A used crane can be a great investment. Indian Crane market is dominated by Used Cranes. The savings on a single used crane can easily amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, compared to a new equipment purchase.

So We have considered 5 Points as to Make a decission to Buy an Used Crane for any Crane Owners around the World.

Below you will find the Top 5 Considerations when buying a used crane:

1. Budget – This should be the first consideration when buying a used crane. Often this step is overlooked because time is limited. It could be your company was just awarded a large contract, your existing equipment is not up to the task or your plans to purchase a new crane were derailed by the high prices and limited availability.  Searching for a used crane can be overwhelming. Having a plan on how much you want to spend will help you narrow the search, speed up the process and provide a benchmark for making a decision.

2. Machine History –If possible, you will want to consider the history of the crane and the application in which the crane was used. The geographic location and application is as important as the year model and hours.  We all know that environmental conditions can take their toll on a crane. Corrosion is one of the most destructive elements and sometimes the most overlooked. Demolition or shock loading during application can be equally damaging to a crane.  It’s also important when checking the history to see if the manufacture has any reports of accidents or major repair damage. If repairs were made they should be properly documented

3. Inspection – A comprehensive inspection is a must step in the process of purchasing a used crane.  Hiring an “independent certified crane inspector” can be money well spent. Their inspections can save you time, money and prevent a costly mistake by avoiding a major repair down the road.

4. How old is too old? – A good question to ask is:  Can you find an experienced operator to run the crane?  Another question to consider is:  How difficult will it be to find spare parts and technical support?  And finally:  Is the manufacturer still in business or have they been acquired by another company?  Buying a used crane that is 5 – 10 years old may not be a problem, but older cranes will have their challenges. Older cranes may still be preferred by some customers because of specific application such as duty cycle, pile driving, stevedoring, etc.  They may be easier to use, more mechanically friendly and have better capacities. However, these cranes often have limited technology. 

5. Is it worth it to buy a used crane “’as is” or in need of some repairs? – More than likely buying a used crane will require some repairs or reconditioning. If purchased correctly these cranes can make exceptional deals and can be brought back into “like new condition”.