A Guide to Buying Used Process Equipment

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Buying used or second hand process equipment can provide significant cost savings against purchasing new, but many people are deterred by the plethora of myths that surround the industry. This article takes each of these myths in turn and exposes them, so that you and your company don’t miss out on the savings that can be achieved. This can run into thousands, even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Myth 1: There is no guarantee that used process equipment will work:

Unfortunately, you often get what you pay for although a reputable dealer will undertake many more checks before they even get the process equipment into their stock and even more before it is sold on to you. A good dealer should also allow you to inspect before you buy, if you can’t make it to their site then ask for a video of the equipment to be sent to you or send a third party inspector to confirm it is in working order.

Myth 2: You can’t buy spare parts for a used machine:

This commonly held belief is simply untrue.  Additional parts can be sourced for any machine. If a part can’t be obtained from the OEM it may be possible to locate it from a different used machine. Alternatively, a good dealer will have relationships with engineering companies that can make the parts from the original drawings of the unit to its original specification.

Myth 3: There will be no documentation available:

Most used equipment is still accompanied by its relevant technical documentation and user manual. If it is not available the OEMs can supply them and a good dealer should be able to organise this for you.  Often you will find that the manufacturer’s warranty is still available, or there may be an option to extend this. Again, a good dealer will always be able to organise this for you. Finally, make sure your dealer provides you with documentation concerning the industry and processes the equipment has previously operated in. This information is required in order to meet 34E requirements for material handling.

Myth 4: The process equipment will not meet your requirements or current legislation:

Sometimes this can be true for an older piece of equipment, but even if this is the situation it can be modified to ensure it does. Most dealers will offer this service in-house or will work with the OEM or an engineering company to provide it.

To view the other four myths and tips click here and download a copy of the complete Guide to Buying Used Process Equipment. From there, you can also download our latest catalogue, brochure and other literature.

If you would like to discuss any of the points made above, please call to speak to a member of our team who would be happy to answer your queries. Tel: +44 (0)1325 315111.