Your Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Used Material Handling Equipment
The warehouse industry is experiencing a significant evolution. Rapidly changing customer demand and broad industry consolidation are just two recent trends that impact how operators staff and equip their facilities.
Whether you are in the market to buy used material handling equipment for sale or looking to sell some or all of your material handling equipment, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will explain how to sell used material equipment near you, how to buy the right type of used equipment, the four types of material handling equipment, and how to choose the best supplier for the best deals.
This information can help you get top dollar for equipment and material handling machines you are selling and find high-quality used equipment at a significant discount from buying new.
Essential Material Handling Equipment List
While your warehouse equipment list may vary, it generally breaks down into four types of material handling equipment.
Storage and Racking Solutions
Warehouses utilize specialized storage equipment and racking to optimize space while allowing easy access to inventory. Common examples include:
- Pallet racks, push-back racks, drive-in racks, drive-through racks for dense storage and easy retrievability
- Cantilever racks or t-slot racks for handling long items
- Shelving for smaller items or hand loading
- Mezzanines to add additional storage capacity above equipment
Automated Handling Systems
Advanced facilities often incorporate engineered material handling systems that automate key functions, such as:
- Conveyors to move goods from one location to the next via rollers or belts
- Sortation systems to automate routing to processing or production stations
- Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRs) to load pallets without human interaction
- Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) to streamline production and reduce labor costs
Lift Trucks and Accessories
Lift trucks are on the essential material handling equipment list as they are needed to unload, load, and transport palletized goods. Examples include:
- Forklifts to lift pallets to various heights and move items
- Pallet jacks to slide under pallets for loading and unloading
- Hand trucks for manual transport
- Lift tables for raising and lowering items
Bulk Storage and Transport
Some inventories are better handled in large quantities than as pallets or packages. Typical bulk handling gear includes:
- Front-end loaders and lift trucks to move loose material from piles or storage
- Conveyor belts for transporting high volumes quickly across distances
- Silos to contain bulk liquids, grains, powders, or aggregates
- Reclaimers to retrieve commodities quickly
Used Material Handling Equipment for Sale
Whether you are looking to sell or buy used material handling equipment for sale, there are some key things you need to know. Who you work with is crucial to getting a fair deal. Let’s break down best practices for buying and selling used material handling equipment near you.
Buying “Used Material Handling Equipment Near Me”
Buying quality pre-owned equipment can often net your savings of 30% to 50% off the purchase price of new equipment. This makes upgrading equipment more affordable, as well as allowing you to buy material handling equipment you otherwise might not be able to purchase.
Even if you have the capital available to spend, you should evaluate the option of used material handling equipment for sale before overspending. Any savings can be invested in other areas of your operation.
As the warehouse industry is constantly changing, there is often a large stock of available quality units that match current models’ durability and functionality. When properly maintained, material handling equipment can have a long lifecycle. By working with reputable resellers, you can get years of problem-free service.
Business mergers, emerging technology, and fluctuating inventory levels due to customer demand can make long-term investments riskier. Used equipment buyers commit to spending less for acquisition, maintaining more flexibility, and will not need to take a big write-down if conditions force resale.
Evaluating Used Equipment
Before you start shopping, you should take stock of the equipment you currently have and your realistic needs. Look for areas where you need replacement or additions, focusing on areas that will bring the greatest return on investment. This helps prioritize purchases by creating a wish list that suppliers can use to make recommendations and focuses on the total cost of operation (TCO) over time to maximize your investment.
The professionals at Conesco Storage Systems provide a no-cost, no-obligation assessment of your warehouse needs to develop an optimal warehouse equipment list.
You will need to be comfortable that the equipment you are buying will be durable and meet your needs. Reputable sellers will furnish you with detailed histories to make decisions easier. When discussing equipment options, ask for specifics about:
- Manufacturer make, model, age, and purchase dates
- Price when initially purchased
- Maintenance and repair records (if available)
- Safety certifications
- Remaining warranty (if applicable)
- Previous ownership and number of owners
You will also want the option of doing an on-site inspection to see the material handling equipment first-hand or enable an independent inspection before finalizing a purchase. Even though used material handling equipment for sale is less expensive, it is still a significant investment, and you want to ensure it is the right fit for your warehouse or distribution center.
Conesco has a wide variety of material handling equipment available, so we can find you what you need to operate your warehouse efficiently, affordably, and safely. You can find deals for new and used equipment, including:
- Pallet racking
- Conveyors
- Mezzanines
- Cantilever racks
- Pick modules
- Lifts and machines
- Wire decking and shelving
- Carousels
- Lockers
- Automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS)
- And more.
Selling “Used Material Handling Equipment Near Me”
When you have used material handling equipment for sale, you want to get fair market value for your items. Who you work with is key to ensuring a smooth process and getting top dollar.
Your best bet is to work with a team like Conesco Storage Systems, an industry leader in warehouse liquidations. A team of dedicated and experienced buyers will work with you, doing an on-site visit to evaluate and document the material handling equipment you have for sale.
After examination, Conesco can put together an offer to maximize the value of your equipment.
There is a high demand for used material handling equipment. Because of the volume of deals Conesco handles, we have the purchasing power to support buying equipment in large quantities and a turnkey process to handle things from start to finish. Not only can we find a new home for your equipment and get you top dollar, but we can also help decommission equipment and disassemble, pack, and transport it securely to new locations to avoid any damage that could hurt your profits. We can also clean up after teardown, dispose of debris, grind down any floor anchors, and sweep the floors clean.
If you are downsizing, relocating, liquidating, consolidating, or replacing existing equipment, schedule a free consultation to discuss your options. The Conesco team will provide a detailed proposal for you in just a few days.
Finding the Right Supplier for Used Material Handling Equipment
When checking off your warehouse equipment list, you should be aware that there can be a big difference between sellers you consider buying from. You need to do your due diligence not just into the equipment you are considering, but also evaluate the source. Here are some of the key areas to probe.
Experience
Seasoned material handling equipment suppliers have expertise in evaluating gear qualities and flaws. They understand regulations, safety precautions, and equipment intricacies.
You should review seller backgrounds and look for established vendors known for quality. Study client references, reviews, and testimonials. Reputable firms earn customer trust one sale at a time, so look for someone who has a long list of satisfied clients.
Range of Inventory
Before buying, browse the seller’s inventory for needed products. Some dealers stock minimal equipment; others maintain vast warehouses. When you work with a supplier with a nationwide footprint and reputation as a leading warehouse liquidator, you will find more options.
Detailed Evaluations
A quality seller will provide a thorough evaluation of equipment histories. Ask for specifics like make, model, age, hours in use, maintenance records detailing repairs and part swaps, safety inspections, and any remaining manufacturer warranty coverage.
Ethical sellers furnish details. If you get vague responses, you should be wary.
Value-Added Services
Reputable used equipment sellers will make sure you get fully operational products.
The best companies offering used material handling equipment for sale will take the time to understand your specific needs to ensure you get the optimal gear—not just sell you what they have on hand. They will also provide a range of other services, such as:
- Logistics coordination, including securely packing and transporting equipment
- Expert labor services for installation, integration, and tear-down
- Warehouse planning and strategy
- Project management
- Facility and material handling equipment consulting
Working with a trusted partner takes the risks out of buying or selling pre-owned equipment.
Partnering With Conesco Storage Systems
When buying or selling “used material handling equipment near me,” you need an experienced partner to guide you through the process and maximize your results. Conesco Storage Systems is an industry leader in procuring and selling material handling equipment and warehouse liquidations.
On the buying side, Conesco offers access to one of the nation’s largest used equipment inventories. This wide range of inventory enables better equipment matching for specific operational needs. With more than 400 years of combined experience in the industry, the Conesco team ensures items meet strict safety and reliability standards before delivery.
For those selling excess material handling equipment, Conesco facilitates liquidating unneeded assets at fair market prices. During over three decades in business, Conesco has developed a large network of buyers and sellers to consistently move inventory.
In used material handling equipment, few providers match the breadth of Conesco’s offerings, in-house expertise, transparency, and customer service commitment. Conesco Storage Systems is your trusted partner, doing the heavy lifting, so you can stop worrying about your material handling needs and focus on growing a profitable business.
Frequently Asked Questions—FAQs
What are the four main purposes of material handling systems?
The four main purposes of material handling systems include:
- Streamlining movement and optimizing workflow: This leads to increased productivity and lower costs.
- Minimizing manual labor, maximizing space utilization, and reducing product damage: This results in less waste and higher profitability.
- Ensuring accurate tracking and providing real-time monitoring: This improves control over production and distribution.
- Automating or semi-automating material handling tasks: This reduces workplace injuries associated with heavy loads and creates a safer work environment.
Who are the top five pallet manufacturers?
According to Expert Market Research (EMR), the top five companies globally in the pallet market are:
- Brambles Limited: Australia
- Schoeller Allibert ABL: North Holland
- LOSCAM Group: Hong Kong
- Orbis Corporation: United States
- CABKA Group: Germany and the United States
Other major U.S. pallet manufacturers include New Pig, Illing Company, and Elkhart Plastics.
What are three types of storing equipment?
Depending on the type of business you operate, the three types of storage equipment may vary. Generally, they include:
- Racking systems, such as pallet racks, drive-in racks, and cantilever racks
- Shelving for items that do not require pallets
- Storage tanks or silos for loose or raw materials
Other common types of warehouse storage equipment include mezzanines, lockers, carousels, and automation equipment for efficient operations.
Contact Conesco Storage Systems at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online to find your best options for “used material handling equipment for sale near me.”
