Courtesy of Stoma, here his seven tips to better purchasing of used machinery:
*First, determine what the process needs, then search online based on these needs. If the equipment would not solve the problem, then any price is too high.
*Know exactly what's offered. If there's any doubt about what is pictured or described, then involve an engineer with experience in designing and operating similar equipment.
*Call the manufacturer with the serial number and ask for the original specifications to get a comparison to the equipment being offered for sale.
*Ask for manuals, training guides, maintenance logs and any other information that may be available.
*Verify the dimensions and compare to your facility - including doorways.
*Understand that most warranties are non-transferrable and voided when the equipment is modified in the field.
*Know local regulations. Most secondhand equipment sellers are unlikely to be current on the regulatory environment in fifty different states, or in different countries.