Occasionally we receive requests to recommend a machine to some potential machinery buyer. While we would like to accommodate our numerous readers in this manner it is quite obvious that a publication must take a neutral stand with respect to its advertisers almost as impartially as a court of justice must practice absolute neutrality. Dealers in used machinery and equipment who use SURPLUS RECORD to advertise their stock have different opinions with respect to condition and guarantees and while it would be an ideal situation for the buyer if these could be standardized this difference of opinion would still exist.
Evolutionary change for the better is constantly taking place in practically every industry in the United States. The used machinery industry is no exception and it has been our observation during the decade and a half of our identity with it that great strides have been made in many respects and particularly the values received by the ultimate buyer. As in other fields of endeavor that were certain concerns which set a high standard and the aim and purpose of their followers has been to reach a similar standard in their method of doing business.
There are some dealers in used equipment who do not make any attempt to rebuild and recondition machinery. Their theory, when a machine is sold “as is,” is that the average plant with a toolroom can satisfactorily rebuild a tool to meet different requirements. Others do a thorough job and restore this equipment to as accurate and efficient a condition as the day it left the plant of the builder.
There is just as much difference between the reconditioning work done in some rebuilding shops as there is in the quality of workmanship turned out in various manufacturing plants. There are certain manufacturers in the machine tool and electrical equipment industries whose reputation for accuracy and quality sets the pace. Naturally, quality brings a higher price in all fields of endeavor. This same difference in price and quality is the main answer to the variation in quotations on used equipment of the same type and make.
When a buyer of used industrial plant equipment is considering a purchase we would suggest that he first study the advertising of the dealers with whom he is negotiating. Get a line on his organization and reputation, and, if possible, inspect his plants and methods of rebuilding. All of these points are important. SURPLUS RECORD is published as a service for the buyers as well as the sellers of used and rebuilt industrial machinery. Industry is always welcome to use its facilities to the fullest extent.
