

Buyers are now becoming more accepting of purchasing used machinery and equipment from the secondary market. In order to confidently and comfortably navigate the secondary market of used machinery, Tim Cromwell, Manager of Sales and Acquisitions for A&A Machinery Sales, Inc. has some tips and things to consider before purchasing your next machine.

Advantages of Buying Used Machinery

• Availability – New machinery isn’t always readily available or in stock. OEM’s typically manufacture most industrial machinery after an order is placed. This often means longer “lead time”.

If you need the piece of machinery you’re investing in sooner than the OEM can provide, you should consider sourcing from the secondary market. Trusted sources and machinery dealers such as A&A Machinery Sales may have the identical machinery you’re looking for in stock.

• Consistency – You have a machine type or model that fits your business. You have the operating and maintenance knowledge to keep it running. The spare parts, accessories, dies, etc. are already on hand at your facility. Why not keep your operations consistent?

Sourcing identical used machinery from a trusted source rather than purchasing a new machine can be beneficial. There would be no need to learn any new operating and maintenance processes or stock up on different accessories and spare parts that you already possess.

• Budget – Purchasing used industrial machinery is less expensive than purchasing new. Yes, this seems obvious, but there are some who think buying brand-new is always the best option.

Buying new simply because the machine never had a previous owner doesn’t mean you should. Buying new machinery tends to be a huge investment that could take away budget that could be distributed towards other machine purchases or investments.

Used machinery can always be found available at bargain prices from trusted sources. Used machines will practically pay for themselves much quicker and create larger profit margins for your business.

Where to Buy Used Machinery

• Used Machinery Dealers – Companies such as A&A Machinery Sales are specialized in buying and selling used machinery and industrial equipment. Machinery dealers can also provide turn-key or end-to-end services such any rigging and transportation. A&A Sales partners with their sister company A&A Machinery Moving to provide rigging and transportation services.
• Industrial Auctions – Industrial auctions offer benefits such as price and convenience. Auctions are a great option for businesses looking to purchase used machinery at a great price. When a business closes their plant, they regularly hold auctions, allowing them to sell large portions of machinery and equipment in a short amount of time.

Registered participants in an auction are given the opportunity to bid and buy used machinery at less than retail value.

Inspect the Condition

It is highly recommended you become knowledgeable on the piece of machinery you’re looking to invest in and when possible, have an inspection conducted. Most used industrial machinery from auctions follows the principle of what you see is what you get, or ‘as is where is’.

Conduct a visual inspection of the machine yourself. From your research, you may have a few things you want to look for during your inspection.

If you can’t inspect the machinery yourself, there are local independent inspection specialists that you can hire to do the inspection. Make sure to account for inspection charges in your budget if you decide to hire an inspection specialist.

Disassembly, Transportation, & Reassembly

This is a major factor that gets lost in the process but has a major financial consideration. When investing in used machinery and equipment, be sure to factor in any potential moving and relocation costs. For example; a process line or a large press, a major consideration is who will disassemble and reassemble them.

Think about your current facility’s floor plan. Can your current plant or facility layout support the incoming machinery? Will existing machinery be relocated to another area or building to accommodate the new addition(s)?

If you plan on using a transportation contractor, be sure they’re reputable and experienced in moving large and valuable assets such as the industrial machinery you’ve just invested in.

When you purchase used machinery and equipment from a trusted source like A&A Machinery Sales, you can work with their sister company A&A Machinery Moving, an experienced rigging and machine moving contractor. The entire A&A Machinery team has the ability and expertise to provide exceptional turn-key and end-to-end service. From the moment you purchase your used machinery and equipment to the moment it is delivered and installed at your facility, you’re provided the A&A Difference.

To confidently navigate the secondary market of used machinery, consider following Tim Cromwell’s tips and things above. If you have further questions or want to inquire more about our services, contact us at A&A Machinery Moving.

Published July 15, 2019