5 Checks Before Buying Used Spray Foam Equipment

When you’re considering spray foam insulation equipment, you can reduce expenses and improve your profit margin by buying used. You can often find high-quality and reliable used spray foam equipment for sale, but there is a bit of a risk—especially if you’re buying from a consumer website or someone you don’t know.

To make sure you make a smart investment, you want to work with a reputable supplier and check out the equipment thoroughly.

Here are five critical assessments you need to make when evaluating used spray foam equipment for sale.

1. Operational History and Maintenance Records

One of the most important checks includes taking a look at the equipment’s history and maintenance records. A well-maintained spray foam machine can last a long time. So, when you know the spray foam insulation equipment has been cared for according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can minimize your risk.

You should:

• Request maintenance logs from the seller
• Look for regular servicing and timely repairs
• Check for any major breakdowns or replacements
• Verify the equipment's total operational hours
  

If a seller is unable to provide this information, it might indicate that maintenance has been neglected or that there are other issues that might not be obvious.

2. Physical Inspection and Performance Testing

It’s never a good idea to buy used spray foam equipment without a physical inspection and performance test. A hands-on evaluation is a good way to see how the equipment operates and identify damage or poor performance.

During the inspection, you will want to look for:

• Corrosion, leaks, or physical damage
• Wear in hoses, pumps, and heating elements
• Nonfunctioning controls or safety features
• Inconsistent spray quality

3. Compatibility with Your Spray Foam Needs

There are plenty of options when it comes to spray foam machines. The key is to find quality used spray foam equipment for sale that fits the way you work. Before making an investment, you need to ensure what you’re buying fits the types of jobs you do.

For example:

• Is the output capacity appropriate for your typical job size?
• Does the equipment support the types of foam you commonly use?
• Is it compatible with your existing setup and accessories?
• Does it meet current industry standards and regulations?

4. Parts Availability and Support

Contractors often overlook parts and support when they buy spray foam insulation equipment. The older a model, the more difficult it might be to get replacement parts. If you stick with name-brand equipment manufacturers like Graco or PMC, you have a better chance of getting the parts and service you need.

Before buying used equipment, you should check:

• The availability of replacement parts
• Whether warranties are available
• If you can get training, service, and support if needed
• The manufacturer’s track record for supporting older models

5. Total Cost of Ownership

Ultimately, your choice of new or used spray foam insulation equipment comes down to the total cost of ownership over the equipment’s lifespan. It’s enticing to see a low price for used versus buying new, but you also need to think about:

• Initial purchase price
• Estimated annual maintenance costs
• Potential for major repairs or part replacements
• Energy efficiency compared to newer models
• Impact on job completion times and foam quality

Minimize the Risk of Buying Used

While you want to save money and increase your profitability, you cannot afford to get stuck with someone else’s problem. By doing a thorough evaluation, you can significantly decrease the amount of risk in buying used.

Intech Equipment & Supply is an industry leader in used spray foam equipment for sale. You get an honest assessment of the condition and fair market pricing. We are also one of the largest distributors of new spray foam equipment nationwide from top manufacturers. Call (866) 652-9975 or contact us online to talk to one of our spray foam consultants.

About Kevin Malone
Kevin Malone is a leading expert in the spray foam insulation industry with 34 years of experience in spray foam fluid handling and a passion for innovation. He currently offers his extensive knowledge to Intech Equipment and Supply customers by supporting them in selecting quality spray foam equipment to optimize their business. Learn more about Kevin here.