Buying New vs Used Landscaping Equipment

Deciding between new and used equipment is challenging for many landscape business owners.

New equipment has the latest technology and reliability but comes with a big price tag. Used equipment is more affordable but has risks associated with maintenance and repair.

This guide will give you a rundown of the pros and cons so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs and budget.

What are the pros and cons of new landscaping equipment?

Buying landscaping equipment, whatever the condition, comes with advantages and disadvantages. 

Brand-new equipment can make your company look professional and committed to quality. We’ve listed the pros and cons of buying equipment for landscaping companies.

Pros

1. Latest Technology and Features New equipment has the latest technology, which means more functionality. 

Features like better fuel efficiency for riding mowers and heavy equipment mean significant performance gains and reduced job costs. That technological edge means better work, smoother operations, and greater profitability.

2. Warranty Coverage and Reliability New equipment comes with a full warranty. 

That means peace of mind regarding unexpected repair costs and downtime. A reliable piece of equipment means less disruption, so your landscape business can keep cash flowing and meet deadlines.

3. Increased Efficiency and Productivity New equipment runs at peak performance, often beating older models. 

That means faster job completion, fewer breakdowns, and more overall productivity. Investing in new power equipment like trimmers and blowers increases work output and customer satisfaction.

4. Enhanced Professional Image Using new, top-of-the-line equipment reflects well on your landscape business. 

It shows you’re committed to quality and professionalism, which can attract high-end clients, such as luxury properties, and boost your company’s reputation. A shiny new fleet can also set you apart from the competition.

Cons

1. High Initial Cost New landscaping equipment is a big upfront expense. 

That can be tough on cash flow, especially for smaller businesses or startups. While financing and leasing options are available, they still affect your budget.

2. Rapid Depreciation New equipment depreciates quickly and loses considerable value in the first few years.

This makes it hard to get your money back if you decide to sell or upgrade the equipment later.

3. Limited Customization Options Buying new means accepting the manufacturer’s standard features and specs. 

Customizing new equipment to fit your needs can be more expensive and time-consuming than modifying used equipment.

4. May Require More Specialized Training New equipment has more advanced technology, which requires more training for your team. This can delay operations and affect overall productivity, as it costs more and takes more time.

Now that you know the pros and cons of new equipment, let’s move on to the pros and cons of used landscaping equipment.

What are the pros and cons of used landscaping equipment?

Used equipment can save you a lot of time but comes with risks. 

Slower depreciation of used equipment can affect your company’s taxable income and give you financial benefits through depreciation deductions.

Pros

1. Lower Upfront Cost One of the most significant advantages of buying used equipment is the lower upfront cost, leaving more capital for other areas of your business, like growth marketing or employee training.

2. Slower Depreciation Rate Unlike new equipment, used machinery depreciates more slowly. If you sell a used lawn mower or skid steer, you can return a considerable percentage of your investment.

3. Wider Selection of Models and Brands Buying used means you have immediate access to a variety of models and brands from recent years. You can choose the best equipment, whether a John Deere loader or a particular zero-turn mower model.

4. Opportunity for Negotiation Buying used equipment means more flexible pricing and negotiation. Sellers may lower the price based on the equipment’s age, maintenance history, or previous owner records, and you can save money.

Cons

1. Potential for Hidden Problems and Repairs Used equipment may have hidden problems that are not visible. These problems can lead to unexpected repair costs and downtime, affecting your landscaping business.

2. No Warranty or Limited Warranty The used lawn equipment doesn’t have the same warranty as new equipment. Without a warranty, your business will be responsible for all repairs and maintenance, which can be costly in the long run.

3. Less Efficient or Outdated Technology Older equipment may use different technology than newer models. That means lower efficiency, lower productivity, and potentially higher operational costs, which can affect your landscaping projects.

4. May Require More Maintenance Used equipment requires more maintenance due to wear and tear from previous use. Regular maintenance increases the lifespan of the equipment but adds to the total cost of ownership. 

Even then, used equipment may cause more downtime than new models and disrupt business operations.

Carefully considering these factors is crucial when deciding to purchase used equipment. 

Now, let’s move on to the key considerations when choosing new and used landscaping equipment.

What factors should you consider when buying new or used landscaping equipment?

The right choice between new and used landscaping equipment depends on several factors. Assessing these will ensure your investment matches your business needs and goals. Businesses can use estimates to calculate the cost and benefits of new vs used equipment to plan and manage finances.

1. Budget

How much are you willing to spend on landscaping equipment? 

New equipment requires a more considerable initial investment, which can strain your cash flow, while used equipment has a lower upfront cost and frees up funds for other business needs.

2. Type of Equipment Needed

What tasks will the equipment be used for? 

Heavy-duty tasks may require the reliability of new power equipment, while lighter or less frequent tasks may be suitable for used lawnmowers or push mowers. A company may buy new equipment for daily landscaping projects but purchase used specialty equipment for occasional tasks.

3. Frequency of Use

How often will the equipment be in use? 

If your landscaping business uses equipment daily and intensively, new equipment with a warranty will give you peace of mind and less downtime. For occasional use, used equipment may be a more cost-effective option.

4. Experience Level

Think about the familiarity and comfort level with different models. 

Newer equipment has the latest technology, which may require additional training. If your team is more comfortable with older models, used equipment may be better.

5. Availability of Maintenance and Repairs

Used equipment may have limited support options, which means more maintenance costs and downtime. New equipment comes with dealer support and readily available parts.

6. Resale Value

What’s the future resale value of the equipment? 

New equipment depreciates faster, but some models and brands retain value better than others. Knowing the potential resale value will help you plan for future equipment upgrades.

7. Brand Reputation and Reliability

Research the brand of the equipment you are considering. 

Trusted brands like John Deere are known for durability and reliability, whether new or used. Homeowners and property managers trust regularly used brands.

Evaluating these factors will guide your decision between new and used landscaping equipment. Now, let’s give you some practical tips for getting the best value for your investment when buying used equipment.

What are some tips for buying used landscaping equipment?

Buying used landscaping equipment can save money, but you must approach it carefully. Knowing the equipment's history is crucial in avoiding potential problems. Follow these tips to make an intelligent investment.

1. Research Thoroughly

Before buying, research the equipment’s history. 

Look into the maintenance history, previous usage, and any potential issues. Check for reviews or reports on similar models to learn about reliability and common problems. This background check will give you an idea of the equipment’s life and performance.

2. Get a Professional Inspection

Hire a mechanic or equipment expert to inspect the used equipment. 

A professional inspection will reveal hidden issues that may not be apparent during a casual look. Also, consider whether the equipment has a fixed-period warranty, which gives you extra security. This will prevent costly repairs and provide you with peace of mind.

3. Negotiate the Price

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price. 

Use the information you gathered from your research and inspection to support your offer. Sellers expect some haggling, especially if the equipment shows signs of wear and tear or has a maintenance history that suggests future repairs.

4. Consider Certified Pre-Owned Options

Look for certified pre-owned equipment, often with an additional warranty or guarantee. These options are available through reputable dealerships and give you an extra layer of security and peace of mind compared to buying from private sellers.

5. Verify the Seller’s Reputation

Buy from reputable dealers or well-known sellers with good reviews. A trusted seller will give you accurate information about the equipment’s condition and fair price. This will minimize the risk of buying equipment with hidden problems.

6. Test the Equipment

Whenever possible, test the equipment yourself by running it in actual conditions. Check the performance of key components like the engine, loader, or blower to make sure everything works as expected

7. Ask for Maintenance Records

Ask for documentation of previous repairs and maintenance. A well-maintained equipment means the previous owner took care of it, which means fewer problems in the future.

Using these tips, you can buy reliable equipment for your landscaping needs. Next, learn how Aspire can help you manage your landscaping business’s equipment.

How can Aspire help with managing your landscaping business’s equipment?

Aspire has tools for landscaping businesses to manage equipment effectively for longevity, reliability, and cost efficiency.

1. Equipment Management Module

Aspire’s platform gives you complete visibility of your equipment inventory. Track all assets by manufacturer, size, model, or even route. This module helps you monitor your fleet’s condition to know exactly what equipment you have in the field and its status.

2. Cost Tracking and Reporting

Aspire simplifies cost tracking for all your landscaping equipment. It logs maintenance costs, repairs, and depreciation. 

This data will allow you to analyze expenses and make informed decisions on future purchases or selling equipment. Aspire’s cost tracking can also align expenditures with revenue generated in the same period, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) compliant.

3. Maintenance Scheduling and Reminders

Set up automatic maintenance alerts based on logged hours or mileage. Aspire’s proactive approach minimizes downtime by preventing unexpected equipment failures. The Aspire Mobile app allows team members to request service from the field to address any issues promptly.

Landscaping businesses can optimize equipment performance and maximize investment using Aspire's equipment management features. 

The bottom line

Deciding between new and used landscaping equipment requires careful consideration of your business’s budget, operational needs, and long-term goals.

New equipment has the latest technology, warranties, and higher efficiency, while used equipment has cost savings and slower depreciation.

Whatever you choose, Aspire’s tools will help you track costs, schedule maintenance, and make data-driven decisions to maximize profitability.

Explore more about equipment management on our landscaping business software page. Ready to grow your landscaping business?

Book a free demo with Aspire today!