Buying Used SPF Equipment Versus Buying New

Investing in spray rigs or spray equipment is significant. Attempting to save money by cutting corners is generally not advisable. Newly established contractors who believe they are saving costs by opting for used equipment often find themselves shelling out more than they bargained for. Ultimately, they could have acquired new equipment for a similar price and enjoyed all the benefits that come with purchasing new.

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Photo Courtesy of Intech

Warning to Buyers: This used Graco E-20 was sold with an E-30 label.

Deceptive practices frequently occur when purchasing used equipment without proper inspection, especially through online advertisements. The used Graco E-20 shown above was misrepresented with an E-30 sticker, likely sourced from another machine. Inexperienced contractors can easily fall into traps if they are unaware of what to check when buying used equipment. Even seasoned contractors can be misled when purchasing from unfamiliar sellers. Is it worth the risk of "saving" money if it ultimately doesn’t equate to savings?

The Drawbacks of Buying Used

A machine may appear impeccable externally, but it could harbor significant mechanical and electrical failures internally.
This machine required a complete replacement of its hose heating system, which amounted to considerable repair costs.

Opting for used equipment can yield mixed results; it may be advantageous, or it could be a gamble. Generally, used equipment lacks warranties, training, troubleshooting, or ongoing technical support. No one is accountable for these products, and that raises a crucial question: If the equipment is truly excellent, why is it currently for sale? There are numerous legitimate reasons for selling equipment, such as retirement, partnership dissolutions, health issues, financial complications, or a realization that the business is unsuitable for them. While these reasons are valid, determining the honesty of the seller is essential.

Used equipment isn't commonly available locally, which means buyers often cannot thoroughly assess the equipment beforehand or must travel to verify its condition. Experienced contractors should know to check for proper maintenance, yet many overlook heater standards. Poorly maintained equipment can have numerous concealed issues, eventually costing the buyer as much, if not more, than the price of new equipment. While there's a chance of luck, are you willing to take that risk? More often than not, people are not fortunate.

Training

New contractors should avoid acquiring equipment without receiving adequate training. Many do not realize that reputable distributors often provide training at no cost with the purchase of a spray rig or machine. Always inquire about the training process. Relying solely on training videos is not sufficient; although instructional videos can serve as a reference, they cannot replace hands-on training. Would you buy a car without having driven it? The same concept applies here.

Power Source Alternatives for Spray Rigs

There are three primary power sources for spray rigs: Diesel, Shore, and Gas. Some contractors lean towards diesel for its reliability and dependability across job sites. Shore power is supplied via a robust electrical cable connected to a power source at the job site and is occasionally favored for its compact design and portability. Gas power is typically suited for smaller systems requiring less power. Your specific requirements will dictate your choice.

Parts and Service

Ensure that parts can be easily acquired for any used equipment. Obscure brands or outdated models may feature components that aren't readily available or may be costly to obtain. Remember, if your equipment is out of commission, you’re unable to generate income. It’s wise to keep spare parts for basic maintenance and essential repairs on hand. Investing in major brands provides a more reliable option as parts and services will likely be accessible.

Spray Guns

It is advisable to purchase two spray guns. If considering used guns, check for cleanliness, necessitating the disassembly of the gun to inspect internal mechanisms. You should assess the wear and tear during this inspection. Understanding what to look for is crucial to effectively judge a spray gun’s condition. It’s simply not worth the risk of halting operations due to a non-functional spray gun. Ensure you are knowledgeable about spray gun maintenance and have spare parts available if necessary.

Avoid Buying Used Hoses

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A hose filter for crystallized A-side hoses may be cumbersome but is more economical than replacing entire assemblies.

Buying used hoses is almost always a poor choice. Some individuals clean their hoses with diesel, hydraulic fluid, or other substances which could leave trace amounts of water behind. Such residual moisture can lead to crystallization within the hose's inner wall, which is often nearly impossible to eliminate despite thorough flushing. Any bending of the hose results in fresh crystals breaking free and entering the system, leading to clogs—especially troublesome for the spray gun. Crystallization can necessitate frequent disassembly of the spray gun for cleaning. Additionally, hoses may develop undetectable leaks. Hoses should be stored on a rounded rack when not in use. If this has not been the case, it’s wise not to trust in their condition. Not all new hoses are constructed of high-quality material and may last less than six months.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All new contractors must acquire safety equipment, commonly known as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). The SDS sheet should specify required PPE. Generally, PPE refers to gloves, suits, masks, and respirators. Ensure you comprehend different mask types and respirator requirements in alignment with the recommendation on the material safety data sheet. Be aware of fit tests and OSHA mandates. For instance, OSHA stipulates that an eyewash station or safety shower be readily accessible. Does the used rig include these essential items?

Additional Considerations

Various types of spray rigs exist, including Gooseneck, bumper pull, and box trucks. Does the rig provide the maneuverability you require? You’ll utilize your spray rig for transport, storage, and workspace, making the design of the rig more crucial than it may seem. Confirm that the trailer axles are capable of supporting the weight conveniently, and ensure proper weight distribution. Inspect axles and tires before concluding any purchases. Your rig needs to accommodate equipment and material drums securely during transport, allowing suitable access to the materials. There are many cautionary tales of contractors who experienced mishaps on highways due to improper weight distribution. Spray rigs should be designed with such factors in mind. Equipment choices should align with your primary application requirements and contribute to your business expansion, making equipment acquisition a customized rather than one-size-fits-all process.

Purchasing Used Equipment from Respected Distributors

The key term here is 'reputable.' Numerous well-known distributors refurbish and resell used equipment. These distributors typically offer warranties on any replaced parts during the refurbishment process. They should also test the equipment before it is sold to you. Ensure you ask if the equipment has been thoroughly tested. Building a relationship with a reputable distributor can ensure that you have access to parts and service as needed.

Primary Reasons SPF Enterprises Fail

The main cause of SPF enterprise failures is a lack of industry understanding—ranging from estimating and self-marketing to grasping the mechanics and operations of their equipment, as well as the application process. Individuals can find themselves overwhelmed quickly, resulting in expenses far exceeding their initial expectations. Business owners must be well-informed, as it's their responsibility to pass on knowledge and ensure employee safety. Relying on inadequately trained personnel can quickly lead to failure.

The Conclusion

The spray foam industry offers high potential profitability IF you are knowledgeable about your craft. New contractors who purchase used equipment without benefiting from the advantages that new products offer often find themselves facing significant challenges. Daily unfortunate occurrences arise from contractors acquiring equipment or rigs they cannot properly utilize. Marriages dissolve, bankruptcies occur, and lives become upheaved simply because the buyers lacked essential information. It’s not merely about purchasing new equipment, but understanding how to identify reputable sources, who will stand behind the equipment sold, and who will provide adequate training, technical support, parts, and reliable service.

Thriving in the SPF Industry

Avoid shortchanging yourself during your initial phases. Begin small by obtaining solid training before committing to purchases, foster relationships with reputable distributors and material suppliers, ask challenging questions, engage with other contractors, and ensure you fully understand the industry, equipment, estimating, and application processes before diving deeper. Invest in reliable equipment and ascertain that parts and services are accessible in your region. Always prepare for your projects the night prior. There’s nothing that hinders production time worse than discovering issues once on site. It begins with YOU, the owner, discerning what sort of investment and commitment you are ready to make, moving into action, and aspiring to be the best in your field.

This article was produced in partnership with Intech Equipment. To learn more about Intech Equipment, reach out at 817-522-

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