A guide to buying used hire equipment

When United Rentals’ hire equipment reaches a certain number of operating hours it is released from the fleet and sold meaning customers have access to top quality machines to own.  

“The hire fleet is refreshed regularly so our customers are always getting the newest, safest, and most reliable equipment on a job site,” says David Broad, Sales Manager Used Equipment.

“This means once they reach that threshold of hire hours they are sold as used equipment but are still in prime condition.”

For example, when a 13-tonne excavator reaches 4000 hours or five years it becomes eligible to be sold but its operating life is around 9,000 hours (more than 10 years).

“We're selling them effectively less than halfway through their life,” says Broad.

Benefits of buying used equipment

The beauty of purchasing used hire equipment is the assurance that it has been well maintained and serviced regularly.

Equipment and machinery are inspected by a plant mechanic every time it is returned which can be up to 25 times a year.

“This regular maintenance regime gives customers peace of mind that they are buying quality used equipment,” says Broad.

A well-maintained machine also maximises productivity, enhances safety, and means less downtime on a project site.

Broad gives the example of a site with 10 pieces of machinery operating and if one breaks down then everything comes to a grinding holt. 

“Those costs add up incredibly quickly, so maintenance and quality machines and equipment are key to ensuring customers get maximum productivity and as little downtime as possible.”

All United Rentals equipment also meets Australia’s T1 standard specifications.

“Customers know they're buying equipment that is compliant, it’s ready to go, and in many cases, it increases the customer's level of safety standards on site.”

Who is buying used equipment?  

Purchasing used equipment is an ideal option for customers with an uncertain pipeline of future work and don’t want to commit to buying new machinery.

“They can buy something that’s already been depreciated making it more cost-effective but it’s still a top quality, well-serviced, and reliable piece of machinery.”  

And some customers, says Broad, simply want to own an asset at the end of a project.

In the future, United Rentals ANZ is introducing Hire Buy, a new service where a portion of the hire fee is deducted off the price if a customer wants to buy the product.

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.