How to Buy A Machine Safely During COVID-19

While the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be calming somewhat here in Australia, and restrictions are being lifted, there’s still some unrest in whether the fight is truly over. What does that mean for machinery buyers? Work still needs to be done, machines still need to be repaired, and upgrades are still required. 

So how, as a machinery buyer, can you stay as safe as possible while purchasing capital equipment?

In this short article, we cover the main things to consider when buying a machine (new or used) to stay as safe and healthy as possible. 

1. View the Machine Online First 

Obviously the best way to stay safe during the pandemic is to stay at home. You can use this time to research and find a few machines online via an online marketplace before organising viewings at dealer showrooms or onsite. 

Most sellers should have a video of the machine running along with multiple photos, so you can get a good idea of the machine’s condition (as well as how it sounds and responds to an operator, etc.). If you’ve found a machine that does not have a video, reach out to the seller and ask if they would send you a video of the machine running, as well as a 360-degree view and anything else you want to see up close. 

If you’re tech savvy, you could use video conferencing software such as Zoom or even Facetime. Using a video call allows you to see the machine in real time while the seller walks you through the machine and answers all your questions. It’s almost as good as being there in person!

2. View The Machine In Person Safely

Investing in a new or used machine can cost big bucks (although don’t forget about the $150K tax write off for eligible businesses!), so you want to be sure you’re going to view the right machine. Once you’ve seen the machine running via a video from the seller, and you’re still interested, get in touch and set up a time to view the machine safely. 

What do we mean by, ‘safely’?

If You’re Sick, Stay Home

If you’ve got flu-like symptoms or other symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Tiredness / lethargy
• Dry cough
• Aches & pains
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of sense of smell

Then it’s best to stay home to keep yourself and others safe. Call your local GP and notify them of your symptoms and seek professional health advice.

Maintain Social Distancing

Make sure when you arrive, you maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres at all times, wherever possible. If you notice the seller has any symptoms, organise to come back another time when they’re feeling better. It’s also good to wash your hands before you leave the house, and again once you come back home. 

Maintain Good Health Practices

While interacting with the seller, maintain good health practices:

• Keep your distance
• Don’t shake hands
• If you need to cough, cough into your elbow
• Turn away from the other person if you need to sneeze.

3. Clean The Machine Before & After Test Drive

If you’re going to take the machine for a test drive, make sure the seller cleans all points of contact on the machine first, before and after getting in and operating. These contact points include:

• Joysticks/steering wheel
• Entry/Exit points
• The seat and armrests
• Any buttons or controls within the machine

And any other areas you will need to touch or interact with during your test drive. Also be sure to:

• Avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes until you have completed the drive and washed your hands
• Wash your hands after completing the test drive

Wherever possible, make sure to conduct the test drive outside, with all the windows open.

Once you’ve safely completed your text drive, make sure you wash or sanitise your hands. 

Have some other great tips? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.