Auction Question

[98G]

Only takes two, but that is ridiculous. I hope for whomever's sake that they find gold bar in fuel tank.

No gold bar, but hope they don't find algae in the tank.

And hope the genset meets expectations - No water down the exhaust and rusted shut exhaust valves.

They paid $5k for what they think is essentially a new genset. Hopefully they won't be disappointed at pick up time.

Back to the OP -

Auctions are a gamble. You don't really know what you're getting until you get there to pick it up. Depending on your tolerance for risk, they can be the cheapest way to get things. But don't bid more than you can afford to lose if the genset locks up the first time you try to run it.

If you don't have the tolerance for risk, buy on the private market for about 20% more than auction price. What does that 20% get you? It gets you an absence of uncertainty and reduced risk.

From the tone of your post I don't think you like risk taking. I also don't think you pick up on subtle details (like the exhaust flapper) that can make all the difference in bidding. Buying on the private market may get you a better genset at less cost. (DWNorton is highly knowledgeable. I've bought gensets from him at more than auction prices knowing there's less risk involved...)

 

[Guyfang]

They are called condition codes. Self describing. When I am not using a not book, I will look them up. Or some one else can in the mean time.

 

[Guyfang]

Howdy,
Look at anything that is on auction. You used to see a code. Although I do not see it working anymore.

google something like DRMO condition codes
example;
MEP-802A code F
View attachment 696723
MEP-803A code F
View attachment 696724

The same thing would apply for the type of Demil code. Why some items require a EUC
DLA Disposition Services Demilitarization codes
A - No Demilitarization or Trade Security Control Assessment / Clearance required. Department of Commerce may impose licensing requirements for certain items.
F - United States Munitions List (USML) items. Demilitarization instructions to be furnished by the Item/Technical Manager/Equipment Specialist, however, Trade Security Controls (As set forth by the Department of State) are required at the time of disposition. Demilitarization will have been performed prior to issuing to the Contractor for purposes of the contract.
Q - Commerce Control List Items (CCLI). Demilitarization not required, however Trade Security Controls (as set forth by the Department of Commerce) required at time of disposition. Trade Security Control Assessment/Clearance required. Mutilation to the point of scrap required outside the United States.

Location pricing.
OK, say Georgia has 140 generators up on auction... there are only so many bidders looking there when someone adds the fees and shipping. Say you are in California, and only 2 generators are up on auction, price could go high due to only 2 being sold. Its simply supply and demand pricing. Big wallets too.

Someone local might have physically checked out units they want to purchase. Pictures are one thing, physically checking is another.

Very good post Mike! Condition codes nd demil codes are very important. I haven't made mention of them very much, as no one has asked. Maybe we need to look at that again.

 

[csheath]

Also, don't rule out finding a decent unit on Craig's List. They show up from time-to-time if you frequently look in a radius you are willing to travel to. I bought all 3 of my generator's off CL. Some advantages of buying off CL:

1. If it is advertised as running you can ask to see it run before purchasing.
2. If it is running you can verify that it is making proper power (Kill-A-Watt, trouble light, etc.)
3. Often the owner/seller knows its history, at least what he has repaired/serviced and will share that with you.
4. Its not going to be a bidding war. You know what the advertised price is and can often negotiate the price down if you see any issues. First to show up with cash gets the unit.
5. Often people are moving, distress sale, or other factors that motivate them and they are anxious to find a new owner so they don't have to move it or pay to store it somewhere. They are often quite reasonable in pricing.
5. No added sales fees tacked on.
6. No restrictive entry hours or procedures to deal with.
7. If you don't like it, or its not as advertised, you can walk away and take your money with you!

I was considering one on CL before I won the one I have. It was a 98 I think with 5000 + hours but had new batteries and fresh oil and filters. Seller was only asking $1800 for it and it was clean looking unit. He said he had not load tested it but it had power at the convenience outlet.

Mine looks a little rougher but it's an 2007 with 2600 hrs. I got it for less than my max bid and it worked out good for me after some sorting. I ended up right at 2 grand for everything and that includes house wiring, load bank construction. and trip cost to pick it up.

 

[Dwnorton1]

I've been lucky on my 80x's that I have bought so far. Had way less luck with the 831's. I've had to learn my lesson hard way on buying stuff out of reasonable driving distance. Often cost of shipping exceeds "bargain" I won at auction. Takes the joy out of purchases stressing on logistics.

 

[kloppk]

So far so good with the two 831's I got from Chambersburg last week. Both Tier 2 resets with 2 hrs each. Only issue with one was a stuck No Fuel float. A couple of minutes with a length of wire thru the fuel filler and it was un-stuck. Just had to charge the batteries and add fuel. Both ran smooth and produce power. Nice little units.