Does your business rely on industrial machinery and heavy gear? If it does, you’re probably familiar with the different difficulties involved in selecting and using second hand tools effectively. But what to do? New machinery can be extremely expensive and could take years to buy—years that you could be making money with used industrial parts and equipment.
Well, we bring you good news: buying used industrial equipment is very okay. It makes financial sense for many businesses and maximizing their value is not as hard as you may think. Here are 5 vital tips to help your get the most from your used industrial equipment:
1. Before Buying
Before investing in second hand equipment, make sure that the tools are still in excellent working order. If you look at the price factor alone, you could be looking at damaged equipment that could lead to poor quality production. Even worse, defective machinery could endanger the safety of your crew.
In some circumstances, you might think about renting second hand equipment, but that’s money that could be used in buying equipment, especially if you’ll be using the tools for a while. Having said that, we advocate for second-hand equipment because it makes financial sense. But before you make a purchase, conduct extensive research on the vendor and have an experienced operator inspect the machinery.
2. Team Training
Machines make work easier, and your team will be excited about the new development. It’s however vital to remember that some may have no clue as to how they should use the machinery. You need to equip them with this knowledge through training to keep them safe and yield quality products. That’s especially the case for second-hand equipment—remember that these could have no manual or manufacturer’s instruction.
We advise that you instruct your staff on how the machine functions, what to do in an emergency, and any safety considerations that must be observed when using the machinery. You should review all these and more even if your seasoned personnel thinks it is unnecessary just to be safe.
3. Managing Your Employees
It will take some time before your team is proficient with new equipment. To make sure that they’re improving day by day, use time tracking tools. You could, for instance, use a system like Quickbooks when setting up payroll for the construction industry so that employees can monitor their time and pay accurately.
Such an app would also help you compute, process, and deliver payroll via a mobile app. This increases worker accountability and enables you to calculate precise project and training cost estimations. You should also establish honest communication. Make it plain to your staff that you welcome their insight and are happy for them to share their criticism because learning new equipment can be frustrating.
4. Safety is Paramount
Did you know that hundreds of people die in unsafe industrial conditions yearly? How then can you guarantee that your old machinery is run safely? You can periodically check your machines to make sure they don’t need repairs, and if you do, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a dependable service provider from the business for support.
If you suspect any issues with second hand equipment, do not try to run it, even if it means temporarily reducing production. Go the extra mile to inform your staff that they should contact you right away if they have any problems. This ensures that any issues are reported as soon as they are discovered. To even go further, you may set up inspection checklists that should be done before the start and at the end of production.
5. Maintenance Is Non-negotiable
To make sure that your second-hand equipment is always in excellent working condition, you must maintain it regularly. It’s also the key to safeguarding your old equipment to make sure that you use it for a very long time. Furthermore, protect your equipment by following threshold guidelines. Avoid trying to push your equipment over its capacity because it can only handle so much.
Overproduction also risks damaging it or wearing out its components. Tools are also susceptible to rusting and other issues when exposed to the elements so make sure that equipment is stored properly after use. In a nutshell, always keep in mind that maintaining used equipment is essential, especially if you plan to sell the unit in the future.
Final Thoughts
Industrial equipment needs to be carefully chosen, used, and maintained. With these 5 key tips, that will be a walk in the park. Remember, used machinery can give you similar value to new equipment if not better!
