5 quick tips to buying new or used construction equipment

Monica Gameng   |   January 14, 2016

Are you starting your own plant and equipment hire business? Or are you looking to growing your fleet? If a resounding YES! was your asnwer, there's a few factors for you to consider. Think of buying equipment in the same way you'd buy your family car - you want the very best features (safety first, capabilities, technology, fuel efficiency etc) for the most reasonable price. So before you buy a piece of equipment (new or used), check out the 5 tips below to help you find the right equipment, dealer and price.

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Tip 1 – Determine your needs

 

The very first step you should take before buying equipment is to determine what kind of machinery your company truly needs. If you're choosing between an excavator and a dozer, write down their pros and cons, then decide which one will benefit your company more. Construction equipment comes with a hefty price tag, and you don't want to purchase blindly.  

 

Tip 2 – Do your researchshutterstock_266428535.jpg

 

Once you’ve decided what type of equipment you need for your company, start your research. This should include dealers, brands and equipment models. Also include the different components of each model and brand so you can easily compare between models and brands.

 

shutterstock_227609365.jpgTip 3 – Find the right dealer

Finding a reputable dealer is important and will also involve a bit of investigating. Make sure you check out multiple dealers before deciding where you’re buying equipment from. Don’t hesitate to ask questions from the dealers either. A reputable and trusted dealer can and will answer any question you shoot their way. It’s also a good idea to ask what after-purchase services they offer.

 

 

shutterstock_300452471.jpgTip 4 – Ask for quotations

When you visit or call a dealer or manufacturer, ask for a quotation. They're more than happy to provide quotes to their customers. These quotations will help you determine how much a piece of equipment will cost you overall. Asking quotations from different dealers will help you compare prices and offers, which will also help you choose which dealer to buy equipment from.

 

shutterstock_277921499.jpgTip 5 – Take a look at the equipment yourself

Before deciding which equipment dealer you’ll be buying from, pay the them a visit and check out in person the equipment they are selling. Test drive the equipment if possible and conduct a thorough check of the machine. This will help you determine if the equipment is in good condition, especially if you're buying it used. Taking the equipment for a test drive will also show you if the equipment is sufficiently easy enough to operate and control.

 

 

For plant and equipment hire companies, your fleet is your primary asset. Making sure that you buy the right equipment will help ensure you're investing in the future of your company. Follow the tips above and you’ll be in a great starting position to make your purchase. 

Once you’ve bought your equipment, it’s time to turn that machine into a true investment. Make sure you make the most out of your equipment by putting it in front of the right people. Sign up for a free Supplier Demo today and let PlantMiner help you with that investment.

Monica Gameng
As Felix's Marketing Assistant since 2015, Monica is responsible for researching and sharing new and progressing projects within the construction and mining sectors in Australia. It's no surprise that Monica has her finger on the pulse of Australian major projects given she has produced more than 1,000 posts. She truly is an industry expert.
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