If you’re in the market to add a drill to your fleet, there are two options to consider: purchasing new or buying used. Financing options, planned machine usage and machine availability might make buying a used drill a better option for your business.
Those options may seem straightforward. But there’s a lot to consider when looking to buy a used drill.
There are many outlets to find used equipment like in-person auctions, online auctions, alternative resale websites and your local Vermeer dealership. While a low price tag may seem appealing, it could be indicative of a deal that is too good to be true. A machine from an unreliable or unknown supplier could lead to reliability issues or higher maintenance costs than expected, which could then result in a cost of ownership that exceeds any initial savings.
It’s crucial to consider the long-term benefits of working with a trusted and reliable resource if you are shopping for a used horizontal directional drill (HDD). A Vermeer dealer can provide updated machine information before the purchase, comprehensive after-sales support, and options to help protect your used machine for years to come.
Know the risks of machine auctions
There are many risks and variables to consider if you are looking to find a drill at a machine auction. To start, accurate and updated machine information might be limited. “You may not have access to service records, how it’s been used or why it’s being sold,” explained Weston Peters, product specialist with Industrial Solutions at Vermeer. “A big risk of buying at an equipment auction is simply not knowing the machine’s work history — which may impact whether it will be a good fit for your fleet.”
At some auctions, you may not be able to run or even inspect the machine beforehand. Not knowing how well the drill functions may lead you to buying a machine that requires more servicing than expected.
Spending time traveling to auctions might not be time well spent if you don’t end up bringing a used HDD home. Depending on where you live and where the auction is, you could be using valuable time traveling rather than working on a job or managing your crews.
Obtain accurate machine information
Machine records are not just pieces of paper; they’re a testament to the machine’s work history and can give insights into its future performance. If you’re a prospective buyer of a used HDD, this information is invaluable.
Before you buy a used drill, you will want to have key pieces of information:
- Machine titles
- Maintenance records
- Detailed maintenance records give insight into how well the drill was cared for by previous owners. Similar to when you purchase a new vehicle, you want to know how long the machine was used, if it was regularly maintained and any components or parts that have been replaced.
- Ownership records
- Accurate ownership records can ensure that the sales transaction is legitimate and that the machine can be sold.
- Machine hours
- This is key, especially in a smaller-sized drill. A small unit with high hours may be less favorable, compared to a larger drill with high hours.
Vermeer dealers excel in providing high-quality used equipment. They know that oftentimes the more information available on the machine, the more confident you can feel with your purchase. That’s why Vermeer dealers work diligently to obtain accurate records from previous owners.
Having a quality machine inspection
No matter where you are buying equipment, you should inspect the machine. If you are unable to inspect the machine in person, send a trustworthy, qualified representative to inspect the machine for you.
Peters said, “It is also essential to carefully inspect the high-wear areas of the drill. This can include carriage slides, rods, subsavers, vise dies and rod magnets on rod arms.”
When you purchase used equipment from a Vermeer dealership, the drill has had qualified technicians perform a thorough machine inspection. If there are issues with the drill, they will either have been addressed by the dealer or will be communicated prior to the purchase.
After-sales support
Purchasing a used drill from a certified Vermeer dealership has the added benefit of providing after-sales support in a variety of ways. When purchasing from a dealership, you now have a reliable resource that is only a phone call away for parts, service and training needs.
“At Vermeer Midwest, we take pride in our used equipment both before and after the sale. Despite being used, our Vermeer Certified Technicians service the equipment, as well as perform an extensive check-list inspection prior to customer delivery,” explained Ryan Mountz, an internet sales rep for Vermeer Midwest in Central Illinois. “With the current demand in the underground market, our drills need to go out field-ready for a good customer experience — our parts and service teams ensure this happens.”
With the growing demand of horizontal directional drilling projects, it can be challenging to find skilled operators. That’s why more contractors are utilizing HDD experts to help train their crews through a combination of online, classroom and simulator tools. “Our HDD specialists at Vermeer Midwest can work with operators on a variety of hands-on exercises that they can implement on their next jobsite,” Mountz explained. Your local Vermeer dealer can help with your crew’s transition to an upgraded model by providing individualized training to cover new machine features if needed.
Having a trusted advisor at a Vermeer dealership is more than just a resource to call if problems arise on the jobsite. They can go beyond just helping with the machine — once they become more familiar with your business goals, they can help you along the journey to achieve those goals. You are gaining more than just a trusted advisor but forming a partnership for years to come.
Protecting your investment
It’s crucial to forecast service and operating costs for your used HDD. With any piece of equipment, costly repairs can be unpredictable. For used equipment, the pre-owned Vermeer Confidence Plus® asset protection program has you covered. Financing maintenance expenses through the Vermeer Confidence Plus program can help you plan for a fixed cost upfront — and find peace of mind with your used machine.
With the Vermeer Confidence Plus program, you can customize your coverage term, coverage limits and scope of coverage to meet the needs of your business. To be eligible for the pre-owned Vermeer Confidence Plus program, your machine must have a comprehensive inspection performed by a Vermeer dealer service technician.
Deciding where to purchase a used drill requires careful consideration. While used drills offer cost savings, it’s essential to ensure reliability and machine quality by purchasing from trusted partners — like Vermeer dealers. They provide comprehensive machine histories, inspections and the ability to help protect your investment with comprehensive support after the sale.
For more information on Vermeer horizontal directional drills, get in touch with your local Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
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