4 Things To Consider When Buying A Used Crane For Your Construction Business
Posted on: 9 November 2017
Many construction projects require the use of a crane, but if you own a construction business, you surely know that purchasing a brand new crane can be incredibly expensive. If you need a crane to complete projects that you have won a bid for, you may want to consider purchasing a used crane. Buying a used crane can be a cost-efficient way to obtain the equipment that you need, but it is important to be prepared before buying one. Consider the following things to help ensure that you buy industrial cranes that are right for you:
Budget
The need for a crane can come up suddenly-- your company may have just won a new contract, or the crane that you currently own may malfunction and need to be replaced. But before you start looking for a used crane, it is in the best interest of your company to establish a firm budget. Knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend on a used crane will help you narrow down your choices and also ensure that you don't overspend when making your crane purchase.
History of the Machine
One of the keys to buying the right used crane for your construction company is knowing the machine's history. When looking at a used crane for sale, make sure that you ask about how the crane has been maintained, what repairs have been made, and when it was last inspected. If you discover that a crane that you're interested in has been repaired, make sure that all of the repairs were properly documented and compliant with federal regulations. It is also always a good idea to find out how many working hours the crane has on it so you have a good idea of how much wear and tear it might have.
Independent Inspection
Even if a used crane has an excellent history, you always need to have it inspected before buying it. Investing in hiring an independent certified crane inspector will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you're buying a high-quality used piece of equipment. Your crane inspector will do a comprehensive inspection and provide you with a complete written report to help you make the decision on whether or not to purchase the crane.
Age of the Crane
While older cranes that do not have a lot of hours on them can be a great deal, there are a few things that you need to consider before making a purchase. First, make sure that your company employs someone who is properly trained to operate the model year that you're interested in buying. When buying an older crane, you will also need to make sure that replacement parts are easy to find and that technical support is available.
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