Buying Used Industrial Equipment? 13 Big Mistakes To Avoid Now!

Unlike machines, humans are prone to mistakes! However, things are different when you purchase used industrial machinery; you can’t afford to make mistakes. One needs to be well-informed, or else their lousy choice of used machinery can stake the company’s productivity and existence. 

Here is an instance: Let’s assume you urgently need used CNC machines, so you browse the internet, look at multiple models, contact the seller, and choose the reliable one as per your analysis, and then the CNC machine will be delivered to your enterprise. 

However, it is only after the delivery of the machine that you realize it lacks certain features and operates on the older version of the software. 

Yes, it is common when trading used machinery. However, every purchase is pivotal for the business, and many mistakes can be effortlessly avoided. Here are 10 common mistakes when purchasing used machinery. 

1. Not transitioning to the online marketplace 

If you are still looking for things in physical stores, you are probably doing it wrong! This simply means that you haven’t shifted to the digital marketplace. Using a digital marketplace is one of the best ways to buy used machinery. There you will find thousands of options that too with high-quality assurance. 

With offline purchases, the options are restricted because of geographical barriers. But with the digital marketplace, you can easily look for a machine that is miles away from you and have 3-D images to offer a proper visual of the machine.

Then, look for used industrial machinery for sale according to the specifications and objective, confirm the one you are looking for, and ignore the rest. It is fast but free of cost, and hundreds of sellers update their product list every day. You can even subscribe to a used machine newsletter to stay updated and know what is right for you. 

2. Not evaluating the business presence 

The first thing that you need to ask yourself is: What is the future objective of the equipment? Just like every other investment, you need profit out of it too.

Before starting the search, contemplate the need and choose probable products. Understand the current market value of your business and analyze what machines can help you raise productivity and sales. 

Without a central goal, it is impossible to yield profit or ROI; you need to assess the current business scenario to take the lead on your customers. So, first, you build a perfect investment plan that will anticipate both short and long-term requirements to develop your business value. 

3. Not paying attention to the operators

Machine operators will less likely have an interest in the cost of a machine. However, other areas like ease of use required skill to operate it, security and maintenance issues might concern them. Operators understand and analyze a machine closely like no one else. A flaw in a machine can look simple but dangerous in real-time; it hampers productivity and sometimes can also stake human life. 

So, take time while asking for feedback from your working technicians and operators. Let them review and analyze the current situation and ask them to give their opinions on the used machinery. This will save a lot of time and resources as well. 

4. Going with the secondary option 

This point is not a shocker but a common mistake that is often ignored. Getting intrigued by a secondary option is common but choosing it is not. While you look at different store products, you will find many machine’s secondary options available in the market. This option can be cost-efficient but of no actual use and also doesn’t match your requirement. 

You will unnecessarily spend money on a machine that lacks primary features and offers less quality. Always be clear of your machine needs and how it will ease the work of operators. A used but original piece is a thousand times better than some cheap secondary option.

5. Skipping the training part 

Considering your operators and technicians are pivotal if you want to avoid the sudden productivity drop while getting accustomed to a new machine. However, a majority of enterprise leaders ignore the training part as it consumes a bit of time and resources.

However, it is as essential as purchasing a suitable machine. Why? Because learning from mistakes will take time and affect productivity negatively but by offering training, operators will understand the functioning and ignore silly mistakes to boost productivity.

You can purchase different but better-used machinery; however, it might not run at capacity if you don’t give time for the training period. Plan a training session for your operators, offer important details and functioning alterations to help them get used to it shortly. 

6. Lack of knowledge about industrial safety  

Safety comes first, and there are some set rules for industrial machinery. Before purchasing used machinery, know the standard safety guidelines, also, conducting regular safety classes for the workers to practice safe machine handling. 

Wondering where to begin? You could begin with as minimal as sharing safety tips daily!

7. Not taking inspection rounds seriously 

Who wants to buy an automobile without a test drive? The same goes for machines. Ideally, you can inspect the machine yourself, but hiring an independent expert inspector will do the thing if you are miles away.

Are you aware of the fact that you effortlessly opt for online inspection? The seller might hail from another city or nation but not assessing the equipment due to a geographical location is a gone trend. 

Now, with technological advancements, inspecting machines is not a pricey affair; earlier, even inspection took out resources. Now, just with a click, you can start the inspection.

8. Overshadowing quality for a low price 

You are not purchasing a price tag but a machine that addresses your productivity requirements. Sometimes paying a higher value for a machine to boost productivity and ROI is better than getting stuck with a cheaper and non-effective variant. 

Only focusing on a lower price range will significantly cut on quality and ROI. So, it is better to go for quality than cost. 

9. Not keeping up with a website’s reputation

Choosing the right website for purchasing used appliances is of utmost importance. You will more likely avoid a website that can disappear within a few days of your deal. Always make sure to check the reviews and feedback of a website. This is a perfect way to find out a website’s credibility. 

10. Not seeking expert’s advice 

After using your managerial skills on machine operators, you got an idea of the machinery. But still, you have some queries and confusion that need to be addressed before initiating the purchase.

Sometimes, while dealing offline, you might come across the language barrier. And unable to fetch details due to the seller not being able to understand your language. Here, a machinery expert can come to the rescue. 

For instance, if you are looking for a used CNC machine for sale. An expert will let you know about every tiny detail, from what bearings it uses to what function it performs. In addition, they will offer in-depth knowledge of a machine and keep you aware of all possible risks. 

11. The operating hours and life span of a used machine

Reading the description of used machinery is vital. You cannot find anything on the label, call your seller, and do not hesitate to ask for more information. People usually forget to ask about the life span and operating hours; this mistake can risk the productivity and sales of your company.

So mind it! Ask for the machine’s maintenance history to get an in-depth insight into the age of the machine. Although some parts are advised to change in a specific time frame, these elements can offer an accurate idea of the used machinery. And save you from investing in the wrong item.

12. Things included in the machine

As you know the machine type needed for your company, make sure nothing misses out. No matter if you are considering a used or new machine, making a list of the required specifications is essential! 

Look for built-in features and analyze which one is perfect for fulfilling business needs. This will help you with current as well as future productivity complications. 

13. Operating state of the used machine

Used machines come with wear, and this is quite normal. But there are chances something might show up while you are inspecting the machine or during your interaction with the seller. The cracks or rust formation in the vital machine parts or making sounds while running all sum up the operating state of machinery. 

Pay attention to the maintenance parts: hydraulic fluid, coolant, fluid transmission, and more. If the machine includes an engine, check the condition of the exhaust. 

Conclusion: Buying used industrial machinery  

The preceding list provides some vital suggestions and points to consider while shopping for used machinery. Of course, adhering to every point is not possible, but analyzing all the given information and diving through the machine history will offer valuable insights. 

Do not rely on unauthorized sellers; most of the deals turn out fraudulent and hampers company resources and productivity. Lastly, If a seller does not disclose their original identity, it is better to avoid dealing with him.