You have most likely already done the calculations necessary to determine how much space and how much productivity your company will save as a result of installing a horizontal carousel, vertical carousel, or vertical lift module (VLM). If the numbers look good, you could save some cash by purchasing used automated vertical storage system or vertical carousel storage systems for sale rather than brand new ones.
A very good question to ask is, "Is it better to buy new or used automated vertical storage system or vertical carousel storage systems for sale?"After all, a reliable re-seller can be found almost anywhere, and the cost of a used machine can be as little as half that of a brand new one.
There are situations in which it makes the most sense to acquire a system that has been previously owned. However, before you make a choice, here is a check list of things to think about when it comes to purchasing a used vertical carousel, also known as a VLM.
Think About How Often It's Going to Be Used.
A used vertical carousel storage system that is currently available for purchase or a VLM might be sufficient for usage that ranges from light to moderate and occurs across a couple of shifts. The components of the machine may have already seen some use, but the patterns of use will not cause significant additional wear on any of the components.
For businesses that run 24 hours a day, three shifts a week, it is prudent to recommend purchasing new machinery because all of the components will be in excellent condition and breakdowns will be extremely unlikely.
Conduct an Appropriate Investigation into the State of the Used Vertical Carousel Storage System.
A new system will typically come with a warranty, which not only provides financial security but also psychological relief. Purchasing a used item, on the other hand, requires a significant amount of research in addition to a greater tolerance for risk.
When evaluating the condition of two used machines, it is important not to make the hasty assumption that the one with the more recent date of manufacture is in superior condition. Instead, talk to the vendor about the different ways the product can be used, the different operational conditions, and the maintenance procedures. The following justifications come to mind:
A machine that has been run at or above the rated duty cycle of its motors and/or at the upper limits of its maximum load capacity will have more worn components than a machine that has been used lightly
This is because a machine that has been run at or above the rated duty cycle of its motors and/or at the upper limits of its maximum load capacity is designedFind out what was stored in the used machine and how frequently the items that were stored there were accessed before you make your evaluation
Component wear may be accelerated if a machine is operated in conditions that are particularly harsh, such as high temperatures
Ask about the type of facility that the used machine was used in, as well as the location of the facility, if you can
A pre-owned machine that has been serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended intervals for such work is more likely to perform as advertised. Put in a request to get a copy of all of the service records that pertain to you.
Verify the Existence of the Original Documentation
When you buy a new vertical carousel storage or VLM, the equipment is built to fit your exact requirements in terms of the load and the frequency of usage. This ensures that the carousel or VLM is safe and reliable for its intended purpose. It's possible that this won't be the case with a used machine.
Ask the seller for copies of any and all original documentation that is associated with the piece of equipment, or have the seller put you in touch with the person who previously owned it. Additionally, inquire about the item's serial number. You can use it to get in touch with the manufacturer and ask for information like the date the product was first manufactured and installed, as well as a record of the service it has received in the past.
Get Independent Investigation Done
Even though it has a fresh coat of paint, that does not guarantee that it will function properly. An evaluation by an impartial party is the most effective method for determining the actual functioning condition of the unit. Employ a qualified and independent inspector who has been approved to determine the condition of the apparatus, just as you would if you were purchasing a used automobile. In combination with the initial documentation, this can help determine whether or not the equipment will carry out its functions as specified.
Examine the Currently Employed Vertical Carousel's Configuration
When you buy brand-new gear, you can rest assured that it will be assembled and arranged in accordance with your requirements. Your product mix will determine the precise proportions and spacing of any trays or carriers that are used. When you purchase a pre-owned machine, you take on the dimensions, spacing, and sub-dividing, as well as the load capacity restrictions, of the machine's previous owner.
While the majority of dividers and bins can be reorganized with little to no effort required, other systems may have components that are either fixed in place or missing entirely, either of which could be expensive to replace (or to reconfigure). If maintaining your inventory requires you to replace each and every bin in the system, the cost savings you would receive from purchasing used equipment might not be worth it.
Check that the dimensions of the machine and its individual components, as well as the electrical requirements of the components, match up with those of the access doors and the power supply in your facility. It's possible that certain machines are too large to fit through the entrance to your dock or in the space where they'll be utilized. There is a possibility that others will require a voltage that your structure is unable to support.
Check to Ensure a Risk-Free Operation
When purchasing a new piece of equipment, make sure to purchase one that has the most up-to-date safety features available so that you can use it without risk. It's possible that older models don't comply with the most recent ergonomics regulations, or that they don't have the same level of safety features as more recent models. In addition to this, check to see that a used machine has not lost any of its original safety features and that those features continue to function as expected. In addition, caution labels and usage placards should be present and should be replaced if they are not present.
Determine which company will provide support and service after the sale.
The distributor or manufacturer of the new piece of machinery will typically offer a routine maintenance and servicing package in conjunction with the purchase of the new piece of machinery. Installation, as well as a warranty and ongoing technical support, are typically included for an allotted amount of time following commissioning.
When purchasing a used vertical carousel storage system or a VLM, the availability of support from the original manufacturer is not guaranteed. A reseller may also provide you with a service package or direct you to a third party for assistance with the installation, technical support, programming, training, and ongoing maintenance. Before you purchase a used item, double check that you have all of these particulars nailed down.
Inquire about the availability of replacement parts as well. Because of this, it is possible that calling the machine's original manufacturer will be required. Your efforts to save money by purchasing used items may end up being fruitless if one of their components breaks and can't be replaced.
Check to See if the Used Vertical Carousels You Purchase Are Compatible with the Rest of Your Systems
The most recent carousels and VLMs have hardware and software that are at the cutting edge of development. Examples of these include the controls for the system and the communication interfaces. If your company is similarly outfitted, it is possible that a used machine will not be able to communicate with the various other technologies located on-site. To make it function properly will require, at the very least, a significant amount of technical expertise.
A used machine, on the other hand, might be just what you need if your business relies heavily on manual labor and has only a minimal amount of automated processes. Think about hiring a systems integrator to check whether or not a used machine is compatible with the technological requirements of your company at the moment.