{"id":8485,"date":"2023-11-02T16:51:10","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T15:51:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maschinenkanzlei.de\/buying-used-industrial-machinery-risks-for-buyers\/"},"modified":"2025-11-25T06:50:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T05:50:46","slug":"buying-used-industrial-machine-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maschinenkanzlei.de\/en\/buying-used-industrial-machine-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying used industrial machinery: risks for buyers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What is this article about?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Purchasing used industrial machinery tends to involve a higher risk than purchasing new machinery. The initial price advantage can quickly turn into a significant disadvantage, especially if technical errors are identified and especially if the requirements of the industrial safety regulations are not met. In such cases, necessary modifications are often not justifiable from an economic perspective. This highlights the need for thorough inspection before purchasing used industrial machinery.<\/p>

In this article I look at some important points about purchasing used machines, which often lead to problems in practice. In particular, the industrial safety regulations, which are almost always underestimated, \u201ccause\u201d problems. How can you reduce risks? You will find out in the article.<\/p>

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Why are used machines bought?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Purchasing a used industrial machine can offer a number of benefits, especially for companies looking for cost-effective and reliable solutions. Some of the most important aspects are listed.<\/p>

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Cost development for machines in Germany based on January 2020 (100%)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Producer price index for machines in Germany; Source: Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), 2023 | As of: October 25, 2023.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a notable and continuous increase in producer prices for machinery. This obvious trend can be attributed to well-known factors, including the ongoing shortage of materials, the associated increased purchasing costs, the alarmingly increased energy costs and the high personnel costs in Germany.<\/p>

The data from the Federal Statistical Office as of September 2023 clearly shows a drastic increase of around 20% compared to the beginning of 2020, the start of the pandemic. In contrast, in the previous identical period from 2017 to the start of the pandemic in 2020, there was only a marginal price difference of just under 4%.<\/p>

Unfortunately, current developments indicate that there is no immediate end to these price increases, which significantly clouds the economic outlook for companies operating on tight budgets and those also suffering from the effects of these cost increases. Given these circumstances, the decision to invest in used industrial machinery becomes increasingly relevant. However, these investments come with their own challenges and risks, especially if the industrial machine is purchased second-hand<\/p>

  • unexpectedly fails,<\/li>
  • the delivery has defects,<\/li>
  • simply turns out to be an inferior product or as<\/li>
  • used industrial machine no longer complies with legal requirements.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Advantages of a used machine<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    The main advantages of buying a used machine are:<\/p>

    1. Cost Savings<\/strong> : Used industrial machinery is typically less expensive than new machinery, allowing companies to reduce expenses and free up capital for other business needs as a first step.<\/li>
    2. Immediate availability<\/strong> : Unlike new machines, which can often have longer delivery times, used machines are usually available immediately. This can be particularly beneficial if a company needs an additional machine quickly to increase production capacity.<\/li>
    3. Proven Performance<\/strong> : Often used industrial machines have a proven track record of performance and reliability. By evaluating the history and past performance, buyers can ensure that the machine is suitable for their needs with careful inspection.<\/li>
    4. Reduced risk when testing new processes<\/strong> : By purchasing used machinery, companies can test new processes and technologies at a lower risk.<\/li><\/ol>

      Despite these advantages, potential buyers should<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      check carefully,<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      whether the used machine meets the specific requirements and quality standards as well as the<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      A thorough inspection, review of maintenance history and agreed warranties can help minimize potential risks related to technical criteria and ensure that the investment is profitable.<\/p>

      It is also advisable to seek professional advice, especially when it comes to expensive investments, to ensure that the chosen option meets individual needs and goals. What is essential is:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      A thorough analysis and weighing of the individual advantages and disadvantages is crucial in order to make the right decision.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Technical risks when purchasing used industrial machines<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      The decision to purchase used industrial machinery involves a variety of technical risks for buyers that must be carefully evaluated. Key aspects that need to be taken into account include the general machine condition and the guarantee of functionality, compatibility and integration into existing operational processes, the detailed maintenance and repair history, as well as compliance with CE conformity standards and the industrial safety regulations. A comprehensive understanding of these technical risks is crucial to anticipate potential complications and take preventive measures to minimize risks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Technical machine condition and functionality of the used machine<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Purchasing used industrial machinery without first thoroughly inspecting it is a risky undertaking that leads to potential technical and legal problems. It is not uncommon for the unpleasant situation to arise where, after purchase and delivery, it is discovered that the used machine delivered has significant defects.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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