Getting your hands on land surveying equipment is an essential part of many surveying projects. Whether it’s to collect scientific data, plan for construction, or establish map boundaries, you need accurate tools to help you do your work. But one thing that you’ll notice is that purchasing the equipment can be quite costly.
As a result, many people end up renting equipment rather than purchasing new equipment. But another option that you should consider is going with used GPS survey equipment. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the costs, here are some of the things to consider.
What Does Equipment Normally Cost?
As you already know, land surveying equipment can be quite expensive. You will easily spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on various equipment. How much you’ll end up spending will depend on your current inventory and what equipment you require, which you can also know with a quality construction takeoff and estimate. The sophistication of the project may also factor into the total costs since you may need more advanced equipment.
This is why many professionals opt to go with rentals. But rentals can also end up costing a lot. You can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $150 a day for each piece of equipment. You can get discounts for weekly and monthly rental periods, but you’ll still end up paying hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
Could Pre-Owned Land Survey Equipment Be the Better Option?
So what kind of prices can you expect to see for pre-owned survey equipment? The prices of pre-owned equipment are far lower than new equipment. If you plan on using the equipment for a long project, it’s probably a more cost-effective choice than renting.
You can always work with a company to get better rates if you need to rent for long periods. But by buying used GPS survey equipment, you may end up saving money on long projects. You also end up owning assets if you buy the equipment.
If you maintain the equipment properly, you can rent it out to other professionals or even end up selling it. Your investment will end up paying for itself in the long run. If you’re in the position to purchase or finance the pre-owned equipment, it might be smart to jump on the opportunity.
land surveyor in blue background calculating and writing.
Should You Worry About Buying Pre-Owned Equipment?
You may be hesitant about buying pre-owned land survey equipment. After all, you may end up buying equipment that breaks down after some time. You’ll have wasted a lot of time and money when it would’ve been better to rent the equipment from a company.
Fortunately, many companies will back your purchase of pre-owned land survey equipment. Reputable companies will test functionality, look for defects, and analyze performance before selling it to you. They’ll also provide you with an extended warranty to protect you if the equipment breaks down.
When buying equipment, you’ll also want to look into how easy it will be to buy the different components. Over time, components will naturally break down and need to be replaced. You want to talk to the company selling the surveying equipment about which models have components that are easily accessible and affordable. You also want to ask which manufacturers are known for durability and performance.
Overall, pre-owned land survey equipment will be worth the money you pay for it. It doesn’t make sense to invest in the equipment if you are working on a short-term project. But if you will be involved in a long project and have the financial means to purchase it, it’s probably better than buying new equipment or renting the equipment from a company.
