Buying a spray rig or spray equipment is a serious investment. Cutting corners to “save” money is not usually the best move. New contractors who think that they are saving money by buying used often end up paying a lot more than they anticipated. In the end, they could have bought new for the same price and gained all the perks that go with buying new.
Photo Courtesy of Intech
Buyer Beware: This used Graco E-20 came with an E-30 sticker on it.
Bait and switch tactics happen all the time when people buy used equipment sight unseen--often through online ads. This used Graco E-20 machine (pictured above) was purchased sporting an E-30 sticker that most likely came from another machine. Inexperienced contractors can get into trouble quickly if they don’t know what to look for when buying used equipment. Even seasoned contractors can get taken advantage of when buying from unknown sources. Is it worth the risk to “save” money when, in the end, it’s not really saving money?
What You Don’t Get When Buying Used
A machine can look great on the outside but have major mechanical and electronical malfunctioned on the inside.
This machine needed a completely new hose heat system that cost $3000 to repair.
Buying used equipment can be a win or a crap shoot. With used equipment, there are no warranties and generally no training, no trouble-shooting or on-going tech support. There is no one to stand behind the products and no accountability to make something right. You have to ask yourself, “If the equipment is so good, why is this person selling it?” There are a number of legitimate reasons someone would sell their equipment: They are retiring, partnerships breakup, health problems, debt or the person decides this is not the business for them. While there may be other legitimate reasons, these are the reasons we encounter most often. Of course, you have to consider whether or not the seller is being honest.
Used equipment is rarely available right outside your back door. This means that most people are buying without the benefit of thoroughly examining the equipment or they must travel to evaluate the equipment in person. A sharp, experienced contractor should be able to check for proper equipment maintenance, although many never think about checking the heaters. Equipment that has not been properly maintained can have a host of problems that are not always obvious. This could end up costing the purchaser as much as, or more than, than they would have paid had they bought new in the first place. While you might get lucky, are you willing to take the risk? More often than not, people are not that fortunate.
Training
It is not advisable for any new contractor to purchase equipment without receiving proper training. Most new contractors are not aware that reputable distributors will provide free training with the purchase of a spray rig or a machine. Always ask about the type of training you will receive. Giving you a training video is not proper training. While training videos can be a helpful reference, they are not a substitute for hands-on training. Would you buy a car without driving it? The same common sense applies here.
Power Source Options for Spray Rigs
There are 3 main types of power sources for spray rigs: Diesel Power, Shore Power and Gas Power. Some contractors prefer diesel power because it is more dependable and reliable no matter where your job is located. Shore power is powered by a heavy-duty electrical cable that is plugged in to an electrical source at the job site. It is sometimes preferred because it is smaller and more portable. Gas power is often used for smaller systems that do not require as much power. The choice will depend upon the contractor’s specific needs.
Parts and Service
Make sure that parts can be readily obtained for any used equipment. Obscure brand names or antiquated equipment may contain parts that are not easy or affordable to obtain. Remember, when your equipment is down, you are not making money. It is advisable to have extra parts on hand, should the need arise, and for basic maintenance. Buying major brand names is the safer bet because parts and service will be available.
Spray Guns
It is advisable to purchase two spray guns. If purchasing used, check to see how clean the guns are. This will require taking the gun apart to examine it's internal parts. The gun can also be examined for wear and tear during this time. To successful evaluate the condition of the spray gun, you have to know what to look for. It is just not worth it to have your job shut down due to one spray gun that stops working for whatever reason. Be sure that you know how to maintain a spray gun thoroughly and have extra parts on hand should they be needed.
Buying Used Hoses is Not a Good Idea
A Hose Filter for crystallized A-side hoses can be clunky but less costly that replacing the entire assemblies.
It’s almost never a good idea to buy used hoses. Some people clean their hoses with diesel, hydraulic fluid or some other product that may leave behind miniscule amounts of water. This can cause crystallization in the hose’s inner wall that is sometimes next to impossible to get rid of no matter how much the hose is flushed. Every time the hose is bent, new crystals break off and enter the system which leads to clogging, especially in the spray gun. Crystallization in the system can mean constant tear downs of the spray gun to clean it. There can also be leaks in the hose that are difficult to detect. Hoses should be hung on a rounded hose rack when not in use. If this has not been the case, don’t trust that the hoses are in good shape. Some new hoses are not made of quality material and may not last more than 6 months.
Safety Equipment or PPE
Every new contractor will need safety equipment which is referred to as PPE—Personal Protective Equipment. SDS sheet should explain which PPE is required. PPE equipment generally refers to gloves, suits, masks and respirators. There are different types of masks and respirators that must be used in accordance with the material safety data sheet recommendation. Be sure you understand the fit test and OSHA requirements. For example, OSHA requires that an eyewash or safety shower is available at all times. Does the used rig have these items?
Other Considerations
There are different kinds of spray rigs, such as Gooseneck, bumper pull and box trucks. Does the rig offer the kind of maneuverability you will need? You will use your spray rig for transport, storage and work space; therefore, the design of the spray rig can be more important that is sometimes realized. Having the right kind of trailer axle to bear the weight and the ability to distribute the weight correctly can make a big difference. Have the axles and tires inspected before agreeing to buy. Remember, your rig will contain equipment plus material drums that must be securely fastened during transport, and you must be able to get adequate access to the material drums. There are many horror stories of contractors who have flipped their rigs on the highway due to uneven weight distribution. Spray rigs should be designed with these considerations in mind. Equipment selection should be based on your primary application needs and be something that will help your company grow. So, buying equipment is not a one size fits all proposition.
Buying Used Equipment from Reputable Distributors
The key word here is “reputable”. There are some major name brand distributors who refurbish and sell used equipment. These distributors usually offer a warranty on the replacement parts that were used to refurbish the equipment. The distributor should also test the equipment before selling it to you. Be sure to ask if the equipment has been tested. It is a good idea to develop a relationship with a reputable distributor so that parts and equipment service are readily available when you need them.
The Major Reasons SPF Businesses Fail
The major reason SPF businesses fail is because the person does not understand the industry, does not understand estimating, does not know how to market themselves, does not understand the mechanics and operations of their equipment and/or does not understand the application process. People can get in over their heads quickly and end up spending much more than they ever bargained for. Business owners should be the most informed because it is their responsible to pass on the information to their employees and keep them safe. Relying on half-trained people to do the jobs for you is a fast track to the bottom.
The Bottom Line
The spray foam industry can be lucrative IF you know what you are doing. New contractors who buy used equipment without the benefits that new equipment offers are more often than not playing with fire. Almost daily, there are sad stories of people buying equipment or a spray rig that they did not understand. Marriages break ups, bankruptcy and devastated lives often follow; simply because the buyer did not have the right information. And, it isn’t just buying any equipment that is new. You must do your homework to determine who is reputable, who will stand behind the equipment they sell, who will provide you with proper training, tech support, parts and reliable service.
How to be Successful in the SPF Industry
Don’t cut corners when you’re starting out. Start small by getting proper training before you make the commitment to purchase, build a relationship with a reputable distributor and material supplier, ask hard questions, talk to other contractors, and make sure you have a good understanding of the industry, equipment, estimating and the application process before you dive in. Buy equipment you can depend on, be sure that parts and services are available in your area. Be well prepared for your projects the night before. Nothing eats up your production time worse than waiting until you get to the job to make sure everything is functioning properly. It all starts with YOU, the owner, understanding why type of investment and commitment you are willing to make, put into action and strive to be the best in the business.
This article was written in cooperation Intech Equipment. For more information about Intech Equipment, contact them at 817-522-7060