Rhino Blog

At Rhino Machinery, we sell used construction equipment. For 38 years I have seen the value of used construction equipment and how it helps contractors enter markets with an operating cost advantage against contractors with higher overheads due to maintaining fleets of heavily financed new equipment. “Dirt Don't Care” embodies the idea “we buy construction equipment to get the job done as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.” The reality is, we can buy used construction equipment that is in good condition and job ready for substantially less than the new equivalent. Yes, technology has evolved and there have been improvements over the years. However, there is little difference in the effectiveness of a well-maintained piece of used construction equipment and its newer rival. If it's technology you crave, buying a 2-3 year-old machine will save you as much as 50% off the new price. If it's cost effectiveness, reliability and efficiency that you want, a 3 year and older machine can deliver at a substantial savings. If the job is a low production task that needs the power and the availability, but only on the part-time basis, you can fill that nitch with a well-maintained older machine. Let’s take a look at some key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing the right machine for the job.

Once a machine is put to work, the differences in these choices start to show up in a very real way. In one school of thought, a new machine has predictable costs because of new manufacturer warranties and service agreements that are put in place at the time of purchase. There's usually a maintenance component and let's face it, new machines break down too. Shortage of mechanics and parts have made significant downtime a reality. It’s also real that those payments don’t stop and they are significantly higher on a new machine. Used construction equipment can be bought at a substantially lower price than a new machine depending on age, hours and condition. This translates into lower payments or in many cases, no payments at all because the machine was bought in cash. There is an opportunity cost when buying with cash, but many times it outweighs the interest and pressure that payments cause contractors. Warranties are also available for used construction equipment that meets certain criteria. This can protect from major failure of powertrain and hydraulic systems for a period of time. It is my experience and well documented that construction equipment is designed to last and outlive original manufacturer warranties. Well maintained machines can have as much as 20,000 hours of productive service. It is reasonable to assume that machines can work without major failure for a long time. There are considerations such as undercarriage, tires, pins, bushings and other items that will have to be replaced and repaired during the life of the machine. A good maintenance program and a watchful eye can alleviate many of these problems from becoming a major expense.