If you’re in the market for an industrial air compressor, a second-hand air compressor for sale may be tempting. While second-hand models may save you money upfront, what are the long-term risks?
In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of buying a used compressor and we compare them to a brand-new compressor.
Air compressors - new vs second-hand
When investing in an air compressor, cost, efficiency, lifespan, warranties, and maintenance should factor into your decision. To help you decide between a new and second-hand model, we’ve outlined the differences below.
Cost
The main advantage of a second-hand compressor is that it will cost less than a new machine. However, this only applies to the purchase cost, not the maintenance. When investing in an air compressor, always factor in the lifetime running costs and how much it will cost to get spare parts, regular servicing, and repairs. With an older machine, these costs quickly add up.
In a recent study in Tennessee, it was found that installing a new compressor system and piping resulted in significant savings, including energy savings of 292,283 kWh per year, equating to annual cost savings of $21,980. The new compressor project incurred a cost of $27,800 and had a payback period of 15 months.
For more information on air compressor costs, read our full article.
Efficiency
To keep an older compressor running, you’ll use more energy and need more repairs. While you may have saved money when you bought it, this inefficiency will quickly outweigh the savings. Older compressors are more prone to air leaks, pressure drops, and breakdowns, so you will need to spend more time and money getting your operations back on track.
Lifespan
If you buy a second-hand air compressor, the previous owner will have already used some of its service hours. While this does save you money at first, it also means the compressor will need replacing sooner. In addition to the hours used, the previous owner may not have maintained the compressor correctly, lowering its lifespan even further.
When investing in your business, it’s worth spending more for a long-term, reliable compressor that will stand the test of time. For example, our air compressors come with a lifespan expectancy of approximately 50,000 hours.
Warranties
With a second-hand compressor, you won’t have any guarantees or warranties to cover you in case of a breakdown. On the other hand, a new compressor from a trusted supplier will come with a comprehensive warranty and service program, ensuring your operations are protected.
For example, here at Industrial Air Systems, our compressors are covered by extensive warranties of up to 10 years, or 20,000 hours on selected models. Please contact us to discuss our warranty options.
Spare parts and servicing
If you buy a second-hand air compressor, you may struggle to find spare parts and technicians to fix it. If it breaks down, this can result in costly delays that leave your business at a standstill. On the other hand, with a new compressor, parts are more readily available and most technicians will be familiar with the model.
Here at Industrial Air Systems, we offer guaranteed service backup 24/7 for all of our products. This ensures your plant or factory stays functional at the most critical times, 365 days a year.
In conclusion
Ultimately, the savings you get from purchasing a second-hand compressor will soon be outweighed by the lifetime running costs. Instead, we recommend investing in a reliable, efficient and well-designed compressed air system from a manufacturer with robust warranties, service programs, and customer support.
Industrial Air Compressor NZ
As an established New Zealand-owned and operated business, we are here to help with all your industrial compressed air needs. With sales and service offices strategically positioned in both the North and South Islands, we are always close by and ready to support you with our independent analysis, quality supply chain, global knowledge base, and turnkey design plug-and-play designs.
Spare parts
We have a wide range of spare compressor parts in stock at all times. With all the major brands in stock, we can supply the parts you need sooner and get your operations back in action, saving you the hassle of sourcing parts online or from overseas.
24/7 service
Our specialist technicians are available to provide urgent repairs and maintenance, ensuring your equipment always operates at peak performance. With our nationwide network of trusted technicians, we’ve got you covered 24/7, 365 days a year.
Industry innovations
Our team is always at the forefront of all things compressed air, making sure we can find the right solution for any application. As the leading supplier of rotary screw compressors throughout New Zealand, you can trust us to find the best solution for your application. Along with our compressed air systems, we're also specialists in nitrogen gas generation.
To find out more about our air compressors, accessories, and maintenance services, contact the team today or download our full catalogue. Inside you’ll find product specifications, advice on how to choose a compressor, and details on everything you need for a complete compressed air system.
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