Having a comprehensive plan and a good checklist to follow is vital when inspecting a used piece of machinery. At Southern Fab, we thoroughly inspect any machine we buy for our inventory to lessen the likelihood of costly surprises. We use the below checklist internally for shears, and are now making that available to all our customers and partners.

We have spent countless hours over many years in front of all makes, models, and types of shears. Using the expertise gleaned from this experience, we have put together a method and checklist that we use on every machine. While this checklist is merely a guide to assist you in performing a quality check of operability on the machine tool you are considering for purchase, it is by no means the rule to any and all items you should or can inspect. It is assumed that you have called or will be calling the manufacturer or local service group to provide a service and upgrade history of the machine you're considering as well as performing your due diligence.

When performing an inspection, pay particular attention to all moving components, control components, and hydraulic systems, as they are the most likely cause of failures on any machinery system. As you go through the below checklist, photograph all areas being inspected, noting areas of concern or issues that warrant special attention. Also, videotape any inspection of the machine in motion (30 seconds or less). Lastly, LISTEN; worn or damaged machinery usually makes a sound associated with it having difficulty completing the task/motion (video these symptoms especially for further review).

1) Start with an Interview!

Find the machine Operator or Maintenance Person — A good conversation with the machinery operator or maintenance person can reveal many hidden gremlins in a machine or even assure the buyer that the machine is operating well and has been well maintained. As these individuals usually have no “skin in the game” for selling the machine, you are likely to get honest and clear answers to help you in your evaluation. There are a few great questions to ask on a machine you're considering purchasing. Asking these questions up front can remind them of other items to be included with the machine and can, hopefully, uncover any known defects prior to proceeding.

Ask questions like:

  • Do you have the maintenance/repair logs available to review?
  • What type of material was run on this machine?
  • Any recurring issues with the machine (i.e. ghosts)?
  • Is anything needed to make this machine 100%?

2) The Maintenance Logs

Proper maintenance of a machine is vital to its usability and lifespan. A well-maintained machine will have well-maintained logs indicating all maintenance, calibrations, and repairs performed. The more detailed this log is, the better maintained the machine usually is. If available, review the maintenance history of the machine to look for any recurring issue(s) that may indicate deeper problems.

3) Make a Visual Inspection/Walkaround

An important step is just getting the general “feel” for the environment in which the machine was run, maintained, and cared for. Any obvious damage? Rust? Missing covers? Bare or hanging wiring? Look around the shop — is it dirty? Does it look like they maintain their equipment and facility, or does it look like they run everything into the ground?

4) Lubrication System

The lubricant is the most vital need of a machine tool. Metals slide, twist, and turn on metals and the only thing stopping those items from grinding themselves to dust is the lubricant. It is likely the most vital step in the inspection process and yet easily one of the most overlooked steps. Check the look and smell. Finally, check to make sure any moving item is properly lubricated. Take your time here. Get dirty. It will be well worth it to know how well lubed the machine is.

5) Control & Backgage

Controls vary widely from one type and model to another. Although these are a few rudimentary checks that later you may refer back to, they are an important step in evaluating a machines usability for years to come. Check the operation of all buttons and knobs. Can you clearly read each one? Is the screen bright and visible? Check the foot pedal and cable. Check the powered blade gap feature (if equipped).

The backgauge on a shear is the critical measuring device that ensures your sheared part is the correct length. Excessive backlash, wear, and abuse can make the backgauge inaccurate—thus requiring a rebuild or various testing and sampling methods to compensate for movement inaccuracies. The heavier gauge the shear (specifically ½”-capable shears and above), the more likely the backgauge is to have sustained damage over its use as these heavier systems were likely loaded with forklifts driving material into the backgauge. Check the gage for smoothness of operation as well as accuracy of positioning and repeatability.

6) RAM (Upper Blade)

The ram of a shear supports the upper blade and should provide a smooth motion either directly up/down (guillotine style shear) or a slight arcing motion (swing beam style shear). The ram will move along guideways or over a pivot pin. Inspect the ram and upper blade for damage. Observe it for smoothness of operation and repeatability.

7) Bed (Lower Blade)

The bed supports the lower blade, squaring arm, and various other options and accessories. As it is the working surface of the shear, it is expected to sustain normal wear and tear. The bed may be an adjustable bed (i.e. having screws at each end of the bed for blade gap adjustment), so extra considerations should be taken to ensure the bed moves as designed and has not been “locked” into a fixed position due to negligence, abuse, or damage. Check not only its condition, but also the condition of the lower blade.

8) Hydraulics

The hydraulic system on a shear is the lifeblood of it. It powers not only the ram's up/down, but it also powers the hold-downs which secure the material being sheared during the shearing process. It also allows for overload protection by providing for a blowout valve for over-tonnage loads—thereby preventing the shear from “locking up” as the mechanical style shears are prone to. Make sure to inspect each hold down for holding force when the upper blade is in motion or in the down position.

9) Options & Accessories

A shear can be outfitted with a vary wide array of options and accessories. Check the condition and operability of each item like:

  • Squaring Arm,
  • Front Supports,
  • Front Gaging (Condition, Accuracy and Smoothness of Operation)
  • Light Curtains, and
  • Conveyors, etc.

10) Weights & Dimensions

Measuring the system's total weight and dimensions is a critical step to completing a thorough inspection. These are not only needed for calculating space needed in your shop, but also for rigging and trucking in order to move the equipment to your location. Make sure you double-check the machine's weight, shipping, and installed dimensions.

11) Power/Air Requirements

Often overlooked is the critical step of recording the machine's required voltage & amperage and any other necessary supply lines to ensure proper operation. Make sure your shear can operate in your shop with or without a transformer. Check and record all the requirements of the machine you're looking at and then compare them to your available power.

12) Photos

Photos can be vital when you're planning on receiving a machine in your shop. They can remind you of power/air requirements or of special installation considerations like extended squaring arms, conveyors, stackers, front supports or gauging etc. A good quality and quantity of photos can be a lifesaver for reminding you of important information after your inspection.

If you need help or more information about shears please give us a call at 813-444-4555, email us at sales@southernfabsales.com or visit us on the web at www.southernfabsales.com.

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