Used vs. Remanufactured Equipment: How to Choose
When you need heavy equipment at a reasonable price point, you’ve got two options — used equipment and remanufactured equipment. The former is simple. It’s equipment that has been used by someone else and is being sold as is. It typically hasn’t been repaired or touched up — just a modest piece of equipment for a modest price.
Remanufactured equipment, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. It is sent to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and undergoes a thorough inspection and repair process. The equipment is disassembled, and every bit of it is inspected and either cleaned, repaired or replaced entirely. The new machine is a mixture of old and new parts.
Deciding between the two can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Learn how to choose between used and remanufactured equipment below.
What Is Heavy Equipment Remanufacturing?
The remanufacturing process is designed to remove damaged or broken parts from used equipment and restore it to optimal functionality with new components. For example, let’s say a construction company wants to sell a broken-down excavator. It needs extensive repairs to its hydraulic and swing systems to function properly. The company can have the OEM remanufacture the original equipment, so that all broken parts are repaired or replaced and the entire machine is cleaned. It can then be put on the market.
This remanufacturing process includes six primary stages:
- Disassembly: First, the heavy equipment is separated into its individual components. Each part is typically given a number so that it’s clear if any parts are missing, and so all present parts can be located later. This step can be long and arduous, but it ensures that the remanufacturing is thorough and accounts for every potential flaw in the machine. It also allows those parts to be cleaned from top to bottom.
- Cleaning: After disassembly, each piece of the heavy equipment is cleaned. The cleaning process will vary depending on the parts, but common methods include hot-water treatments and ultrasonic cleaning. They target rust, grime and other contaminants that have built up on component surfaces. Some parts may undergo several cleaning methods before they’re done.
- Inspection: Parts are then inspected to assess their quality and whether they can be reincorporated into the heavy equipment. In some cases, a visual inspection is sufficient, but more often than not, specific tests must be run to assess the components’ tolerances. Parts that fail these tests are disposed of, while those that pass will be reincorporated into the machine. Gaskets, seals and bearings may be replaced automatically in some cases.
- Repairs and replacements: In this stage, the parts that survived the inspection process are reconditioned through grinding, galvanizing and other processes. New parts are then acquired to replace those that failed the inspection.
- Reassembly: Once the old parts have been repaired and the new parts have arrived, the heavy equipment can be fully reassembled. The new parts may be stiffer than the old ones, but they will still synchronize and facilitate the same functions as before. They will even be more effective in most cases.
- Testing: The cleaned and upgraded assembly undergoes a series of performance tests to ensure it is functional. These tests are performed by certified technicians, verifying that all parts meet the manufacturer’s standards and function as designed.
The Benefits of Used vs. Remanufactured Equipment
Used and remanufactured equipment can both be valuable, depending on your needs. Each offers various unique benefits.
Let’s first look at remanufactured equipment. It offers:
- Higher-quality performance, efficiency and reliability: Because the remanufactured equipment utilizes reconditioned and replaced parts, it operates at a higher level than a used machine can. In some cases, it may even be like new. It boasts increased efficiency, meaning it can do more with less energy and strain components less. It is also less likely to break down or require costly repairs, as it has already been restored to a like-new condition.
- A longer lifespan: Because of its durability and fresh components, remanufactured equipment tends to last longer than used equipment. Some remanufactured equipment may effectively have a whole new service life if enough parts are replaced. As a result, it saves money on repairs and does not need to be replaced in the near future, as a used piece of equipment might.
- A comprehensive warranty: Remanufactured heavy equipment almost always comes with an OEM warranty. As a result, you can send the equipment in for repairs without paying extra for parts and labor. After all, you have already paid for the remanufactured parts at the outset. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
- A lower total cost of ownership (TCO): While remanufactured equipment tends to be more expensive up front, it can offset that initial cost over time. Its long lifespan means you won’t need to replace it as quickly as you would a used unit. It is also less likely to break down, and if it does, the warranty covers repairs. It may even be more fuel-efficient than a used unit. All these factors can add up to a lower TCO than some used units.
Used heavy equipment also comes with several benefits. Should a vital piece of heavy equipment require an immediate replacement, a used option may be the only practical solution. It will also cost less than sending the current machine in for remanufacturing, as remanufactured parts for heavy equipment are more expensive at the outset. Used equipment depreciates at a much slower rate and costs less to insure, resulting in long-term savings.
Simply put, used equipment is functional, practical and accessible. You don’t have to jump through hoops to acquire it, nor do you need to pay a high upfront cost. It also allows functional equipment to be used more, reducing waste.
How to Make the Right Choice for Your Business
To decide between remanufactured equipment and used equipment, you need to understand your business’s needs and priorities.
Remanufactured equipment is best if you:
- Need to replace a piece of equipment that is critical to your business’s core operations.
- Expect to use it often over a long period.
- Want to use the warranty to minimize financial risk and have a predictable maintenance budget.
Used equipment is best if you:
- Have limited upfront capital.
- Do not plan to use the equipment every day, or only need it as a backup.
- Have an in-house, capable, experienced maintenance team that can handle inspections and repairs properly.
- Need a machine quickly.
Browse Equipment and Trucks From Custom Truck One Source
If you need used or remanufactured heavy equipment, Custom Truck One Source is the place to go. We are your one-stop shop for all things trucks, cranes and heavy equipment. We also offer parts and accessories so your machines can stay healthy and adapt to your needs throughout their lifespans.
Our 3,000+ customers include some of the largest utilities, construction, and telecom companies in North America. For more than two decades, we’ve supported every piece of equipment from cradle to grave.
To learn more about our used and remanufactured trucks and other equipment, contact us today.
Quick answers
Used vs. Remanufactured Heavy Equipment: Common Questions
What is the difference between used and remanufactured heavy equipment?
Used equipment is sold as-is with its existing wear; remanufactured equipment is fully disassembled, inspected, rebuilt to OEM specifications, and tested before resale. Remanufactured units typically offer higher reliability, longer lifespan, and stronger warranty coverage.
When should I buy remanufactured equipment vs. used?
Choose remanufactured when equipment reliability is critical, downtime costs are high, or you need a warranty. Choose used when capital is limited, the application is short-term, or the machine serves a backup role.
Can I finance remanufactured heavy equipment?
Yes. Custom Truck One Source offers in-house financing on remanufactured equipment.
Terms are flexible and designed for businesses that need reliable machinery without the full upfront cost of new.