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