When your fleet requires additional plant equipment, would you research used construction machinery, or would you buy at an auction?
Both ways are popular methods of obtaining machinery, and they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. By using our handy guide you can learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to buying used construction machinery.
What are the benefits of buying used construction machinery from an auction?
The main benefit of buying second hand diggers at an auction is that they are considerably cheaper than a dealer. Although, depending on the type of machinery on offer, it could be a very popular choice of machine among other buyers.
When it comes to other bidders, if more than one person is bidding for the same machine, it is reassuring knowing that the product is in high demand, and that it must be of a good condition.
If you’re looking to buy older machinery, an auction is where you’ll find it. There is a larger variety of plant equipment available at an auction. Most dealers will sell machines from their fleet, which may only consist of certain of brands.
When dealing with private dealers, whether it’s from a large company or a one-man band, getting a deal can be easy. It’s a long way from physically having the machine in your possession, and the money has been paid though. Some dealers could back out of the deal, whereas when the hammer lands, the product is yours.
What are the disadvantages of buying from an auction?
Although auctions sound like the place to go for used construction machinery, it definitely has its fair share of disadvantages.
When machines are purchased from an auction, the buyer will not be given any time to inspect the machine. They will also not be able to check for any damage or faults. Therefore, if the buyer is unhappy with the condition of the machine, they aren’t able to get their money back, as there are no refunds.
Another disadvantage is that the used construction machinery will come with no form of warranty, or even a service. The buyer will receive the machine as it comes. It will then be down to them to pay out for a service if it is required.
A machine could be operational when it is bought from an auction, but it could still be in a bad condition. Unfortunately, it cannot be guaranteed how much work will be needed to fix the equipment up, resulting in a costly bill for the buyer.
What are the benefits of buying from a dealer?
Purchasing used construction machinery from a dealer, such as International Plant Sales will provide many benefits.
Most dealers will be able to provide a full service history for the plant equipment, or it will be fully serviced upon buying. As the equipment has been bought from new, and used within the plant fleet, the machine will generally have lower hours.
Here at IPS, we sell our machines with a warranty on all major components. This will include anything from the engine, excavator arms, and even the boom cylinders. Although the construction machinery is used, it isn’t just an everyday purchase. Having a warranty cover will give buyers peace of mind, knowing that any issues will be rectified without it being costly.
Machines bought from dealers are also usually in a much better condition, in comparison to an auction. Whilst the price is slightly higher to buy machinery, it will generally cost less in the long run.
What are the disadvantages of buying from a dealer?
Price matters when it comes to buying second hand machinery, but it all depends on where you want to spend it. As mentioned above, buying a machine from an auction will be cheaper, in comparison to a dealer, so if you’re looking for a relatively cheap deal then an auction is the place to be.
At the same time, discounts can also be given here at IPS. We can offer a multi-buy discount when you choose to buy more than one machine, this could bring down the cost drastically if you purchase a fleet of machinery from us.
As long as you are buying from reputable dealers, the likelihood of the deal falling through or potentially going wrong is extremely low. If the dealer is part of a digger hire business, they may need to pull the used construction machinery off the stock list in order to go ahead with a long term hire instead.
Which option should you choose?
Are you still in two minds about your options? If so, we would highly recommend buying from a dealer. When you choose International Plant Sales, we can offer you plenty of photos and videos of the second hand diggers in full working order. If you would like to come and see the machine, we can accommodate this.
We list our machines on external sites including Mascus, Machinery Trader and even Autoline. You’ll likely have already seen our machines if you’ve been doing your research.
View all of our available used construction machinery, and get in touch with the team today. Send us an email or give us a call on: 01634 779123 for a quote.
All information correct as of: 11th August 2020.
