Used Air Compressors For Sale

Written By Steve Thompson

Business owners and supply managers always want to save money, which is why mechanics, contractors and other professionals are often looking for used air compressors for sale. Since most pre-owned equipment is refurbished before resale, it is safe to assume that it will run properly for a significant amount of time, and it presents a serious upfront reduction in price. But when is it a good idea to buy used?

Consider the Lifespan
Depending on where you buy them, some compressors will run almost as long as they did when they were purchased new because they have been refurbished and tested for quality prior to sale. However, you don't have any guarantees for longevity, and the lifespan often depends on how it was treated and stored by the previous owner. Refurbished air compressors for sale from reputable dealers often present less risk than those purchased from the classifieds or directly from a previous owner.

Buying equipment for a thriving business means investing in quality. If you know of a company with used air compressors for sale at a good cost, and you're sure of the quality of those machines, refurbished models can be an excellent choice. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that it might only last a few hundred hours, at which point you'll have to begin the process again.

Maintenance for Used Air Compressors
The major disadvantage of buying used is that you normally don't walk away with a manufacturer's warranty for the machine, which means that if it breaks down, you'll absorb the costs of repair. Without a warranty, it's often more cost-effective to replace the machine than to have it fixed, and this significantly decreases the benefits of buying used in the first place.

Of course, if you buy used air compressors that have only been used for a few hours, they might come with the warranties still attached, assuming that the warranty is transferable. When you buy used equipment, always inquire about any service records or maintenance, and ask if you will still benefit from the warranty.

Reliability vs. Cost-Effectiveness
If you run a business in which the reliability of your equipment makes a significant difference, it might not be a good idea to buy used air compressors for sale. Should one of the machines fail, the lost time might cost you money from customers or clients, and your productivity will suffer. This is especially true with contracted jobs where your business is compensated for time.

Unfortunately, even a top-quality piece of equipment will fail from time to time, and the reliability of an air compressor decreases with the number of hours it has been in use. This doesn't mean that you won't find the occasional diamond in the rough, but you'll have to decide if you want to tempt fate.

Upfront Cost
Despite the disadvantages, used compressors do present a substantial cost break at purchase. Saving more than $1,000 on equipment can make a huge difference for a start-up business or one that is suffering through a poor economy.

Before making your decision, carefully weigh the pros and cons of buying used air compressors for sale, then experiment with different options until you find what works for you. For example, you might buy new compressors for your business, and then keep used machines for back-up. Just make sure you work through reputable dealers. To find those dealers, try BuyerZone's free quote request service. Answer a few simple questions and we can connect you to multiple air compressor dealers in your area.