Why Buy Used Equipment?

Are you dealing with an equipment breakdown? Interested in filling a gap in your manufacturing business’s current lineup? Anytime your company needs to buy equipment, consider investing in used models. Purchasing used can provide your operation with significant advantages.

Explore the key reasons to buy used manufacturing equipment, how it compares to purchasing brand-new models and tips for ensuring you get the right machines for your business’s unique applications below.

Buying New vs. Used Equipment

When your business needs to introduce equipment to its manufacturing process, you must decide between new and used models, weighing each option’s potential pros and cons.

Brand-new equipment has the latest technologies and features, but it can be very expensive to purchase and maintain. Used manufacturing machines come at a more cost-effective price point, meaning more units can be purchased for less overall. At smaller scales, even a single unit may be enough to get the job done.

Used equipment provides an excellent entry point for small and larger companies expanding their reach. It also retains value longer than new equipment does, as it has already exhausted its early days at the time of purchase. In practical terms, this makes investing in preowned equipment safer because it can be sold for a similar price if it doesn’t meet your needs or if you only need it temporarily. This is especially important if your business is purchasing multiple units.

Price isn’t the only thing that matters. Sustainability is a vital part of any business’s practices, and choosing used equipment supports the flow of the circular economy, in which goods and materials are recycled and reused to reduce waste and excess and preserve the planet. These kinds of sustainable initiatives also go a long way in building a positive, eco-conscious image in the minds of consumers, which can extend your business’s reach and its ability to access environmentally friendly technology.

Advantages of Buying Used Equipment

The benefits of purchasing pre-owned manufacturing equipment extend far beyond sustainability. Explore the top advantages below.

Upfront Affordability 

Top-tier models from reputable brands don’t have to be inaccessible. Buying used gives businesses access to high-quality brands and models at more affordable prices. Used machines from brands such as Coperion and Pfaudler can be yours for lower prices while still offering the same or similar levels of quality. 

By purchasing used, your business can free up capital and allocate it toward other critical areas of your operation, such as hiring top talent, expanding your services or investing in more equipment. 

Return on Investment 

Used equipment typically offers a faster return on investment (ROI) than newer models. The main driver for this quicker ROI is the lower upfront cost, enabling your business to recoup its initial expenses sooner than if you spent more for a brand-new model. When you choose used machines, you can start generating profit more immediately. 

Availability 

Used equipment is typically readily available, meaning you can get operations up and running sooner than if you had to wait for brand-new models. 

Many equipment manufacturers only fabricate new models after an order is placed. Oftentimes, this fabrication process means you will have to wait longer to receive the ordered product. Used equipment, however, has already been fully assembled and can be shipped to your location once the order is received.

Access to More Models

A huge advantage of choosing a used piece of equipment is the vast selection of models from various brands available. Your business can find more used options than brand-new ones. The diverse selection also means you can find machines that precisely suit your operation’s needs and budget, without compromising on features. 

Used equipment may not always boast the latest features, but it may align more closely with the machines currently used in your facility. Its capabilities may be more than enough to get the job done. Plus, a high-quality used machine often offers the same or similar performance to a brand-new model, helping your business meet production targets without overspending. 

Try Before You Buy

Since preowned machinery has already been assembled and used, you have the chance to inspect and assess its performance before making an equipment purchase. Doing so can give you a clearer sense of the machine’s capabilities, which can give you confidence in your purchasing decision.

The provider can usually demonstrate the equipment’s operation before you buy it, helping your business avoid getting machines that won’t do what you need them to. Inquire about the machine’s performance and do not work with a supplier that won’t answer all your questions regarding maintenance, service history and machine condition. 

Insurance Rates

Insurance premiums are usually based on how much the equipment in question costs to replace. As a result, used equipment typically costs less to insure. 

Between the decreased overall cost and this lower insurance price, used equipment represents huge potential for savings in comparison to buying brand-new machinery.

When to Buy Equipment: Timing Your Purchase for Maximum Value

One of the most exciting aspects of purchasing preowned equipment is its reduced price, but even that price can fluctuate up and down based on seasonal factors, market trends and more. Consider whether a purchase can be delayed or hastened based on your business’s immediate needs. If you are in need of immediate upgrades, whether in terms of numbers or machine quality, you may not be able to hold off making a purchase. However, if you’re planning for the future, you should consider:

• When demand is at its lowest: Prices tend to fluctuate as the needs of the manufacturing industry shift. For many makers and purveyors of manufacturing equipment, demand peaks in the spring and summer. If you’re looking to make a purchase or a series of purchases, fall or winter may be the time to do it.
• If there are any imminent disruptions in the supply chain: Tariffs, shortages and other disruptions to the supply chain can have a dramatic impact on price, causing values to skyrocket as supply shrinks and demand grows. Many of these disruptions are not obvious, but keep an eye out for those that are, such as tariffs. Prices may even rise upon the announcement of these sorts of disturbances, so weighing your options and proceeding with your investment before prices rise or when the market has stabilized is important. 
• Whether a peak time for equipment turnover is coming: Many industries follow an unspoken schedule, replacing much of their manufacturing equipment all at once. For many, this occurs at the end of the fiscal year. As a result, price hikes may occur, which can dramatically increase your business’s expenditure when it comes to equipment. Working around these common turnover times can keep your business in the green and ensure you have access to the equipment you need before it sells out.

Why Buy Used Heat Exchangers and Other Specialized Equipment?

When it comes to the chemical processing industry, there is an enormous need for heat exchangers and other equipment created and assembled specifically to handle a range of chemical properties. These specialized machines often need to be customized to stand up to the rigors of specific manufacturers and chemicals, so many companies are content to simply order these custom builds and wait for their assembly without even considering used options.

However, in many cases, used options offer deeper insight into the machine’s quality and great value to the manufacturer overall. For one thing, used heat exchangers and other equipment come in a range of sizes and builds, and given the size of the chemical processing industry, odds are that there’s something out there that meets your specific needs. 

Another advantage of buying used specialized equipment is being able to test different machines prior to the actual purchase. This way, you can ensure that the machine performs at a high level and will stand the test of time. The inspection also gives you an opportunity to make sure you’re getting what you pay for, which is impossible to do with specialized equipment that is only assembled once a purchase is made.

Many used units are sourced from decommissioned chemical processing plants, which means they come with detailed maintenance histories. Viewing these histories can give you insight into the potential flaws of any given machine. From there, you can either prepare to deal with that limitation or find a unit that doesn’t have the same maintenance issues.

All in all, investing in a used heat exchanger or other specialized unit gives you a better idea of the capacity and capabilities of the equipment you are actually receiving. Rather than solely assessing the specs, you can examine and test the equipment itself and determine if it’s the right fit for your business.

Top 3 Tips for Buying Used Manufacturing Equipment

To ensure you and your business enjoy all the benefits of used manufacturing equipment, take the following steps prior to purchase:

1. Verify that the seller is legitimate: Check their reviews online and assess if and how the public has really received them. Get references from other manufacturers. See if the seller has a functioning, well-designed website. Steps such as these can protect your business from scams and other forms of online deception.
2. Inspect equipment and request maintenance records before purchasing: A major part of the appeal of used manufacturing equipment is that it can be examined and evaluated before it is purchased. Always take advantage of this opportunity before buying, as doing so will help you protect your investment and contribute to long-term satisfaction.
3. Assess the total cost, including transportation and installation: The price of a used machine itself may be within your price range, but you should always consider the cost of transportation and installation. These factors will bump up the overall price, so be sure to assess both before committing to a pricier machine.

Questions to Ask When Buying Used Equipment

Before making a purchase, seek clarity with the seller by asking a range of questions that will give you a deeper understanding of both the used equipment and the conditions of the sale itself. You should ask:

• About modifications, usage and any issues the machine has faced in the past: It is just as important to gain an understanding of the machine’s unique design and history. After all, you need to know how much it has been used to gain perspective on how much further it can go and what needs to be done to help it run properly. Many machines also undergo modification in the course of their work, so be sure to ask about any upgrades that have changed your machine’s maintenance needs or function.
• If any repairs are required: Some used equipment is sold while still needing some repairs. A dynamic air compressor, for instance, might need to have its rotating impeller replaced before it can function at full capacity again. Ensure you ask about repairs such as these, as they will increase your overall cost and the length of installation.
• If manuals, schematics and maintenance guides are included with the equipment: While you may already have experience with the type of equipment you’re purchasing, having access to manuals, schematics and maintenance guides can help you protect the equipment’s health in the long term. If you have no experience whatsoever, this documentation is vital, as it can educate your maintenance team on how to care for and protect the equipment at basic and more advanced levels.
• If the equipment is compliant with current safety regulations and standards: This question is especially important if you’re buying an older piece of equipment. Regulations and safety standards, especially in fields such as chemical processing, can change rapidly, so be sure to assess the used equipment’s adherence to the most recent guidelines to ensure the safety of your business and everyone working there.
• About warranty or service agreements: Those with used equipment for sale sometimes offer robust warranties and service agreements to prospective buyers to assure them of the quality of a piece of used equipment. Offerings such as these can reduce the risk of a purchase and make maintenance a lot simpler, so be sure to ask about any such warranties or agreements the seller may offer.

Find the Used Equipment You Need With Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company

You don’t have to search for used chemical processing equipment alone. At Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company, we make finding everything from compressors to centrifuges simple. 

Our suite of used chemical processing equipment is available worldwide. We also offer a selection of new equipment. Whatever your business’s needs, our team can help you find what you’re looking for.

To learn more about our offerings, browse our featured inventory.