Investing in high-quality surveying and mapping equipment is essential for many businesses and organisations. However, brand-new systems can be extremely costly, putting them out of reach for smaller companies or non-profits. Purchasing pre-owned equipment is an intelligent solution that makes accurate data collection more financially accessible.
Significant Cost Savings
The most obvious advantage of buying used gear is the lower price tag. New real-time kinetic global positioning systems (RTK GPS) with all the bells and whistles routinely cost $20,000 or more. Even base model new units range from $5000 and up from the major manufacturers.
Small businesses and rural governmental agencies often don’t have that kind of capital allotted in their budgets.
Pre-owned units in good condition typically sell for 30% to 60% less than the list price when new. For example, a new system for $30,000 may be acquired second-hand for $12,000 – $18,000. Those savings can then be allocated to other operational expenses or investments in technology and staff training to enhance capabilities.
Access High-End Equipment
Along with the substantial savings, purchasing reconditioned machinery enables obtaining more advanced systems sooner. An organisation that can only afford a new entry-level unit could buy a used flagship model for the same investment. This allows for implementing state-of-the-art technology and gaining competitive advantages years earlier than otherwise.
Additionally, buying pre-owned provides flexibility to acquire equipment as needed rather than on a fixed replacement cycle. If project demands suddenly warrant faster data speeds or increased accuracy, the latest technology can be obtained immediately instead of waiting for next year’s budget. Renting is another option, but rental fees add up quickly, and the gear must still be relinquished after the job.
Low Mileage Means a Long Life
Surveying equipment routinely has a long working lifespan, even with regular use. Much of the gear is operated intermittently during fieldwork, not running perpetually like production machinery. Thus, lightly used systems often still have many years of usefulness when sold on the secondary market.
Mapping technology also tends to endure because it does not contain complex moving parts subject to mechanical wear and tear. The most expensive core components – antennas, receivers, measurement sensors, and onboard controllers – contain solid-state electronics lacking relays, bearings, gears and other fragile elements. Provided the equipment is professionally maintained and stored correctly during idle periods, it can deliver many additional years of reliable service.
Reputable Refurbishing Ensures Quality
The critical caveat regarding pre-owned gear is ensuring the equipment has been thoroughly inspected, tested and recalibrated by experienced technicians before reselling. Responsible dealers specialising in trade-ins and refurbishment invest considerable resources in reconstruction and recertification.
Detailed inspection covers all hardware to detect damage and identify modules needing replacement or repair. Troubleshooting isolates any components not operating within manufacturer specifications. Calibration tunes measurement parameters to realign with original precision benchmarks. Such refurbishment is typically performed using authorised factory diagnostic programs and test fixtures. Some dealers even offer warranties on reconditioned merchandise to back their quality assurance processes.
Occasionally, purchasing used equipment directly from the original owner can provide valuable utilisation history. Regular maintenance records validate that scheduled upkeep was completed. Operator logs can reveal usage patterns, environmental conditions and any damage incidents in the field. Such background helps determine the actual condition and guide refurbishment priorities before reselling.
Available Support Options
Users sometimes express concerns over after-sale technical support when acquiring reconditioned gear, mainly if problems stem from previous usage history. However legitimate such apprehensions may be when dealing with unknown 3rd parties, established dealers make multi-tiered OEM support available to stand behind equipment sales.
Most major manufacturers enable dealers to provide repair services for out-of-warranty equipment at reasonable rates as an authorised service outlet. Additionally, dealers typically offer in-house technical assistance via remote diagnostics software and telephone consultation with electronics technicians to aid customers in isolating issues, updating firmware, and identifying replacement components. Some also stock common spare parts for prompt domestic shipping, while non-expedited components may be sourced directly from foreign factories.
Final Considerations
Purchasing professionally reconditioned mapping and surveying equipment qualifies as an intelligent investment for smaller organisations. Users gain most of the capabilities in advanced new gear but at a significantly lower price point. Operational costs are contained without sacrificing essential accuracy and reliability. And technical support assists customers in maintaining productivity throughout the service lifespan. For many applications, choosing pre-owned presents the ideal balance of value and performance. Used RTK GPS for sale can significantly save costs while delivering high accuracy.
