Getting ready to used purchase sc252 grinder, what should I look for or look closely at?

[clydesdale6]

Hi,
I will look for hydraulic leaks. But, with the machine off, can I handle the cutter wheel and look for bearing play? I am not a pro at these machines, but with guidance, I think I can do a decent evaluation of used equipment. Any guidance or pointers? Thanks.

 

[Jim Colton]

Check the condition of the fluids. Get a $15 mechanics rod-based stethoscope and listen to the bearings and pumps. If gas powered pull the spark plugs and look for bypass oil from bad rings. Pull the dipstick and oil filler cap when running to check for blowby. Ask about the condition of things you expect to observe firsthand when onsite. Liars can't help themselves and will lie about the condition. When you see things that have been misrepresented just understand they misrepresented the stuff that is harder to verify too. If teeth and pockets should have been replaced last year the overall maintenance will also be horrible. Lots of fresh grease but not much month-old grease indicates nothing has been lubed until they expected to see you. If the hour meter is broken or new or disconnected expect the machine to be good for less than 500 hours and to require repairs soon. Most of these machines are only good for 1,500 to 2,000 hours when new.

If you do buy the machine change all fluids and filters and tune up the engine and cutting wheel right away. Keep spares handy. I buy oil and filters by the case, so I never ever have an excuse to skip an oil change.

 

[lone wolf]

Hi,
I will look for hydraulic leaks. But, with the machine off, can I handle the cutter wheel and look for bearing play? I am not a pro at these machines, but with guidance, I think I can do a decent evaluation of used equipment. Any guidance or pointers? Thanks.

How many hours on it?

 

[Jim Colton]

To be a bit blunt that machine is big enough for a starter machine, but you will immediately want a bigger machine if you are planning on going into the grinding business. Entry level for a business would be a Barreto E30SGB or a Bandit SG40 or a bigger Vermeer or similar which can be picked up for around 10k with 1,000 hours but you would be better off buying new and selling with 1,000 hours. You also need a trailer and customers. Getting customers with that machine might be a little tough. Paying for a new machine without customers could also be pretty rough.

 

[clydesdale6]

I ended up getting an sc252 with 730 hours that had a new engine put on 40 hours ago. This was able to be verified by vermeer records. I looked briefly at the Barreto e30sgb, but read that people had difficulty with seeing because it is operated from behind. I don't know enough to know if that truly is a problem. But, did read plenty that complained. I have a trailer for this machine and I do not plan to do a lot of this, so wanted something affordable. I need to get the outer drive wheel kit for it. Thanks.