4 Factors To Consider With Used Dairy Equipment For Sale
Dairy Equipment
Food Processing
Industries We Serve
The dairy industry seems to be getting more competitive by the day. For many small and medium sized dairy manufacturers, buying used milk processing equipment can help them stay relevant. It’s a great way to keep up with demand in a cost-efficient way. While the idea is simple, sometimes buying used equipment can be quite the process.
If you’ve ever bought a used car, you know that there are plenty of things to consider. Who was the previous owner? What type of reliability can I expect? These types of questions have a lot more weight when it’s your business that’s affected by the answers.
We know the considerations can feel overwhelming when you’re looking for used dairy equipment for sale. But what if you had a guide on what to look for? This post will help you identify four of the most important factors to consider when buying used milk processing equipment.
1. Learn the Operating Hours
Before you buy a used car, one of the first things you ask about is the number of miles on it. You can take the same approach with used dairy equipment.
Any company offering used dairy equipment for sale should be able to give you an answer. From there, it’s time to do a little research. Figure out the average amount of hours the machine you’re looking at can run for. Then, do a quick cost benefit analysis to help you make a more informed decision.
It’s important to remember that the number of operating hours isn’t everything. For example, a machine with 2,000 operating hours that hasn’t been maintained might be worse than a machine that has racked up 10,000 operating hours. History is a big part of buying used equipment, and a machine’s operating hours can give you useful insight into how it’ll perform moving forward.
2. Has the Piece of Equipment Been Reconditioned?
It’s common for used dairy equipment for sale to be offered as is. But it’s important that you ask if the equipment has been reconditioned. This is because “reconditioned” tends to mean the equipment has been renovated. New replacement parts are used to ensure that the piece of dairy equipment meets the specifications of when it was originally manufactured.
Think of it as a way to help mitigate the normal wear and tear you’d expect from used milk processing equipment. When a piece of dairy equipment is reconditioned the right way, it’s a great economical option for your business.
If the dairy equipment you’re looking at has been reconditioned, be sure to ask the vendor about their process. This is especially important if you’re in the dairy industry. As you know, milk and other dairy products can start to corrode equipment if the wrong coating or material is used. So, it’s a good idea to ask if the reconditioning process takes the nuances of the dairy industry into account.
If you’re in the dairy business, you know how important accuracy is when it comes to making product. For example, the margin of error for milk pasteurization is small. And one misstep could be enough to spoil an entire batch. You want your dairy equipment to do exactly what you expect.
For example, let’s say you’re interested in a stainless steel tank for cheese manufacturing. It’s common for this type of equipment to use agitators to mix the contents of the tank. How do you know that the tank you’re looking at will be able to mix your product at the right rate consistently? Ask about how the equipment was maintained. Keeping a piece of equipment running optimally usually includes regular maintenance and running tests.
4. Look for Internal Wear and Tear
Chances are you check for wear and tear before you buy your equipment Purchasing reconditioned or used dairy equipment shouldn’t be an exception. When checking over the equipment, be sure to get a look inside the equipment if you can. It’s a common mistake for potential buyers to only look at the outside. If you’re looking at a mixing tank or homogenizer, your product isn’t going to touch the outside of the equipment. Dairy manufacturing is very precise, so spotting any issues or erosion now can save you time and money.
Find Quality Used Dairy Equipment for Sale at Zwirner Equipment
If you’re looking for milk pasteurization equipment or any other type of product for your dairy business, make Zwirner Equipment your first choice. We are experts in serving the dairy manufacturing industry with our customizable solutions. Our reconditioned dairy equipment gives you a reliable and cost-effective way to expand your business. With a high standard of quality and over 30 years of expertise, we sell our customer equipment that is ready to use.
We offer a variety of used dairy equipment for sale and dependable services for your business. View our current inventory or contact our knowledgeable team today. We are your single-source solution for all your used dairy equipment needs!
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