If you're like most construction contractors owners, you'll always be looking for the best deal you can find on machinery. We’ve already discussed the benefits of buying used machinery over new equipment, but you might still be in need of a few tips to help you achieve the most value from your machinery while avoiding the common pitfalls that come with buying new machines.

Here are a few things to look out for to make the absolute best deal you can on buying used machinery and putting it to use on your project:

Do your research to determine exactly what you need for your project

There's no point in buying used machinery that won’t get the maximum amount of use for your needs. So before you start shopping around, sit down and figure out exactly what you need for your project. This will save you a great deal of time and money in the long run by knowing exactly what equipment you need on your site, what application it’s for, and how long it’ll be needed.

See if any repairs or servicing is necessary before putting your used plant equipment to work

Before you start using your machinery, it's a good idea to take it to a professional to see if any repairs or servicing is necessary. This will help ensure that your equipment lasts for as long as possible and you can stay on top of any machine breakdowns or delays that might stall your project.

Of course, you can always try to repair or service the equipment yourself if you're feeling handy and up to the task. However, it's important to remember that this can be very dangerous work and is usually best left to fleet maintenance or heavy voltage repair specialists, so only attempt servicing if you're confident in your abilities.

Decide if you’re going to keep your equipment or sell it again

Once you're done with your used plant equipment, you'll need to decide if you're going to keep it or sell it. If you plan on using the equipment again in the future, it might be a good idea to hold onto it. However, if you don't think you'll need it anymore, selling it is probably your best bet, which can also make up for a large percentage of what you bought it for.

There are a few things to keep in mind when selling used plant equipment. First of all, make sure that you clean and repair the equipment before putting it up for sale. But also be realistic about how much money you can expect to get for the equipment – don't try to overcharge just because it's used, because remember that your customer is in the same position you were just a short while ago!

Above all, do business with a plant dealer you can trust

If you're going to be buying used machinery, it's important to find a reliable dealer that you can trust to make the best deal.

Ask around for recommendations from other construction professionals, and take the time to read online reviews. Once you've found a few dealers that you're considering doing business with, be sure to inspect their inventory in person before making any final decisions. The good thing is that when you source your used plant equipment through such trusted plant dealers as Cater Equipment, you’re always guaranteed high quality equipment for your civil or commercial construction needs, whether you’re in need of used wheel loaders, excavators, dump trucks, bulldozers, and more.

By following these few simple tips, you'll be able to find the best used plant equipment for your construction project – and save money in the process!