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Matthew Solan

Guide to Finding Used Machinery and Tools

Increase production and save money by investing in pre-owned equipment

By Matthew Solan, Writer, Solan Freelance Writing

No matter what your business — construction, manufacturing, finance, medical — you need the right equipment to succeed. But it doesn't have to be new. Pre-owned machines and tools can perform top-notch jobs for a low price. Buying used machinery also lets you try out certain brands or manufacturers without making a substantial investment.

Used machinery and tools can help your business:

  1. Save money on start-up and expansion costs.
  2. Increase productivity, business assets and net worth.
  3. Provide additional tax benefits.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Pre-owned machines don't have to be

You can find new or nearly mint condition equipment from bankruptcies, repossessions, plant liquidations, and over-stocked inventory.
I recommend: Industrial Machinery.com lists more than 500 clearing-house machines in multiple categories.

Check out auctions for additional savings

Many sellers place machinery in online or live auctions where equipment often sells at a fraction of the original price. You usually must buy "as is", but in most cases you can either inspect the machine or ask questions about usage and what repairs, if any, are necessary.
I recommend: Go to Bid On Equipment.com for online auctions. TheMachineryFinder.com lists live auctions across the country. Ebay.com also offers used equipment for sale from independent sellers.

Buy straight from the dealer

Find bargains by contacting individual machinery dealers. Before you buy, ask for referrals from other used equipment buyers. Request references and check them out. Also visit the dealers' Web sites.
I recommend: At LocatorOnline.com you can find national dealers by company name or state location.

Let sellers help you find what you need

You can post what specific used equipment you're seeking on many online sites. This can expedite your search efforts and encourage bidding competition between sellers, which can increase your savings.
I recommend: At MachineTools.com you can post free wanted ads for sellers around the world, or specify a country.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Not ready to buy? You can lease or rent certain used equipment. This can further reduce costs and often you can purchase the machinery later at a still competitive price.

The official source of Finding Used Machinery and Tools is
the Machinery and Tools page at Business.com

More Featured Listings
Machine Tools Auction
Features over 150 auctions annually of surplus CNC and manual machine tools from a wide range of engineering companies in the US, UK, and Europe.
www.apexauctions.com
Home Depot Tool Rental - Machine Tools
Tool Rentals for Contractors and Do-it-Yourself Projects. Find a Rental Center Near You!
Find Location | Tool School | Truck Rental
www.HomeDepotRents.com
GlobalSpec.com: Machine Tools
Provides database of suppliers for machine tools. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
process-equipment.globalspec.com
Related Resources

Recommended Solution Providers

MachinesBuySell.com: Machine Tools and Used Machine Tools Marketplace
An online database with thousands of dealer listings for used machinery and tools.

MachineTools.com: The Global Metalworking Marketplace
Access brochures for live auctions of used machinery and tools, or search for auctions in your area.

Machinery Dealers National Association: The Used Metalworking and Capital Equipment Specialists
Buy warranties for your used equipment, purchase buyers guides, shop for appraisals, and more.

Machinery Values: 100s of Used Metalworking Machines and Machinery Tools
An online dealer for used machines and machine tools.

Action Machinery: New and Used Metalworking Machinery
Buy used machinery, shop for appraisals or request service for your machines.

Industrial Machinery: New & Used Machine Tools
This site offers a wide range of new and used machine tools, as well as ebay auctions, and parts and service.

Best Sites to Learn More

MachineTools.com: Find Used Machinery Dealers
A searchable database to help you find used machinery dealers across the world, by name or by location.

Surplus Record: Machinery and Equipment Directory
Huge searchable database of dealers of used machinery and tools. Also includes a browsable, alphabetized list.

Used Equipment Network: Your Used Equipment Resource
Lists over 75,000 pieces of used industrial, commercial and professional equipment currently for sale by used equipment dealers.

Preferred Machine Tools: Tips on Buying Pre-Owned Equipment
Helpful hints for the small business owner buying used machinery and tools.

ThomasNet: Industrial News Room
Access press releases and product alerts regarding machinery and machining tools.

Best Blogs and Forums

Practial Machinist Forums: Commerce
Topics related to the buying and selling of metalworks and machinery and tools. The official online community for American Machinist magazine.

MMS Online: Machining Centers Forum
Get advice on buying used machinery and tools from the Modern Machine Shop forum.

Modern Machine Shop: On the Web
Devoted to issues pertinent to the machinery and machining tools industry.



FEATURED LISTINGS
Machine Tools Auction
Features over 150 auctions annually of surplus CNC and manual machine tools from a wide range of engineering companies in the US, UK, and Europe.
www.apexauctions.com
Home Depot Tool Rental - Machine Tools
Tool Rentals for Contractors and Do-it-Yourself Projects. Find a Rental Center Near You!
www.HomeDepotRents.com
GlobalSpec.com: Machine Tools
Provides database of suppliers for machine tools. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
process-equipment.globalspec.com

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