Choosing between buying a used dust collector versus a new one is an important decision that carries several pros and cons. Because dust collectors are essential to various manufacturing and production environments to maintain air quality and safety, it’s essential to exercise due diligence before purchasing a system, used or new. Beyond the short-term and long-term operating costs are questions of performance, reliability, operational needs, and price differences. If your company is in the market for a new or used dust collector, consider these seven factors before purchasing.
1. Performance and Efficiency
New dust collectors will feature the latest technology, advancements, design improvements, and efficiency enhancements. As a result, new systems perform better, have a higher collection efficiency, have lower energy consumption and costs, and improve air quality compared to older models.
Even when refitted, expect older dust collector models to perform at a different efficiency level than newer units over time. As the system is dated, so is the technology and design, leading to lower effectiveness in capturing dust and higher energy consumption and costs.
2. Condition and Reliability
A new dust collector, straight from the manufacturer or dealer, is in brand-new condition. The system has no wear and tear. Its parts and components have never been used, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. New units also come with warranties that cover the replacement costs should there be any potential defects or malfunctions.
As used dust collectors have been previously owned and operated, the condition of each used unit can vary significantly. Factor in age, maintenance history, the type of material it was filtering for years, and how it was used. Though some used units might be well-maintained and offer reliability, others may have hidden issues undetected by the dealer that could impact performance or require repairs.
3. Compliance
Dust collectors are designed to provide a healthy, safe, clean workplace and numerous environmental considerations to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. A new unit, designed specifically for your industry’s filtration needs, will ensure you provide a healthy workplace for your employees and comply with environmental laws.
A used dust collector will likely need costly upgrades to comply with workplace and environmental laws. Though there is an argument that extending the service life of older equipment minimizes waste and reduces the environmental impact, older units still need to comply with the law.
4. Custom Design
When purchasing a new dust collector, companies can select a model designed to meet the specific filtration needs of their industries. Companies can customize features, capacity, and filtration options that match industry requirements to ensure federal, state, and local regulations compliance.
A used dust collector unit might offer a different level of customization or have the latest features and technologies. Generally, used collectors will require some upgrading to meet specific needs and requirements, which can add to and offset any potential savings.
5. Maintenance and Repairs
Indeed, a new dust collector under warranty will typically require less maintenance and is far less likely to need repairs in the near future. Each unit has specific manufacturer-suggested guidelines for proper maintenance that, if followed, will maintain the system’s performance and efficiency and assure a lengthy service life.
Depending on its age and maintenance history, a used dust collector might require more frequent maintenance and repairs. Also, you may need to invest time and resources into addressing any pre-existing issues to bring the unit up to speed.
6. Price Differences
Due to their new condition, new dust collectors will undoubtedly have higher upfront costs. New systems have advanced features, the latest technologies, improved performance, and offer a lengthy service life.
Used dust collectors are generally more budget-friendly upfront. On the upside, one of the main reasons to consider a used dust collector is the significant cost savings. Industrial dust collectors can be expensive investments, and opting for a used unit can allow companies to acquire the same functionality at a fraction of the cost of a new one. However, the lower cost might be offset by potential repair and maintenance expenses, efficiency and performance issues, and less-than-optimal service life.
7. Warranty and Support
A new dust collector typically comes with a warranty for a specific period. That warranty would cover defects, malfunctions, repairs, and the manufacturer’s support for added peace of mind.
The price of a used dust collector only sometimes comes with a warranty. Instead, when buying a used system, a competitive warranty will be offered for an additional cost that will offset savings. Without purchasing a warranty, the buyer will pay for any repairs or replacement parts when needed.
Contact the Dust Collector Experts at CPE Filters, Inc.
Buying a new or used dust collector depends on your specific needs, budget, and the importance of performance, reliability, and efficiency in your operations. For more information on new or used dust collectors, contact our experienced CPE Filters, Inc. team today!