Buying a used machine can be one of the smartest investments a manufacturer, fabricator, or shop owner can make. You get the capability you need, often at a fraction of the cost of buying new, and in many cases, with a shorter lead time. But buying the machine is just the first step. The real work begins once the deal is done: moving, setting up, powering, and commissioning your new acquisition. Done correctly, this process can ensure your machine is safe, efficient, and productive from day one. Done poorly, it can cost you time, money, and sometimes even employee safety.

In this article, we’ll walk through the steps you should take after purchasing a used machine, from preparing it for transport all the way through to commissioning it for service, efficiently and safely.

Preparing the Machine for Loading and Transport

Once you’ve finalized the purchase, your first concern is getting the machine safely from the seller’s floor to your own. Used equipment often comes with unique challenges—sometimes the seller no longer has the original rigging instructions or shipping brackets, or perhaps the machine has been sitting idle for some time. In some cases the seller cannot or is unwilling to prepare and load the machine for transport, This is where your due diligence comes in to play and where a few minutes spent in preparation saves thousands. 

Here’s what you need to do, or have done for you, before the first forklift touches the machine:

  1. Inspect the machine in place. Look for loose parts, tooling, accessories, or components that might shift during transport. Locate any spare parts, associated tools and shipping brackets. Gather them, Secure them, or remove and crate them separately.

  2. Lock moving components. Machines often have axes, tables, heads, or carriages that can slide under their own weight. These must be blocked, clamped, or bolted to prevent movement in transit. Most machinery (in fact all) will come from the factory with shipping brackets to lock these axis down for safe and secure shipping, however if these are not available it is not the end of the world, simply use this rule: if it moves during normal operation, it needs to be locked done for shipping. That can simply be blocks of wood locking the systems in place or the original shipping brackets mounted in place. 

  3. Drain the tanks. Coolant systems, cutting fluids and hydraulic oils must be drained before the machine is disconnected as they cannot be shipped with the machine. Request the seller or previous owner safely dispose of all liquids in your machine prior to final disconnect.

  4. Disconnect utilities. Ensure all power, hydraulic, pneumatic, and coolant lines are properly disconnected and capped. Leaving lines open can allow dirt, moisture, or contaminants to damage the system or leak across a trailer deck incurring large fines in shipping.

  5. Review lifting points. Many industrial machines have designated lifting points or threaded holes for eye bolts. If this information isn’t available, consult the manufacturer’s manual or a rigging professional. Never assume you can lift OR Tie down from or at any point.

  6. Document the condition. Take photos before it’s moved. This helps protect you in case there’s a dispute about damage during transport and whom might be liable (rigger? trucker?).

Proper preparation is the single most important step you can take to avoid costly surprises later. To help we have made an inspection checklist available to you for free. You can download our Machine Pre-Ship Inspection Checklist Here. 

Finding the Best Way to Ship It

After preparing the machine, the next decision is how to get it to your facility. Choosing the right method depends on the machine’s size, weight, and sensitivity.

  1. Flatbed trucking. For large or oversized machines, flatbed trucks are usually the go-to choice. This allows for easy loading and unloading but requires proper tarping to protect from the elements.

  2. Step-deck or lowboy trailers. These are ideal for taller machines that exceed standard height limits. The lowered deck gives you extra clearance while staying within DOT regulations.

  3. Enclosed trailers. For smaller machines, enclosed trailers protect from weather, road debris, and theft. This is especially useful for sensitive electronics however just know if you ship what is commonly referred to as "LTL" you can almost be assured your equipment will be damaged in transit unless completely, thoroughly and securely crated.

  4. Specialized rigging companies. For very heavy or delicate equipment (think press brakes, lasers, or CNC machining centers), hiring a machinery moving company may be the best investment. They have the gear and expertise to handle the job without damage.

When selecting a shipping method, always weigh cost versus risk. Always choose "Air-ride" and "Tarped" options if available. If you need more information on shipping you can jump to detailed articles like 9 Simple Tips on Shipping Machinery and Shipping Machinery — The 8 Choices in Transporting Machinery as well as other important and informative articles about shipping machinery RIGHT HERE. 

Saving a few hundred dollars on transport is rarely worth the risk of a machine arriving damaged or non-functional.

Offloading and Setting in Place (Inspect for Damage First)

The day your machine arrives is exciting—but it’s also one of the riskiest moments in the entire process. Mishandling during unloading can undo all your careful preparation so ensure you have the proper tools in place to offload your new machine safely including overhead cranes, riggers or specialized equipment as needed. 

  1. Inspect before unloading. Before the driver loosens a single strap, walk around the machine. Look for shifted loads, visible damage, water damage or signs of mishandling OR mis-strapping (overtightening on sheet metal covers). Compare it to the photos you took at the seller’s site. If you see problems, document them immediately on the Bill of Laden BEFORE SIGNING and notify the carrier. THIS IS THE ONLY PROOF YOU WILL HAVE OF DAMAGE TO YOUR SHIPMENT AND THUS, EVIDENCE OF A CLAIM TO ANY CARRIER. 

  2. Use proper equipment. Whether you’re using a forklift, gantry crane, or rigging service, make sure the lifting capacity exceeds the machine’s weight. Never rely on “close enough” estimates.

  3. Plan the path. Know exactly where the machine will be set before unloading. Clear obstacles, measure doorways, and check floor load capacities. Rolling a 30,000-pound machine across a shop floor without verifying load ratings can be a very costly mistake.

  4. Set the machine level. Once in place, level the machine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A machine that isn’t properly leveled can wear unevenly, produce poor-quality work, and even damage itself over time.

Taking the time to properly inspect and set your machine pays off in both safety and performance.

Powering It Up

Now that your machine is in place, it’s time to connect utilities, fill the reservoirs and bring it to life. This stage requires a careful, methodical approach:

  1. Electrical connections. Verify that your facility’s voltage and phase match the machine’s requirements. Using the wrong power supply can cause catastrophic damage. Always have a licensed electrician make the connections.

  2. Hydraulic and pneumatic systems. If the machine requires hydraulic oil or compressed air, ensure all lines are clean, properly connected, and filled with the correct fluids. Change any filters before refilling to ensure your machine receives proper flow of all fluids and air pressure.

  3. Coolant and lubrication. Fill coolant reservoirs, grease fittings, and oilers with the appropriate fluids. Running a machine dry, even briefly, can shorten its life.

  4. Check safety circuits. Many modern machines have safety interlocks, emergency stops, light curtains and guards. Ensure these are functional before energizing the system.

Start slow—don’t put the machine under load right away. Let it run through a warm-up cycle, check for leaks, odd noises, or vibration, and monitor amperage draw if available.

Commissioning It for Service (Make Sure It’s Up to OSHA Standards)

The final step is commissioning—making sure your machine is ready for production and safe for operators. This is where the investment in used machinery truly pays off, but it’s also where you must take OSHA compliance seriously.

  1. Safety inspection. Review guarding, emergency stops, signage, and operator controls. If anything is missing, bypassed or outdated, replace it immediately. OSHA fines—and more importantly, operator injuries—are not worth the risk. Especially when coming into compliance is as simple as signage or new guarding.

  2. Calibration and alignment. Check the machine’s accuracy. For CNC machines, this might mean laser or ball-bar calibration. For press brakes, ensuring parallelism and crowning. For lathes, checking spindle runout.

  3. Test runs. Run the machine through basic cycles with no load, then gradually introduce material. Watch for chatter, misalignment, or software errors while allowing for lubrication to cycle.

  4. Operator training. Even experienced machinists benefit from refresher training when working with unfamiliar equipment. Review safety procedures, startup/shutdown protocols, and emergency responses. Ensure your operators and maintenance staff are trained on proper and safe operation and maintenance.

  5. Documentation. Keep manuals, wiring diagrams, maintenance logs, and inspection reports on file. These are invaluable for troubleshooting and if needed, OSHA audits.

By properly commissioning your machine, you ensure not only that it meets current safety standards but also that it performs at its full potential for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Buying a used machine is often just the beginning of the journey. With careful planning and execution, you can move, install, and commission your equipment in a way that maximizes safety, efficiency, and ROI. From preparation and shipping to setup and compliance, every step matters.

The good news? When you take the time to do it right, you’ll end up with a machine that produces quality work, keeps your operators safe, and adds real value to your shop—without the sticker shock of buying new and if your shopping for a new to you machine start right here: Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales

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