Should You Write The Check? Upgrading to keep up with equipment advancements
As construction and heavy equipment evolves, companies are faced with the challenge of keeping up with advancements in technology to continually boost efficiency and productivity. Upgrading your equipment also becomes necessary for maintaining a competitive edge.
As equipment ages, it becomes more prone to breakdowns and requires more frequent maintenance. This leads to increased downtime, causing delays in projects and potential loss of revenue. By upgrading to newer and more reliable equipment, you can minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations, ultimately maximizing profitability.
Outdated machinery may also lack the capabilities to meet current demands. As your business grows and evolves, you may require equipment with higher capacities, enhanced features, or improved efficiency.
Using outdated equipment can hinder productivity and prevent you from taking advantage of new opportunities. Upgrading to newer models can provide you with the necessary capabilities to meet customer demands and stay ahead of the competition.
Safety is another critical aspect to consider. Aging equipment may pose hazards due to worn-out parts, outdated features, or compromised structural integrity. This not only puts your employees at risk but also exposes your business to potential liabilities. By investing in newer equipment with advanced features, you can create a safer working environment and protect the well-being of your employees.
Exploring trade in options
The first step to take when planning to trade in equipment is to assess its condition. According to Boom & Bucket, an online equipment marketplace, begin by taking these factors into account:
Age: Determine the age of each machine and evaluate how it compares to newer models in terms of efficiency, technology, and performance.
Productivity: Assess how your current equipment meets your operational needs. Are there any limitations or areas where productivity could be improved?
Maintenance History: Review maintenance records to identify any recurring issues, repair costs, and downtime caused by equipment breakdowns.
Looking to upgrade? Go online
Today, online equipment marketplaces provide the ability to easily browse through a wide range of options, compare prices and specifications, and search for specific types of machines. They enable a more comprehensive understanding of the equipment's condition and functionality by providing access to detailed product descriptions, high-resolution images, and even videos.
E-commerce buying options also now offer technology and tools, such as integrated financing options and real-time bidding systems, to enhance the user experience and streamline transactions.
There is a growing number of online equipment marketplaces, including:
Boom & Bucket provides detailed descriptions and specifications of over 40 categories of equipment, including ownership histories and maintenance records. The site also offers financing and delivery options.
http://www.boomandbucket.com/
Equipment Trader offers an inventory of heavy equipment through a user-friendly interface, including a range of options for lifting, construction and industrial equipment, and trailers.
https://www.equipmenttrader.com/
IronPlanet, which provides cranes and construction equipment among other options and is known for its comprehensive inspection reports and buyer protection program, has combined with Ritchie Bros. to offer on-site and online weekly auctions.
https://www.ironplanet.com/
https://www.rbglobal.com/
Tuffwerx connects buyers and sellers of used heavy equipment through a platform with advanced search filters, and detailed equipment listings, including specifications, condition reports, and photos.
https://www.tuffwerx.com/
If you’re also looking to sell your used equipment, e-commerce options offer new opportunities to showcase machines to a larger audience and expand your customer base beyond local and regional markets to a national level. This increased visibility can lead to faster sales and better prices by attracting a larger number of buyers who may have higher demand for specific types of equipment.
About the author
Seth Skydel ( http://linkedin.com/in/seth-skydel-5360a586 ) is a writer with 38 years of experience covering the trucking, utility, construction and related markets.