Trying to assess how much an air compressor will cost isn’t easy. Why? The price range of a diesel air compressor ranges from $500 to $50,000 and that’s a pretty huge difference.
Why is this range so large? The biggest reason is that the range in size and horsepower is also vast. However, there’s one other factor that every business should consider: new vs used.
Should you buy a new vs used air compressor? What are the pros and cons of both purchases? Is buying a used air compressor worth the savings or not?
Read on as we dive into the key factors to consider when you’re deciding between a new air compressor vs a used air compressor.
You Can Buy a Used Air Compressor?
If you’ve never been in the market for diesel air compressors for sale, you may not have realized that used air compressors were an option. Where does this used machinery come from?
Nowadays, air compressors are a staple in industries ranging from the automotive industry to the pharmaceutical industry. As a result, we’re seeing a high level of air compressor purchases each year.
With that in mind, think of how many companies undergo major updates, how many companies downsize, and how many companies close, altogether. A used air compressor can end up back on the market in any of these situations. In fact, this is so common that it’s not unlikely that you’ll find a used air compressor in the exact size and model that you’re looking for.
Does that make it the right choice for every company? Let’s take a closer look.
A Closer Look at New Air Compressors
When you’re not working with a limited budget, a new air compressor may seem like the better option. In most cases, you’d be correct in this assessment. Let’s look at the pros and cons of purchasing a new air compressor for your business.
Pros of New Air Compressors
If you want your pick of any type of air compressor and you want the latest technology, you’re going to have better luck with new air compressors. The latest technology tends to mean shorter lead times and better efficiency. In fact, a brand new machine is almost always going to be more efficient than a used machine, which may show signs of wear and tear.
A new air compressor is also going to have a longer lifespan. In other words, you’re going to get more use out of it before you need to replace it. High efficiency and a long lifespan both lead to a higher return on investment–which means that you’re going to get more bang for your buck.
Cons of New Air Compressors
The only real downside of purchasing a new air compressor is that it’s definitely going to cost more. In some cases, it’s going to cost a lot more. Yes, that comes with a high return on investment, but some companies won’t be able to afford to fork over such a high upfront cost.
Can a payment plan or business loan help? It can, as long as you factor in things like interest. Make sure that you can afford to pay off monthly minimums and that any additional interest is worth taking on.
A Closer Look at Used Air Compressors
Is a used air compressor worth the savings? What are you sacrificing when you buy a used air compressor? Let’s talk about the pros and cons of purchasing a used air compressor.
Pros of Used Air Compressors
One pro of buying a used air compressor is already clear: you’re going to pay less to do it. Plus, you won’t be looking at the high depreciation in value that comes with purchasing any new piece of machinery. Someone already owned this air compressor and took on that high depreciation in value, and now you get to buy it at a significantly reduced cost.
When you find a quality seller, you’ll also benefit from refurbishments. A well-refurbished air compressor may be an older piece of machinery, but it’s operating on at least some new parts, bringing it closer in line with the latest technology. Always ask for the specs on a used air compressor to learn more about how it has been refurbished.
Cons of Used Air Compressors
It’s more appropriate to say that the cons of buying a used air compressor are potential cons. For example, you might not end up with modern technology. You might not have the luck of finding a used air compressor with quality refurbishments.
What are some of the other potential cons? You might not get to choose from many different types of air compressors. You also might not know the lifespan of a used air compressor.
This last one has to do with not only the specs but also the machine history. Can the seller tell you how long a company owned it, how often they used it, and how well they maintained it? With this information, you can make an educated guess regarding lifespan, but otherwise, you’ll have to speculate.
New vs Used Air Compressor: The Right Choice Is an Informed Choice
Diesel air compressors are a widely used piece of machinery, which means that you won’t have a hard time finding used options. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide between a new vs used air compressor. The best way to make the right choice for your business is to stay informed about these two options.
Looking for more ways to make informed choices about your business? Take a look at our business section for guides like this one, the latest industry news, and helpful marketing advice. We’re here to help you make the best choices and grow your business.
