| Whether you're a drywall man or you run a | | | | exceed your expectations, but don't |
| heavy machinery business, the tools that help | | | | necessarily set your sights on the Rolls |
| get the big jobs done must be in good | | | | Royce of a particular machine if it's not |
| condition or business will go south. Buying | | | | required to get the job done right. |
| used construction equipment can be a big | | | | |
| gamble, but oftentimes businesses just | | | | * Set a budget. This is very important, |
| starting out cannot afford brand new | | | | especially for new businesses starting out. |
| machines. Smart used buys are out there; they | | | | Be realistic and prioritize your needs. If |
| just have to be found. | | | | you have to buy the mid-line machine now, you |
| | | | may find yourself in a better position to buy |
| Although it's certainly true some used buys | | | | that top model not too far down the road. |
| aren't worth the powder to blow them up, with | | | | |
| careful and smart shopping great machines can | | | | * Research brands, models. Know exactly what |
| be found. The key to buying the best used | | | | features you need and which products provide |
| equipment to make sure business goes smoothly | | | | the best results. Look at machine |
| is to do some investigating before making a | | | | specifications, reviews from past users and |
| purchase. There's no reason why well cared | | | | even look into what other industry pros you |
| for machines that are passed on through used | | | | know personally say about machines. Pick a |
| sales can't get the job done right. It's just | | | | top make/model or two for each anticipated |
| a question of finding the machines that have | | | | purchase. |
| been treated properly and maintained as they | | | | |
| should be. Remember, many businesses upgrade | | | | Now's the time to start searching for the |
| machinery on a regular basis and the pieces | | | | machines you need to get your business off |
| of equipment they replace oftentimes are in | | | | the ground on the right foot. Shop around for |
| great shape. The trick is finding these | | | | the makes and models you've determined to be |
| machines! | | | | the best. Make sure to inspect machines, if |
| | | | possible, before a purchase and ask to see |
| Before buying used equipment: | | | | maintenance records if they're available. |
| | | | |
| * Determine your exact needs. If you're | | | | A used machine purchase can be a great way to |
| launching a lawn care company, for example, | | | | get a business going. Whether you need large |
| do you really need that stump grinder on a | | | | construction machines like backhoes and earth |
| daily basis? Would a rental be smarter and | | | | movers or smaller ones like lawn tractors or |
| money be better spent on heavy-duty mowing | | | | forklifts, the purchases you make will effect |
| tractors? Should you be opening a business | | | | the way your business gets done. Take a |
| that needs warehouse equipment, a good | | | | little time to do some research. Carefully |
| forklift might come in handy, but is it | | | | consider needs and budgetary constraints. |
| necessary to get the biggest one coming out | | | | And, be certain to check into buys before |
| of the gate? Look for items that meet or | | | | making them if at all possible. |