Tips for Buying Used Equipment  

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Whether you’re the owner of a mechanic shop or a car enthusiast, you know the importance of having good equipment. But often, new equipment can be outside your budget, so you may consider purchasing used equipment for your shop (or home garage). So, if you’re considering buying used equipment, the following tips can ensure you make a solid investment that will serve your business well. 

Evaluate Your Business Needs

When evaluating your business needs for auto repair equipment, there are a few things to consider. To identify the specific equipment you need, consider the types of vehicles you work on, the tasks you need to complete, and the space you have. In addition, before deciding on a specific piece of equipment, you also want to ensure it is compatible with your existing tools and machinery.

Once you’ve evaluated your business needs, choose reputable brands and models known for their durability and reliability. Look for reviews and feedback from other users to understand how well the equipment performs.

Research the Seller’s Reputation

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When purchasing used equipment, it’s essential to research the seller’s reputation to ensure you are dealing with a trustworthy seller. Other than word of mouth, online is the best way to evaluate the seller. Check Google or Yelp reviews and look at the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any negative complaints from other customers.

Another factor is how long the seller has been in business- often, a seller that’s been in business for a long time is more reliable than a newer company. You can also ask the seller for references from other customers.

Get an Inspection of the Product

It’s a good idea to have any used equipment you are considering purchasing for your auto shop inspected by a qualified professional before making a final decision. Checking the equipment can help you identify potential issues or problems that may not be immediately apparent during a visual inspection.

An inspection can also help you determine if the equipment is in good working condition, if any parts need to be repaired or replaced, and if any safety issues need to be addressed. The inspector can also provide you with an estimate of any repair costs that may be required, which can help you decide whether the equipment is worth purchasing. 

When scheduling an inspection, be sure to choose a qualified professional experienced in inspecting the type of equipment you are interested in. A qualified inspector can provide a detailed report with all the relevant information you need to decide whether to purchase the equipment.

Conditions: Check for Wear

When purchasing used equipment for your auto shop, inspecting the equipment for wear and tear is crucial.

· Inspect the exterior

Inspect the exterior of the equipment for any signs of damage, rust, or wear. Also, look for dents, scratches, or other damage signs indicating the equipment has been misused.

· Check the moving parts

Check the moving parts of the equipment, such as the wheels, gears, and pulleys, for cracks, chips, or other signs of damage that may indicate that the parts are worn and need replacement.

· Review the electrical components

Review the electrical components of the equipment, such as the wiring and connectors, for frayed wires, loose connections, or other signs of damage that may indicate that the electrical system needs repair.

· Inspect the hoses and belts

Inspect the hoses and belts of the equipment for cracks, tears, or other signs of damage that may indicate that the hoses and belts need replacement.

· Check the oil and fluids

Check the oil and other fluids in the equipment to ensure they are clean and debris-free. Dirty or contaminated fluids can indicate that the equipment has not been well-maintained.

Inspect Operating Hours

Another important tip when purchasing used equipment for your shop is to check the operating hours. While it’s not always an indicator of the equipment’s condition, it’s an excellent place to start.

It’s also imperative to know the maintenance history of the equipment. Used equipment with low operating hours can seem like a fantastic investment, but if it hasn’t been maintained well, that changes things. You don’t want to purchase used equipment for a seemingly reasonable price but pay for repairs shortly after buying the equipment.

Purchasing equipment with more operating hours may be a better choice if you know that its maintenance history is reliable.

Ask to Test Drive the Equipment

When purchasing used equipment for your auto shop, it’s essential to test drive or test run the equipment to ensure it is in good working condition. Here are some steps you can follow to test drive the equipment:

  • Familiarize yourself with the controls, features, and operation of the equipment.
  • Choose a safe location to test drive the equipment, such as an open area with level ground and no obstacles or hazards.
  • Before starting the equipment, perform a visual inspection to ensure all components are secure and in good working condition.
  • Start the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay attention to how the engine starts (if applicable), runs, and any noises or vibrations you hear or feel.
  • Test the equipment in various conditions to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
  • Monitor the gauges on the equipment to ensure that they are functioning correctly and that the equipment is not overheating or experiencing other issues.
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Price

When purchasing used equipment for your auto shop, it’s essential to determine if the asking price is reasonable. First, research the market to determine the typical price range for the equipment you are interested in purchasing. Then, look at similar equipment from different sellers to understand the average price.

Check the condition of the equipment to determine if it is worth the asking price. If the equipment is in excellent condition and well-maintained, it may be worth paying a higher price. On the other hand, if the equipment is in poor condition and requires significant repairs, the asking price may be too high.

Compare the asking price of the equipment to similar equipment from other sellers to determine if it is a reasonable price. If the price is significantly higher than the average, you may want to negotiate or consider purchasing from another seller.

SVI- Your Partner for Automotive Equipment Repair Parts

If you decide to purchase used equipment, you may need to replace some of the parts before using it. SVI is the industry leader in automotive equipment repair parts, and with two warehouses, we can get them shipped to you ASAP. Whether you’re a car enthusiast with a garage full of cars at your home or you own a large mechanic shop, we’d love to be your partner for auto equipment repair parts. Contact us today for more information- our experts can help you find what you need!

What is a Bead Seater and Do I Need One in my Auto Shop?  

Bead seater, tire changer bead blaster systems

A bead seater, also known as a bead blaster, is an important piece of equipment for any auto shop. It’s important to understand what a bead blaster is, its benefits and why it’s a smart investment.

What is a Tire Changer’s Bead Blaster?

What is a bead seater? It’s a piece of equipment used when repairing or installing tires, typically for cars and light trucks. By providing a high-pressure burst of air into a tire cavity, a bead seater helps to align the beads that are necessary for proper seating of the tire in the wheel assembly.

The bead blaster is necessary when you are repairing old tires or installing new or old ones. When the tire is mounted on the wheel and the beads on the tire do not align with the rim, important steps need to be taken.

The bead seater uses a brief, massive burst of air that seats it in the rim. It can then be inflated to the proper pressure level using the tire valve.

How It Works

Tire changer bead blaster systems are an effective way to ensure the tire and wheel are properly aligned and ready for use. The bead blaster system generated a large amount of high-pressure air. The air is directed into the interior cavity of tubeless tires. Doing so helps to seat the tire in the wheel assembly.

It’s important that the tire bead – the section of the tire that’s reinforced and comes in contact with the rim – is properly aligned. Tire beads are critical to tire performance, by establishing and maintaining the seal between the tire and the rim in order for the tire to hold air.

That’s where the bead blaster comes in. The system allows for proper inflation, especially in tires that have very stiff sidewalls. The beads on these types of tires often will not seat properly when inflating them using a valve stem.

Most bead blaster systems operate in the same way. Compressed air is held in an external tank where it remains until needed. A technician uses a foot pedal to control the system. When depressed partially, air rushes into the tire using a hose that’s attached to the tire’s valve stem. If the pedal is depressed fully, there’s a larger volume of air introduced into the tire from holes in a slide mechanism.

It’s the combination of air, from both the valve stem inflation hose and the compressed air from the bead blaster that seats the beads even among the most difficult tires.

When the blast of compressed air arrives, it creates pressure at the top sideway. The air pressure seats the top beam of the tire to the tire’s rim temporarily.

After that first burst, the technician directs a large amount of compressed air to the bottom sidewall. That burst temporarily aligns the lower bead to the lower rim.

In most cars and light trucks, this process happens quickly, usually less than a second. Meanwhile, the continual flow via the value stem of air keeps the pressure up against both beads. In no time, both beads are seated permanently. At this point, the tire can be inflated to its proper pressure,

Benefits of a Bead Seater

Having a bead seater in your auto shop makes lots of sense. Here are some of the benefits of using a bead seater:

  • Saves Time. With a bead seater, you can rapidly inflate new tires and ensure that they are placed properly in the tire rim. In just a few seconds, you’ll have all the tires for a particular repair job completed. Saving time lets you save money, too, spending less time on tire repair and installation jobs
  • Improves Customer Service. With a bead blaster, you’ll have more satisfied customers who will have their cars ready quickly. You can be confident that any repairs or installations are done properly, accurately, and with less chance of being returned due to improper installation
  • Better Safety. Properly inflated, mounted, and aligned tires are critical for car safety. When using a bead seater, you know that your customers have properly installed tires that will be safe to use on their vehicles. In addition, bead seaters are safe to use, eliminating the risk of workplace accidents that could injure your valuable employees
  • Flexibility. With a multipurpose bead seater in your auto shop, you can use one piece of equipment for most cars and light trucks you work on. Having one piece of equipment saves space and the bead blaster can be used in multiple work bays at once.
  • Affordability. A bead seater is a low-cost investment in your auto shop that will pay for itself in no time. With excellent performance and time and money savings, a bead seater will pay for itself quickly

Why Do I Need a Bead Seater for my Auto Shop?

A bead blaster is a must for the modern auto shop. The bead blaster helps you stay ahead of the competition by using the most advanced machines to ensure tires are properly inflated. With the right equipment, your customers will be satisfied and come back when they need new tires, tires repaired and other work on their cars.

Replacement Parts for Your Bead Blasters

Bead blasters are important components of today’s auto shops. However, despite being durable and reliable, with repeated use, parts may need to be replaced. When you need to replace a part on your bead blaster, or other essential equipment, turn to SVI International. SVI is the leading provider of shop equipment parts and a leading automotive lift manufacturer.

SVI has three warehouses and 50 different product lines. It can also create custom parts for your auto shop. Founded in 1977, SVI has more than 40,000 repair parts and more than 2,000 distributors. That means you can get any replacement parts for your bead blaster quickly and reliably.

To learn more about how SVI International can deliver the parts you need to keep your auto shop running, contact us today.