TECHNICAL
When buying used machinery it’s important to ensure you look to a reputable and trusted source
seen increased interest. Buying used is already entrenched in our
culture, with sites like eBay and Gumtree growing ever more popular as consumers continue to strive for a bargain, as well as take an eco-friendly approach to reusing/recycling rather than always buying new.
Buying used is probably most popular when it comes to cars. According to research released last year by the AA, consumers are three times more likely to buy used rather than new. Plus, AutoTrader reports that the average car on the road is 11.4 years old, whilst drivers keep a car for around six years. By this, it is clear to see that most people buy a used car and keep it for a significant length of time.
The benefits of buying used
With consumers trusting the pre-owned market for buying a car - one of the largest purchases many will make in their lives - it seems there is a lot to be gained from buying used. And the same can be said for used turfcare machinery.
There are many benefits to buying used machinery; the biggest and most obvious is cost. Without paying the premium of having a brand-new machine, the upfront cost can be significantly lower. Buying used could also mean that higher-quality brands become affordable, negating the need to buy lower quality new machinery that can be unreliable and costlier in the long term. However, whilst the obvious benefits are
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certainly enticing, there is always some doubt as to what exactly you’re buying. For many, there is certainly a question over what they should look for in a used machine:
• How do they know it’s good quality? • How many hours usage is too much?
• How can they be sure they’re making a good investment?
What to look out for when buying used
So, what should you look out for when you’re buying used machinery? 1. A trusted source
With turfcare machinery, it’s not just a question of getting seemingly good value for money upfront; you need to know that the machinery you buy is fit for purpose. A machine that costs significantly less used means nothing if it can’t do the job properly. And, with turfcare machinery often needing to be used regularly for tough work, it’s paramount to know the machine’s history, and trust it has been through a multipoint check by a trained technician. Added to that, when buying new, you will
likely have the guarantee of a manufacturer warranty to give you peace of mind. But buying used doesn’t mean you have to miss out! Trusted dealers will offer their own warranty to provide that extra reassurance.
2. Quality of brand
If you’re buying machinery that has already been used, it’s important you invest in a
reliable and trustworthy brand. If a brand is already well-known in the industry for producing durable, robust machinery that maintains its longevity, you know you’re onto a winner.
3. Machinery use
Just as you’d avoid a car that has clocked up a substantial number of miles, you wouldn’t want to invest in machinery that’s been used for a huge number of hours. Make sure you know the age, specification and hours used on a machine, as this will give you an early indication of the condition you can expect the machine to be in.
Whilst this can be a good way to sense the quality of a machine, don’t rely completely on the numbers. What may look good on paper, doesn’t necessarily translate to reality. If a machine has a low number of hours, but in reality looks damaged, this could be a sign that it has an underlying problem or hasn’t been used with care and is worn out already. So, whilst it’s a good place to start, make sure you can always back up what’s on paper, either by seeing the machine or going to a trusted dealer.
4. Service checks
This goes hand in hand with purchasing from a trusted source. A reputable dealer will ensure the machinery they sell is in top notch condition by completing a number of service checks to find and resolve any issues. Much the same as you would find when purchasing a used car, you’ll get
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