Well, I think most here know how I feel about it! LOL
It would probably be a good idea to post some pointers for those that just cant resist the appeal of auction equipment. I have a lot of customers that ask me constantly about these machines, some listen and some don't. Those that don't are calling me as soon as the auction machine hits their yard because something has already failed, or is not working properly. I see a TON of threads here that mention a machine that was purchased at an auction, and know that customer feels like they got screwed. I had someone just last week call me about a motor grader they had bought at an auction 4 months ago, and it hasn't run 2 hours since. Nice looking machine for sure, but has major electrical issues keeping it shut down.
So, here is a few things I know and have learned about auction equipment. Please add your .02 and just maybe...……..someone may learn something.
1. Know what you are looking and have some experience with that machine. If your looking for a dozer, at least know how it works and know the basics of checking it out. If you buy something you know nothing about, your just ASKING for it.
2. Don't buy into inspection reports being accurate. Let me tell you how that inspection report came about.
A. The guy inspecting the machine knows how to do 2 things...…..1. start the machine and 2. pull levers. He walks around the machine and may make notes of leaks that are leaving a pond on the ground. He starts the machine then starts pulling levers or moving shift levers and such. If the machine has ANY reaction to said lever pulling, then it is noted as working, whether it works like it should or not.
B. Don't be fooled in how a machine may look (visually). Too many times machines are cleaned up, repainted and decaled, or even sheet metal replaced because auctions KNOW that is what will sell a machine quick. Just because it looks really nice doesn't mean it will operate that way for you.
C. If you are not allowed to actually check the equipment out or run it....PASS! Usually there is a major fault hiding in the shadows.
D. Don't fool yourself thinking the machine looks good and the engine starts right up and sounds wonderful! The engine is only 15% of the operating systems of that equipment on average. It says NOTHING about the electrical, hydraulic, and the rest of the powertrain.
E. If there is a "BUY NOW" price on a machine, is it more than likely a wreck. Most auction places know there is a MAJOR problem and they don't want the machine breaking down during the auction. If they throw a cheap buy now price on it, there is always some sucker that thinks he is stealing it, only to be miserable afterwards.
F. Inspect the equipment YOURSELF. Don't rely On your buddy that only knows lawnmowers. If you have no one, then HIRE someone that does know, it will save you in the long run. Its your money, spend it wisely.
Is there always a diamond in the rough...…….rarely, but it does happen. Auctions I compare to pulling the lever on a slot machine...…….90% of the time, YOUR A LOSER. If you don't do your homework and buy sight unseen (like a lot I know do) then you are just bending yourself over a barrel and trying to hand lube to everyone that passes by.
Please add your advise or experiences!
It would probably be a good idea to post some pointers for those that just cant resist the appeal of auction equipment. I have a lot of customers that ask me constantly about these machines, some listen and some don't. Those that don't are calling me as soon as the auction machine hits their yard because something has already failed, or is not working properly. I see a TON of threads here that mention a machine that was purchased at an auction, and know that customer feels like they got screwed. I had someone just last week call me about a motor grader they had bought at an auction 4 months ago, and it hasn't run 2 hours since. Nice looking machine for sure, but has major electrical issues keeping it shut down.
So, here is a few things I know and have learned about auction equipment. Please add your .02 and just maybe...……..someone may learn something.
1. Know what you are looking and have some experience with that machine. If your looking for a dozer, at least know how it works and know the basics of checking it out. If you buy something you know nothing about, your just ASKING for it.
2. Don't buy into inspection reports being accurate. Let me tell you how that inspection report came about.
A. The guy inspecting the machine knows how to do 2 things...…..1. start the machine and 2. pull levers. He walks around the machine and may make notes of leaks that are leaving a pond on the ground. He starts the machine then starts pulling levers or moving shift levers and such. If the machine has ANY reaction to said lever pulling, then it is noted as working, whether it works like it should or not.
B. Don't be fooled in how a machine may look (visually). Too many times machines are cleaned up, repainted and decaled, or even sheet metal replaced because auctions KNOW that is what will sell a machine quick. Just because it looks really nice doesn't mean it will operate that way for you.
C. If you are not allowed to actually check the equipment out or run it....PASS! Usually there is a major fault hiding in the shadows.
D. Don't fool yourself thinking the machine looks good and the engine starts right up and sounds wonderful! The engine is only 15% of the operating systems of that equipment on average. It says NOTHING about the electrical, hydraulic, and the rest of the powertrain.
E. If there is a "BUY NOW" price on a machine, is it more than likely a wreck. Most auction places know there is a MAJOR problem and they don't want the machine breaking down during the auction. If they throw a cheap buy now price on it, there is always some sucker that thinks he is stealing it, only to be miserable afterwards.
F. Inspect the equipment YOURSELF. Don't rely On your buddy that only knows lawnmowers. If you have no one, then HIRE someone that does know, it will save you in the long run. Its your money, spend it wisely.
Is there always a diamond in the rough...…….rarely, but it does happen. Auctions I compare to pulling the lever on a slot machine...…….90% of the time, YOUR A LOSER. If you don't do your homework and buy sight unseen (like a lot I know do) then you are just bending yourself over a barrel and trying to hand lube to everyone that passes by.
Please add your advise or experiences!