Pros and Cons of New & Used Polyurea Spray Rigs

By Kevin Malone

Whether you're supplying a new business from scratch or seeking a supplement to your existing fleet, the question of buying a new or used polyurea spray rig usually comes to mind. Since polyurea equipment is known to be expensive by nature, saving on costs can benefit your business. However, the decision isn't quite so simple. Not all suppliers treat their used equipment with care, which prompts many contractors to buy new equipment at full price, even if it is straining the budget. At our Intech spray foam equipment store, we understand this tough decision. This is why we do everything we can to make sure our clients take home only refurbished and vetted used equipment. We also provide expert customer service to help you make a confident decision on the used equipment in question. Should you buy a brand new spray rig or purchase second-hand? Here are the pros and cons to help you decide.

Buying Used: pros and cons

When you buy a used polyurea spray rig or equipment, there are several factors to consider. Here are the general pros and cons of buying used. The pros:

• Lower Cost: The most obvious benefit is the savings you get from buying used polyurea equipment. This savings allows you to start your business at a fraction of the cost of buying new products. You can also meet your business's growing needs by increasing your fleet for less.

• You don't take the depreciation hit: Just like cars, spray foam equipment depreciates quickly in value in its first few years. Buying used means that you're not taking the depreciation hit. When you shop smart, you can still get years of use without spending as much money upfront.

• You can find some great used equipment: Used polyurea spray rigs from reputable vendors are tested for reliability. In fact, good suppliers like us guarantee a thorough inspection, product support, and extended coverage for the purchase of certified used rigs.

The Cons:

• Unchecked equipment: When you purchase used equipment privately or from an unknown vendor, beware of deals that seem too good to be true. Used equipment that is sold 'as is' but without any assurance of its performance or history should be avoided. Sure, you may get something at a deep discount compared to what other vendors charge for used equipment, but there is no vetting process. Getting something that doesn't work at all can put operations on hold? costing you money.

• Possible lack of replacement parts: When you buy an older used model, you may have a harder time finding replacement parts online simply because the model may be discontinued. Check with your vendor first before buying to see if you can get parts if you need repairs.

• A warranty may not be included: Because you buy used equipment with the full disclosure that they are second hand and final sales, many of these don't come with a warranty. However, you can protect yourself by purchasing good used equipment that is refurbished and tested for its performance. At our Intech Store, some of our used equipment come with warranties, depending on the model and type of equipment. To check which ones do have coverage, contact customer care.

Buying new pros and cons

New spray foam equipment comes with a bigger price tag, but do offer some benefits that can give you some peace of mind. The pros:

• You get the latest model:  When you're buying new, chances are that your polyurea spray rig is fresh out of production. When you buy the latest models, you'll find products from top brands like Graco and PMC that continue to improve upon previous models too. For example, the Graco Reactor E-30, comes with smartphone-compatible software that enables remote reporting and operation.

• You're the first owner: When you buy new, you can take comfort in knowing that you're the only one who has used the equipment. There's no need to ask about the polyurea rig's history, past use, or current state.

• Can find replacement parts easily: New equipment is far more likely to have replacement parts and maintenance items available. The older the model you get, the more obscure the parts can become.

The Cons:

• The cost: New equipment comes at a higher cost than used. This is probably the largest drawback as polyurea equipment usually comes at a premium.

• A longer wait: Ordering a custom polyurea spray rig takes time. There may be backed up orders for the newest spray foam machines and corresponding equipment. The further customization of your rig also takes careful attention to be assembled correctly.

Used Graco Polyurea Spray Rigs For Sale

Browse Intech Equipment and Supply's online spray foam equipment store today for used polyurea spray rigs and equipment. We test everything in our used inventory and ensure it has a history of consistent maintenance before ever offering them for sale. Contact us to ask how we can outfit your used polyurea spray rig or about our other equipment and accessories in stock.

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.