Tips and tricks for purchasing a used metalworking machine

Where to buy: You are in a favorable position when you purchase from a machine dealer that owns the machine. Avoid purchasing a machine from a middleman. When purchasing a machine from someone that owns it, you can be certain that the machine works. Otherwise, the dealer would not have purchased it to keep as stock in the first place. Next to that, you can often test the machine when plugged into a power source. An example of a machine dealer that keeps stock is Mach4metal. 
 
How do I know if I am buying a good machine?

• Check the machine when plugged into a power source or request a movie of the machine running. When visiting a professional dealer, you can normally test the machine yourself.
• You could consider hiring a mechanic as a representative to help you evaluate the machines in question during the visit.
• Requesting the maintenance history of the machine.
• Approach the previous owner.
• Purchase from a respected dealer. 
  

 
How do I know if I am purchasing from a respected dealer?

• Evaluate if the dealer is part of the MDNA 
  
• Browse the Internet for reviews, such as those on Google reviews. 
  
• Evaluate the history of the company and search for examples of previous trades and machines. A good example of this is to review their YouTube channel. 
• You could request references that are near can export it to overseas locations where there is still interest in older versions.

 
Selling a machine
In case you are not interested in purchasing a new machine, it is still possible to sell an older model. You could offer the machine to a dealer by sending an e-mail, WhatsApp, or by offering it through a machine sales form.
                         
I bought a machine: what’s next?
Your location
Dimensions: make sure the machine fits into your warehouse. When doing so, do consider the machine in its most extended dimensions. For example, it is often forgotten that the machine can reach heights that were not foreseen. In those cases, the machine cannot be equipped with an overhead crane.
 
Power: an additional or heavier machine means more power is needed. Do consider this when selecting the machine. It might be needed to change the power source, which results in lead time and additional costs. 
 
Foundation: will it be possible to move the machine on the warehouse floor with ease, or do you need to create a foundation? Good to take this into account as this will increase the lead time. 
Moving the machine
Disassembly/assembly: when buying a machine from a professional dealer, it is in most cases, not disassembled free of charge. When the machine is still in position, it means you need to arrange the disassembly yourself or that you need to pay for it. The dealer can help you with selecting a professional machine disassembly company. 
 
Transport: transporting a machine is a trade on its own. There are specialized companies that can offer you their services. Do note that when you give a logistics company an assignment, you need to indicate that it cannot be reloaded to another transport mode. This will result in more risk and thus a higher chance of damage.
 
Insurance: Disassembly companies are well-insured when it comes to working with the machines. On the other hand, logistics companies are usually insured per kg, with fees that are often too low for a metalworking machine. Therefore, it is recommended to request additional insurance when transporting the machine.
When the machine arrives
Unloading: Do you have a crane available to unload the machine? Is there enough space for the machine to be moved throughout the warehouse?
 
Assembly: Larger machines require the expertise of specialized assembly companies. In this case, it is smart to select the same company that arranged the disassembly. When it comes to smaller machines, these can be placed yourself with ease. They are often a single component. 
 
Operating the machine: It helps to hire an experienced mechanic that can help you to configure the machine so that it levels. The mechanic can also support in applying the anchor bolts and align the machine. Afterward, you can start operating the machine. However, it is recommended to conduct a service first to understand the current state of the machine.