Over the years we have managed to collect a multitude of 'broken/worn out' machinery and tools at our base.
The intention always has been to 'cannibalise/combine/repair' these items, but pressure of work never allows this happen.
Desperate for space, we recently had a late spring clean to clear out the Unit and was totally surprised at what we had been hoarding.
Are you the same ? If so;
- Do you attempt major surgery to extend the life of your machinery ?
- At what point do you dispose of old machines/tools ?
- What do you do with broken equipment (disposal wise) ?
The cost around here (unless you can find a 'scrap metal' dealer ;-) is expensive to just dispose of as 'waste'. I know some that use eBay, with items sold as 'sold as seen/for spares& repairs only'.
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I try to repair or rebuild stuff through the winter but don't always manage it.
Having said that, you have to look at the time aspect and is it really worth it?
Yes Gary, i have a shed full of scrapped machinery etc which get robbed of bits and bobs every now and then. I am a farmers son and from Yorkshire so nowt gets thrown away! I have tried in the past to buy new versions of the older machines and a lot of the time some of the bits are interchangeable as the design doesn't change very much. I have a 1990 year Grasshopper zero turn and the new machine looks almost exactly the same 23 years on. This has saved me some money in the past. Plus i like to mess around with welding and fabrication - frankenmachines . For example i sometimes get an hour or two to work on a powered leaf sweeper i am making from and old countax ride on grass collector. Don't know when it will get finished mind you.
To answer your questions
- Do you attempt major surgery to extend the life of your machinery ?
Yes
- At what point do you dispose of old machines/tools ?
When i know there is nothing i can use off it or it is too rusty etc
- What do you do with broken equipment (disposal wise) ?
Save it up to take to scrap metal dealer with tractor and 8 ton trailer
"The intention always has been to 'cannibalise/combine/repair' these items, but pressure of work never allows this happen."
Been there and done that. Never seemed to get around to renovating/repairing though. Although, having said that we had a lot of old machines over the years which became a source for spare parts.
Don't throw the old machines out though. Before I sold my business and moved I put a lot of old stuff on Ebay. It's surprising what others will buy and how far they'd travel.
I sold a seized Stihl strimmer, and a seized LR hedgecutter, for about £90. Both had a "full" life, so were pretty-much worn out in every respect. But, things like engine covers are worth something to somebody. Stripped the engine and good bits like new cables off an old Kaaz, and sold the body, knackered rollers etc. Got about £100 for the lot, and saved a trip to the tip.
Ebay can be great for selling old equipment. I feel you should be very honest about it in the description, and not get in to posting little bits, but sell it as one item, cash on collection.
I try to replace like with like where possible, Have gone so far as to buy second hand recently (a Pro46 PHTB model) as I already ran one, and felt at the cost having two working now, and eventually 1 working and 1 donor machine would be useful.
With a wobbly front wheel on the main PHTB - the first donation will be this weekend:)
They try and mend the kit both mechanical and hand tools and resell them.
heres an idea - a swaps ans spares for LJN?
Im sure betwen many of us we have broken kit which combined could make good woirking machines....