You’ve most likely calculated how much space and productivity you’ll save by installing a horizontal carousel, vertical carousel or vertical lift module (VLM) in your business. And if the stats appear excellent, why not save some money and buy used vertical carousels or vertical carousel storage systems for sale rather than new ones?
“Is it better to buy new or used vertical carousels or vertical carousel storage systems for sale?” is an excellent question. After all, a second hand machine is sometimes half the price of a new one and trustworthy re-sellers are many.
In some circumstances, purchasing a used system is the best option. But before you make a decision, here’s a checklist of things to consider when buying a secondhand vertical carousel or VLM.
Consider the Frequency of Use
A used vertical carousel storage system for sale or VLM may suffice for intermittent to moderate usage during a couple of shifts. Although the machine’s components may have seen some use, the usage patterns will not cause substantial extra wear.
A new machine should be recommended for operations that operate three shifts, seven days a week, as all components will be in peak condition and unlikely to fail.
Properly Investigate the Condition of the Used Vertical Carousel Storage System
A new system usually comes with a warranty and the peace of mind that comes with it. Buying used, on the other hand, necessitates considerable research and larger risk tolerance.
When comparing two used machines, don’t automatically assume that the one with the most current date of manufacture is in better shape. Instead, enquire about usage scenarios, operational conditions, and maintenance procedures with the seller. Because of the following reasons:
A machine that has been run at or over the rated duty cycle of its motors and/or at the upper limits of its maximum load capacity will have more worn components than a machine that has been used lightly. When making your assessment, find out what was stored in the used machine and how often those items were accessed.
Operating a machine in severe temperatures or circumstances can result in component wear being accelerated. Inquire about the type of facility where the used machine was used, as well as its location.
A used machine that has been maintained according to a regular service and upkeep schedule is more likely to perform as expected. Make a request for a copy of all of your service records.
Check for Original Documentation
When you buy a new carousel or VLM, the equipment is built to fit your exact requirements in terms of load and frequency of usage. With a used machine, this may not be the case.
Request copies of all original documentation linked with the equipment from the seller, or have the seller put you in touch with the former owner. Inquire about the serial number as well. You can use it to contact the manufacturer and request information like the original manufacture and installation dates, as well as a service history record.
Get Independent Investigation Done
Just because it has a new paint job doesn’t mean it’ll work. A third-party inspection is the best technique to determine the unit’s actual functioning condition. Hire an approved independent inspector to determine the condition of the equipment, just as you would with a used automobile. This, together with the original documentation, can aid in determining if the equipment will perform as expected.
Review the Existing Configuration of the Used Vertical Carousel
Purchasing new equipment ensures that it will be set up and constructed to your specifications. Trays or carriers will be exactly proportioned and spaced to match your product mix. When you buy a used machine, you inherit the prior owner’s sizing, spacing, and sub-dividing, as well as load capacity constraints.
While most dividers and bins may be rearranged with minimal effort, other systems contain fixed components or missing components that are costly to replace (or to reconfigure). If you have to replace every bin in the system to keep your inventory, the savings from buying used equipment may not be worth it.
Cross-reference the machine’s and individual components’ measurements, as well as their electrical requirements, with your facility’s access doors and power supply. Some machines may be too big to fit through your dock entrance or in the location where they’ll be used. Others may require a voltage that your structure cannot accommodate.
Confirm for Safe Operation
New machines come with the most up-to-date safety features to keep the user safe while using the equipment. Older models may not meet the most recent ergonomics regulations, or they may lack the safety features featured in newer models. Also, make sure that a secondhand machine still has all of its original safety features and that they work properly. Warning labels and usage placards should also be present or changed if they are missing.
Determine the After Sales Service and Support Provider
With the purchase of new equipment, the distributor or manufacturer will typically offer routine maintenance and servicing package. Installation, warranty, and technical support are usually included for a period of time after commissioning.
Manufacturer support may or may not be available with a used vertical carousel storage system for sale or VLM. A reseller might also give you a service package or refer you to a third party for setup assistance, technical support, programming, training, and routine maintenance. Make sure you have those details locked down before you buy used.
Enquire about spare parts availability as well. This may necessitate contacting the machine’s original maker via phone. Your financial savings from buying secondhand will be thrown out the window if a component breaks and can’t be replaced.
Make Sure if the Used Vertical Carousels are Compatible with Your Other Systems
The latest carousels and VLMs have the most up-to-date software and hardware. System controls and communication interfaces are examples of these. If your organisation is similarly equipped, a used machine may not be able to interact with the other technologies on-site. Making it work will, at best, necessitate a great deal of technical know-how.
However, if your operation is primarily manual and has little to no automation, a used machine can be a good fit. Consider having a systems integrator verify how compatible a used machine is with the technical needs of your current business.