Heavy equipment owners choose to sell their machines before they ever become useless. But there are also other reasons for selling heavy equipment, such as when the project is finished, upgrading to a new model, obtaining additional funding for other equipment, or the owner has decided to retire. But to get the best selling price for your heavy equipment, it should be in excellent working condition. So, here are some tips to keep your heavy equipment in excellent shape to prepare them for selling.
Maintenance Tips
Regular preventive maintenance. Doing routine preventive maintenance on heavy equipment is essential in keeping them in optimum working levels.
- Refer to the equipment’s manual when scheduling maintenance.
- Schedule the maintenance in between projects so that productivity is not compromised.
- Worn-out parts should be identified and replaced to prevent unexpected breakdown while being used in a project, avoiding additional costs. You may order replacement parts online such as fromFortis Tracks.
- All maintenance, repairs, and services should be detailed in a log book. A prospective buyer will appreciate knowing about the maintenance history of the machine and will not hesitate to buy the equipment since it is well taken care of.
Invest in machines from reputable brands. Brands that have the reputation of making equipment that stands the test of time include John Deere, Bobcat, and Caterpillar. Equipment from reliable brands will remain attractive whether they are brand new or used. If such a brand is not popular in a specific region, an owner can still sell in other areas for a reasonable price.
You should keep the original documents that came with the machine and organize it in a binder, including:
- Guides
- Manual
- Original invoice
When the time to sell comes, these documents will come in handy for both the seller and the buyer.
Use the machine as intended. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is necessary if you plan to use the machine for a long time or sell it later. Ensure that machine operators are informed of the manufacturer guidelines including maximum load capacity. You should only allow trained machine operators to use the equipment. Abuse and misuse are just two of the most common contributors to the quick depreciation of the equipment.
Avoid using equipment in extreme weather. But if necessary, ensure that necessary steps are taken to prevent damaging the machine. Consult the manual for use under extreme weather situations.
Allow repairs at authorized service centers. Buyers are willing to pay a higher price for equipment from owners who practice good maintenance skills. Always have your equipment checked at authorized repair centers and record each service in your log book. Repair history will come in handy when it is time to sell.
Ensure you maintain the look of the equipment. Together with the overall maintenance of the machine, keep the machine well cleaned, oiled, and freshly painted. Make sure that cracks and damage are kept in check. A worn out interior can easily take away thousands from the machine’s value.
Invest in a seat cover to help protect the operator’s seat from sharp items or grease. The condition of the seat says a lot about the owner’s manner in maintaining his equipment. A damaged seat can make the operation of the equipment unsafe or uncomfortable. Hence, it is best to have it covered or replaced. A buyer may think twice about getting equipment that promises discomfort.
Tips on Storing Equipment
If you decide to keep heavy equipment in your yard for future uses or possible sales, then you have to keep in mind these tips.
- You need to store heavy equipment in such a way that you have easy access to starting its engine. Because you need to regularly check its engine, ensure that you have enough room to do this.
- You should store heavy machines facing toward the roadway. This way, you don’t have to walk around it to obtain its identification numbers for inventory.
- Keep equipment away from the ground. Instead, place it on ground-level foundations like treated lumber. This is to avoid any pests from occupying your machine, causing damage to its interior.
Final Thoughts
There is a good market for used heavy equipment, and if you have well-maintained machines, buyers will gladly purchase them to save plenty. As long as the machines are regularly checked for damage, its engines kept in excellent running condition, and its interior and exterior kept fresh looking, it won’t be difficult to sell used heavy equipment.
