Think of ex-rental construction equipment and what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Tired and worn out machines?
Think again!
Here’s what smart businesses look for in ex-rental equipment in order to save money and get great deals on reliable machines.
Some contractors might be put off buying ex-rentals because of an assumption that machines have been treated like dirt (pardon the pun). But the truth is, reputable hire companies look after their machines remarkably well, keeping them maintained, serviced and in great shape so that they don’t present issues for their hire customers.
Providing the hire company then turns over those machines within a few years, they are generally still in excellent condition. And because they have been meticulously maintained, you’ll get a complete and detailed service history of the machine meaning you can spot any concerns early on in the process.
Buying earthmoving equipment is typically more economical for contractors with long term site needs, so if you’ve identified that it makes more sense for your business to buy rather than hire, here are a few things to look out for.
5 things to check when buying ex-rental equipment
- Make sure you know the age of the machine
- Check maintenance and service history
- Check over the machine for damage
- Know the warning signs of severe wear and tear: some wear is inevitable of course, but serious issues like difficulty starting, oil leaks and unusual noises may need further investigation. Make sure you operate the machine and pay attention to any knocks in bearings or other odd noises that might signal deeper problems.
- Ask lots of questions and find out how and where the machine has been used
Additionally, getting a proper inspection from an independent, certified mechanic is strongly recommended whenever you’re assessing any second-hand equipment.
How to get a reliable ex-rental machine
Because Orange Hire guarantees our customers reliable hire equipment, we make sure we look after our machines with the utmost care.
Our equipment is better serviced than the average machine and is turned over more quickly than the average private sale. We typically turn over our low-hour hire machines when they are just a few years old. This means you get a ‘young’ machine that’s in great shape, has low hours on the clock and has been really well maintained.
Get in touch with Orange Hire if you’re looking for something specific, or take a look at the ex-rental equipment for sale section on our website to see what we’ve got up for grabs.