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PSA: dropped $260 on a used power trowel off Marketplace and it ate two blades on the first pour
Saw a 36 inch trowel listed for $260 in Fort Worth and the guy swore it ran smooth, so I handed over cash in a parking lot like an idiot. First slab we ran it on, the gearbox started whining and it chewed through two blades in about 20 minutes, which cost me another $90 plus a pan I borrowed from my cousin. Turned out the shaft was bent and the oil was full of metal shavings when I drained it that night. I should have just rented a good one for the day and been done with it. Anyone got a trick for checking a used trowel before you pay, or do I just eat this one?
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leo_carr133d ago
Honestly man, buying used equipment is always a gamble and renting sounds smart but it adds up fast if you pour a lot. A decent rental around here runs $150+ a day with the fuel and damage waiver, so if you're doing several pours a month the $260 plus $90 in blades is still cheaper than burning cash at the rental yard. The real problem is you didn't check the gearbox oil before handing over the money, that takes two minutes and metal shavings in the oil is the oldest tell there is. Next time pop the drain plug on the spot, wiggle the shaft for play, and spin the blades by hand to feel for grinding, if the seller won't let you do that then walk.
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