Any time you add a new piece of equipment to your operation, it requires careful consideration. Whether you’re considering a brand-new addition or a replacement for an old piece of machinery, there are a few vital steps in the decision-making process for buying new horizontal grinding, shredding or processing equipment.
Evaluate Current Equipment Performance
If you’re replacing a piece of equipment, your first step is to ensure it actually needs to be replaced. One of the best ways to do this is by considering your total cost of ownership, or TCO. TCO is an assessment of the equipment’s total cost, including not just the initial price but also maintenance, repairs, and production levels.
Knowing and understanding your TCO will help you make an informed decision about purchasing new equipment. If repairing your current equipment is the more cost-effective option, consider waiting to buy a replacement.
When it is time to replace your equipment, your old machine might find a new home through Rotochopper’s Certified Factory Refurbishment program. Learn more here.
Consider Financial Impact
After determining that a replacement is necessary, it’s time to look at your finances. Depending on your budget, you may want to explore financing options. For instance, some banks provide flexible payment terms to fit your operation’s cash flow, and Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code offers businesses the chance to write off their full equipment purchase price. Seek input from other team members, including financial advisors and equipment managers, to inform your choice.
As you make your decision, consider your operation’s future trajectory. There is a multitude of factors that determine the price of new grinding equipment, and identifying your company’s goals can ease the decision-making process.
Check out our two part-series for more advice on buying a horizontal grinder here and here.
Choose Your Partner Carefully
Making the decision to buy a piece of new grinding equipment is the easy part—finding a partner is much harder. A good equipment partner is more than just a company that will sell you equipment. You should consider:
- The speed and quality of their replacement parts service
- The qualifications and customer service of their service technicians
- Their options for preventative maintenance
- Any remote monitoring options available for their equipment (link to RotoLink)
Your partner’s industry experience is also a critical factor. While third-party distributors can sell you new equipment, they often don’t have a manufacturer’s expertise.
Rotochopper, Inc. has the factory-direct advantage operators and business owners need to succeed. We know every facet of our equipment—because we were there from its conception to its engineering. Longtime Rotochopper customer Wes Herman says it best, “The warranty is only as good as that dealership says, where Rotochopper will go beyond that to help you.”
For help throughout the decision-making process, turn to Rotochopper. If you’re considering purchasing new equipment, we’ll help your find the right grinding solution for your operation. Contact one of our sales representatives today to get started.