Rebuilt Engines vs. New Engines With Lower Prices: Which is Right For You?

Posted by Jack Barry on Fri, Aug 01, 2014

dont fear rebuilt enginesIt’s one of the more popular questions that operations professionals ask heavy equipment suppliers and distributors: should I purchase new or used parts and equipment?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Deciding between rebuilt and brand-new engines should involve taking into account a number of factors, from the state of your operational infrastructure to brand affinity and your budget.

Here are some considerations to make:

  • Determine how rebuilt engines fit in with your existing infrastructure
    If you always buy new heavy machinery and do so on a cycle, then choosing rebuilt engines may not make sense for you – unless you’re seeking a short-term solutions, considering a new brand of engine, etc. There is great value to be had on the engine aftermarket, as well as risk, but maintaining operational consistency is also critical.

  • The experience of rebuilt engines can work for and against you
    Depending on the seller, rebuilt engines often go through a very rigorous restoration process that includes breaking down the engine to its raw parts, cleaning them, replacing specific pieces, and testing the equipment once it’s been put back together. This – combined with the fact that rebuilt engines have already been field tested – provides some added confidence to buyers. (Be sure to ask what “rebuilt” includes for your particular seller.) After all, while the odds are slim, you could always land an untested new engine that happens to be a lemon.

  • Weigh brand loyalty
    When selecting rebuilt engines, you may be looking at “Frankenstein” equipment – a mish-mash of brand-name and generic aftermarket parts that functions together just fine, but may lack a consistent design. Of course, you can find used engines with parts all hailing from the same manufacturer, but it’s tough to be picky. When you’re your outfit has always used engines from Caterpillar, Yanmar, Cummins or another top manufacturer, and this brand loyalty and consistency is important, skip the rebuilt engines.

Your budget and bottom line trumps all other factors when determining which engine to buy. There is value to be had when purchasing rebuilt engines, and whether this means getting the minimum amount of power you need or you’re able to upgrade your operation, considering a rebuilt engine should always be on the table until you find a real good reason not to go this route. 

Have a look at our inventory of new and used engines before you buy your next engine.

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Tags: Used Power Equipment, Engines

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