A Guide to Buying Used Construction Machinery

Used construction machinery is an essential asset to those who make their living by using tools and heavy equipment. Much like buying a car, they are far more affordable than brand new ones; making this a far more cost effective outcome especially for the smaller businesses who generally have a more limited budget when it comes to buying used plant equipment. There are plenty of companies that offer used construction machinery for sale.

By finding a good source of used plant machinery with plenty of choice you can be sure to find the right equipment for the job. To help you find the right place to buy used plantmachinery follow these useful guidelines.

1. Range of Machinery and Options. Before selecting a company from which to purchase your used construction machinery, take time to browse through the different makes, models and brands. This will make it easier for you to get used to the different tools and construction equipment which is on offer. By becoming familiar with the categories you will then know where to look. Also, if you need to get a lot of used construction machinery, it may well pay to purchase them from just one seller – which makes it a little bit easier to collect your machinery and equipment or alternatively could save you money on shipping costs.  There is also the added bonus of being able to negotiate a better price per machine for buying in bulk.

2. Quotes. Another consideration is the price at which the machinery is offered at, or if it is price on application (POA).  When you decide to choose a certain used construction machinery provider, ensure that you have, at least compared quotes from different sellers. This way, you’d have a better idea on the price you should be paying and what you can purchase for your budget.  Also, take time to look into who you are buying from - if necessary, ask for recommendations and make you own enquiries into how long the company has been in existence, are they registered etc.  Remember, you are parting with a lot of money and reassurance that you are buying from a reputable dealer is paramount.

3. Certificate of Thorough Examination. When purchasing the machinery, as well as ensuring the machine has a good service history and all the relevant paperwork, make enquiries into the annual certification history - if the machine is a working machine then it should have a certificate of thorough examination, is the seller willing to have this transferred into your company name?  This would assure you that the equipment can go straight to work and even more important - not be a source of danger to your employees and to your business.

Used construction machinery is a great way to expand the plant equipment for your business. And, finding a good source which combines a good range of quality sellers will help you to find your machinery. Following the above suggestions may point you towards the used construction machinery provider that could help you find the right equipment for you.  Totallyplant.com can provide you with machinery from many well respected and reputable dealers with thousand of machines for sale at competitive prices.

Why Do I Need A Certificate Of Thorough Examination For My Plant Machinery?

Businesses who use plant machinery in the work place must be able to provide a plant machinery certificate for every piece of equipment which falls under the provisions of PUWER 98 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, relating to items of safety, to include tyres, brakes, steering, visibility components, seat components etc) and LOLER 98 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, which relates to all lifting components). These Certificates of Thorough Examination are issued to every piece of machinery equipment falling within these criteria - after it has been ascertained by a competent person that the safety and health regulations of the machinery used in the business are good to go. Every piece of machinery equipment falling within the regulations has to be examined completely at least once a year; re-examination of machinery equipment is also required after it has undergone major repair or restoration or other exceptional circumstances.  Any qualified examiner should be able to advise if these circumstances will result in the re-testing of the machine.

If the particular piece of equipment in question is used for lifting i.e. chains, shackles, straps, shrops, buckets etc then the regularity of the inspections is once every six months under LOLER 98.  This is due to the fact that these pieces of equipment wear more quickly.  Equipment used for lifting persons also require inspections every six months to include scissor lifts, mobile platforms, skyjacks etc.  Again, all these inspections must be carried out by a competent person.

There are numerous reasons why you, if you are an employer who uses pieces of plant machinery at work on a routine basis, should ensure regular inspections are undertaken. Failure to realise the importance of these inspections may trigger the onset of consequences that would prove damaging to your business:

1. Legal requirements - You only have to read the phrase ‘mandated by the law’ to develop a mental idea of why every piece of machinery equipment that you use should receive a plant machinery certificate. They are a legal requirement and the repercussions of not ensuring your construction equipment is regularly checked and certificated can be damaging to a business, and in the most severe cases may have a devastating impact on you, your employees and their families.  Prosecution from injuries caused as direct result of improper training and maintenance is a likely consequence which often results in large fines and, on occasions, imprisonment.  

2. Reduction of risks for accidents and other injuries - Having your plant machinery regularly inspected for its plant machinery certificate will ensure any health and safety risks are uncovered and highlighted thus reassuring you and your employees that no one is likely to come to any harm while operating those equipment. This is obviously going to be instrumental in the overall management and running of your business. Your employees too, would feel more secured about working for you if they are reassured that you are taking the necessary steps and precautions to ensure their welfare - if you have made sure that you get plant machinery certificates for every piece of machinery that you work.

Today, there are a number of companies who can provide you with your Certificates of Thorough Examination. As these companies have been trained in the proper way to conduct examinations and are staffed with people who have the accreditation to perform those examinations - you would not have any cause for worry. 

Some companies are under the impression that their examinations must be carried out by their insurance companies, this is not the case and insurers have no legal right to insist upon this.  However, it is a requirement that the machines are tested by competent persons having had the appropriate training and experience.

Should you have any questions or queries with regards to Certificates of Thorough Examination then please contact Totallyplant.com who will be able to assist.