How to Find the Right Used Machinery Dealer

New things do not come cheap. CNC machines are investments, and investments do not come cheap. The standard price for a new CNC machine ranges from 150 to 300,000 US dollars. Big brands such as Okuma and Doosan are on the pricey side approximately $50k-$300k while entry level desktop routers would cost around $150 and $500 being the highest. Take note of the machine’s material, either wood or ferrous metals, it will significantly affect the price. For cheaper cost, a wood CNC machine is the alternative.

If a brand new CNC machine is beyond your budget, you might want to take the alternative option. You can purchase CNC Machines from your trusted brands by purchasing used ones from well-reputed Used Machinery dealers. Before moving forward however, consider the pros and cons of buying used machines.

Advantages of Purchasing Used Machinery

1. Save More – The machinery’s brand will remain as it is whether new or used. This gives you the opportunity to save more money(note: the price difference between the new and the used could range at around 30% to 80%) but have similar durability and performance of the brand as you would expect from a newer equipment. The value of the new equipment depreciates after a year. The value of the equipment will depreciate at around 20 to 40% and this value will last for around five (5) years as long as the machine is treated with respect and is properly maintained.
2. Opportunity to Invest – Invest your money on other areas of your operation to help bring costs down or to increase productivity.
3. Practical – both Economically and Environmentally – Helps you avoid unnecessary loans to purchase new equipment plus reduces your carbon footprint since most used machines are not fuel-efficient.

Disadvantages of Purchasing Used-Machinery

1. Removal and Shipping – Either from Seller to Buyer or Facility to Buyer (especially if bought from an auction). You may need to spend a bit of bucks to remove and transport the equipment to your location as it may still be in the facility of the previous owner.
2. Repair and Maintenance – Older machines require maintenance. Given that it is already used, expect routine maintenance should be conducted on your machine in order to maximize your machine’s lifespan and profit from your investment.
3. “Buyer’s Premium” – When bought from an auction, you may need to pay the “Buyer’s Premium (a.k.a. BP)” which is 10% of the total amount that you were required to pay.

Who To Purchase From

When purchasing any used equipment, choosing the correct dealer to purchase from can heavily impact your results. Before you proceed to select your potential dealer, be sure to identify what type of CNC machine you opt to purchase. Make a list of what you expect or require the machine to perform. Conduct research on what machine is ideal for your manufacturing situation and identify initial brands you would prefer to work with.

Conduct a background check on the dealer to verify their reputation. You can perform background checks through online forums and check their reviews. When making a purchase, be sure to check the machine’s condition. Bring along an expert to inspect and judge the machine’s status – and to identify whether it is an investment or expense.

Before deciding to purchase the equipment, be sure to request that you see the machine in action – check its performance (a.k.a. Test Drive). Find a seller/supplier/dealer that allows you to conduct a thorough inspection on the machine’s axes, movements, and alignments.

Once you are satisfied with the machine’s performance and quality, be sure to request documentation on its manual, maintenance history, and bills. Having these documentations in hand will benefit you whenever there are problems that will arise, it will be easier to identify and address.

Whether new or used, a CNC machine will perform well if treated correctly. Conduct preventive maintenance in order to maximize both your investment and the machine’s lifespan. New things are great but in this case, Used-CNC machines are more likely advantageous in terms of practicality, Eco-friendliness, and economically.

Following these simple steps, you can maximize the return on your investment. Please contact us if you have are in the market to purchase a Used CNC Machine. We have been buying and selling used metal working and material handling machinery for years. If you’re interested in buying a CNC machine, make sure to look through our used CNC machine inventory.