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Buy, Hire or Buy Used?
Choose a brake tester arrangement that fits your workload and plans.
Regular in-house testing, a temporary gap in capacity and a workshop expansion can call for different solutions.
Compare the complete cost, the equipment you need and the support behind it. The lowest initial figure does not always give the lowest cost over time.
01 Buying new
A new tester can suit a predictable, long-term testing workload.
Specify the equipment around your fleet, site and reporting needs. Compare the complete installed price, including accessories, training and any electrical or site work.
Ask what warranty and support are included, which items are excluded and how servicing and calibration will be arranged. Confirm response arrangements rather than assuming every quotation offers the same cover.
Use your expected testing volume to assess payback, and test a lower-volume scenario before committing.
02 Hiring a brake tester
Hire can suit temporary demand, a short-term project or cover while existing equipment is unavailable.
Compare the hire charge for the expected period with delivery, collection, setup and any minimum term. Ask what happens if the hire needs to be extended.
Confirm the specification, available dates, responsibilities for damage and insurance, calibration status and the support provided during hire.
For longer-term use, compare the total hire cost with ownership. Availability and terms should be confirmed for your particular requirement.
03 Buying used
A used tester may lower the purchase price, but its condition and support need careful checking.
Confirm the model, serial number, capacity, roller condition, accessories and software supplied. Ask for service and calibration history and an opportunity to see the equipment demonstrated.
Check whether the configuration suits your fleet and power supply, and whether parts, software support and calibration remain available.
Include transport, installation, any repairs and commissioning in your comparison. Get the warranty or sold-as-seen terms in writing, and confirm what is needed before the machine can enter service.
04 Compare the complete cost
Use the same expected workload and time period for each option.
For ownership, include purchase, installation, staff time, service, calibration and repair allowances. For hire, include the full period, delivery, collection and any additional charges.
Compare these with the external testing journeys you could actually replace: axle fees, fuel and driver time. Keep optional vehicle downtime separate so it is not counted twice.
Our calculator models an outright purchase. Compare finance or hire quotations separately, including their full terms. Used equipment availability must be confirmed before making plans.
Calculate your potential savings →
Discuss your options with ACP →
01785 851179 — Option 3