Intermediate Equipment Handbook
Intech Associates
the market rate of hire? Do the potential clients have a good reputation for
payment in full and on time?
Q13 Could I instead hire the equipment in only when I need it?
Is this type of machine available to hire-in when I will need it? What condition
is the available equipment in (reliable/regularly breaking down)? What are the
hire costs? What are the transport costs and arrangements (low loader
required)?
Q14 Should I buy new or secondhand?
If the capital cost of a new machine is too high and the expected utilisation
rather low, is a secondhand purchase a possible option? What is the
condition of available secondhand equipment? What are the risks? Is there
any warranty? What is the expected availability and residual life?
Q15 Will it be profitable?
3.2.2 SPECIFICATION
Q16 What is the expected workload for the machine through the year?
What is the expected quantity of this type of work?
Q17 What size should it be to compromise achieving adequate daily output with
overall annual workload? Should I buy 2 smaller ones instead? Will the
machine work with attachments or other equipment items?
Try to match the expected capacity of the machine to the workload, without
the machine standing idle for excessive periods. Where machines are
working together on a task (e.g. tractors and trailers, or haulage and
compaction) the sizes and specifications should be compatible.
Q18 Will it only carry out one task for one client/user, or will it be flexible for
various applications?
Are there a range of applications/clients which will allow high utilisation of the
equipment through the year?
Q19 How many days a year will it work? Will there be enough work to keep the
equipment operating effectively/profitably throughout the year?
Q20 Is it robust enough to do the job in the local working environment? Is it
sustainable?
Q21 Is it too sophisticated for the available mechanical support?
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