Most used machinery is bought after a viewing and collected by the buyer. A good viewing protects both sides: the buyer sees the machine as it is, and the seller has a clear, agreed sale. This checklist covers the viewing, the paperwork, the payment and the collection.
Arranging the viewing
- Agree a time in daylight, with enough time to inspect the machine and to see it running.
- Sellers: have the machine clean, accessible and ready to run, with the manual, service records and any examination report to hand.
- Buyers: take the details of the listing, a tape measure, a torch and a list of what to check. Read the guide to what to check when buying used machinery. If you are not an expert on that type of machine, take someone who is.
At the viewing
- Check the serial number on the machine matches the paperwork and the listing.
- See the machine started from cold and run through its full range, and, where possible, working under load or cutting a test piece.
- Ask about faults, repairs and how it has been used. Note the answers.
- For lifting equipment and pressure equipment, ask for the examination records. Read the guide to LOLER examination.
Agreeing the sale
- Agree the price, what is included, and who arranges and pays for loading and transport.
- Write it down. A short written receipt should show the date, the names and addresses of both parties, a description of the machine with its serial number, the price, what is included and a statement that the machine is the seller’s to sell with no finance outstanding.
- If the machine is sold as seen, say so on the receipt, but know what it does and does not do. It does not allow a machine to be described wrongly. It does not remove the safety duty on a business that supplies work equipment (see PUWER and second-hand machinery). A business selling to a consumer cannot use it to remove the buyer’s rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Between businesses, the usual terms on quality can be limited only where that is reasonable. Ask a solicitor if the sale is large or you are unsure.
Payment
- Pay by bank transfer, with the receipt. When you add the payee, your bank checks that the name matches the account. If it says the name does not match, stop and check with the seller in person. For larger amounts, ask the bank how long the transfer takes to clear. A seller can wait for the funds to clear before the machine leaves.
- Be careful with large cash amounts. They are risky to carry and cannot be traced if there is a dispute.
- Do not pay a deposit to someone you have not met for a machine you have not seen. Read the guide to avoiding scams.
Collecting the machine
- Electrical, gas and air connections should be disconnected before the machine is moved: wired-in electrics by a qualified electrician, and gas by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Drain fluids where the manual says to.
- If a crane, lorry loader or forklift is used to load the machine, the lift should be planned by a competent person and use examined lifting equipment.
- Use the right vehicle and equipment for the weight. Check the machine’s weight and size before you go.
- Secure the load properly with straps, chains or load restraints rated for the weight. Read the guide to transporting used machinery.
- Take the manuals, keys, tooling and attachments that were agreed, and check them off against the receipt.
Summary: a safe viewing and collection
Agree a daylight viewing, see the machine running, match the serial number to the paperwork, write down the sale, pay by traceable transfer and move the machine with the right equipment. Then browse machines for sale, or list yours free.
Used machinery for sale
Nothing listed right now. More used machinery will be listed as sellers join.