Anyone Here Opted for Buying Heavy Equipment Instead of DIY Tools?

[Alain Bayens]

I know this section is all about homemade tools, but I’m thinking about going the other way and buying some used heavy equipment, like a mini excavator or skid steer, from Boom & Bucket. Has anyone here decided to buy instead of building their own? How did the purchase process go, and were you happy with the equipment? Just wondering if it’s worth buying pre-made instead of sticking to DIY solutions.

[Elizabeth Greene]

I've read that, for large equipment like excavators that have to go as oversized loads, moving them can cost more than the equipment.

I've read similar things for large manual lathes and mills. You can get them at auction for basically scrap prices, but moving 10k pounds of kit is not cheap.

[BuffaloJohn]

While I might be able to do some of the work to make a larger piece of equipment, used stuff was made with machines I don't have nor have access to.

As for moving equipment, there are people who do that and getting the stuff to your land would be a one time deal.

Folks who work on equipment are also available to come to your site if you need them or you take things apart and take part of it to get it worked on elsewhere.

While used is sometimes a challenge, it can often be cheaper and faster - if you want to get the job done. There is still plenty of home made that can go into used...