Buy Used Equipment in Saint Louis

Save Money on Equipment: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used in St. Louis

What you'll get from this guide:

• Save 30-70% on equipment costs compared to buying new
• Find reliable dealers who won't rip you off
• Learn what to check before you buy
• Get financing tips that work for small businesses
• Avoid costly mistakes that waste your money

Why Buy Used Equipment?

You need equipment but don't want to break the bank. Used equipment can save you thousands while still getting the job done. Here's why it makes sense:

• Save money: Used equipment costs 30-70% less than new
• Less depreciation: Someone else already took the biggest hit
• Same functionality: A 3-year-old excavator digs just as well as a new one
• Proven reliability: You can research how well that model performs over time

What Equipment You Can Find in St. Louis

Construction Equipment

• Excavators and loaders
• Cranes and compactors
• Skid steers and mini-excavators
• Generators and air compressors

Material Handling

• Forklifts and pallet jacks
• Conveyor systems
• Warehouse shelving
• Loading dock equipment

Tools and Industrial Parts

• Drill presses and lathes
• Welding equipment
• Motors and pumps
• Truck parts and transmissions

Lawn and Agricultural Equipment

• Riding mowers and tractors
• Tillers and cultivators
• Irrigation equipment
• Landscaping tools

How to Find Good Dealers

Look for these signs of a trustworthy dealer:

• They let you inspect equipment thoroughly
• They provide service history when available
• They offer some kind of warranty or guarantee
• They have good online reviews from real customers
• They've been in business for several years

Red flags to avoid:

• Won't let you test equipment before buying
• No physical location or showroom
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Pressure you to buy immediately
• No references or terrible reviews

What to Check Before You Buy

For Any Equipment:

• Operating hours: Like mileage on a car - lower is usually better
• Maintenance records: Shows if previous owner took care of it
• Visible wear: Look for rust, cracks, or excessive wear
• Fluid leaks: Check for oil, hydraulic fluid, or coolant leaks
• Test all functions: Make sure everything works as advertised

For Construction Equipment:

• Check hydraulic cylinders for smooth operation
• Look at tracks or tires for even wear
• Test the engine under load
• Inspect the cab for damage

For Restaurant Equipment:

• Verify temperatures hold steady
• Check that all burners or heating elements work
• Look for grease buildup or poor cleaning
• Make sure doors and seals are intact

For Medical Equipment:

• Confirm all safety features work
• Check that moving parts operate smoothly
• Verify any electrical components function properly
• Ensure equipment meets current safety standards

How to Pay for Used Equipment

Cash

• Pros: Immediate ownership, no interest, stronger negotiating position
• Cons: Ties up working capital, no tax benefits from depreciation

Equipment Financing

• Pros: Preserve cash flow, build business credit, tax deductions
• Cons: Interest costs, monthly payments, equipment as collateral

Lease-to-Own

• Pros: Lower upfront costs, option to return equipment
• Cons: Higher total cost, no ownership until paid off

Business Line of Credit

• Pros: Flexible use of funds, only pay interest on what you use
• Cons: Variable interest rates, requires good credit

Questions to Ask Dealers

"What's the equipment's history?" - How was it used? Any accidents or major repairs?

"What warranty do you offer?" - Even 30-90 days shows confidence in the equipment

"Can I have it inspected?" - Good dealers welcome third-party inspections

"What's your return policy?" - Protects you if equipment doesn't work as promised

"Do you offer financing?" - Many dealers have relationships with lenders

"Can you deliver and set it up?" - Saves you time and ensures proper installation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Without Inspection

The mistake: Buying based on photos or descriptions only Why it's costly: Hidden problems can cost thousands to fix The fix: Always inspect in person or hire a qualified inspector

Ignoring Operating Costs

The mistake: Only looking at purchase price Why it's costly: Fuel, maintenance, and repairs add up quickly The fix: Calculate total cost of ownership over 3-5 years

Skipping the Test Run

The mistake: Assuming equipment works because it starts Why it's costly: Problems show up under actual working conditions The fix: Test equipment doing the actual work you need

Not Checking Regulations

The mistake: Buying equipment that doesn't meet current standards Why it's costly: Compliance upgrades or inability to use equipment The fix: Verify equipment meets all applicable regulations

Negotiating Tips That Work

Research First

Know what similar equipment sells for. Check online marketplaces and other dealers for comparison.

Point Out Problems

Use any issues you found during inspection as negotiation points. "This hydraulic cylinder needs attention..."

Be Ready to Walk Away

The best negotiating position is not needing the deal. Have backup options.

Consider the Total Package

Sometimes a higher price with delivery, setup, and warranty is a better deal than a lower price with nothing included.

Time Your Purchase

End of month, quarter, or year often brings better deals as dealers try to meet goals.

Getting Your Equipment Ready to Work

Delivery and Setup

• Schedule appropriately: Don't have equipment delivered when you can't use it
• Prepare the site: Clear access routes and have utilities ready
• Check on arrival: Inspect for shipping damage before signing

Initial Maintenance

• Change fluids: Oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant - start fresh
• Check filters: Air, oil, fuel filters should be clean
• Grease all fittings: Proper lubrication prevents premature wear
• Test all systems: Run through all functions before putting to work

Training

• Operator safety: Make sure users know proper procedures
• Basic maintenance: Train staff on daily checks and basic care
• Emergency procedures: Know how to shut down safely

Building Long-Term Relationships

Work with Dealers Who Support You

The best dealers don't disappear after the sale. They:

• Answer questions about operation
• Help with parts and service
• Offer fair trade-in values on upgrades
• Keep you informed about new inventory

Maintain Your Equipment

Taking care of your used equipment helps it last longer and maintains resale value:

• Follow recommended maintenance schedules
• Use quality fluids and filters
• Store equipment properly
• Address small problems before they become big ones

Final Thoughts

Buying used equipment in St. Louis can save your business significant money while still getting quality tools that do the job. The key is knowing what to look for, asking the right questions, and working with honest dealers who stand behind their sales.

Remember: The goal isn't to find the cheapest equipment - it's to find the best value. Sometimes paying a little more for better condition or a good warranty saves money in the long run.

Take your time, do your homework, and don't be afraid to walk away from a deal that doesn't feel right. There's always more equipment available, but recovering from a bad purchase takes time and money you might not have.