Inspection Appointments
The best time to find a problem is before you own the machine.
Attend the published preview, request an appointment when offered or schedule a Zoom review when available. Inspection access and testing rules vary by auction and facility.
What you should know
- Onsite preview days and appointment windows
- Zoom inspections when the sale offers them
- Actual-machine questions and serial verification
- Site safety and testing limitations
Direct answer
To inspect an auction machine, first read the catalog for the official date, time, location and appointment instructions. Bring the lot numbers and specific questions that matter to your application. Inspection is usually visual unless the seller and auction rules permit power or limited testing. A Zoom review can improve remote understanding but does not replace a qualified hands-on inspection.
Before the appointment
- Confirm the official window. Do not arrive based on an old advertisement or another auction’s schedule.
- Send the lot numbers. Tell Sterling which machines matter so access, keys, controls or a site escort can be planned.
- Ask what testing is allowed. Power availability, operators, safety, seller policy and production conditions may limit demonstrations.
- Bring qualified help. A technician, operator, electrician or rigger may see issues outside your specialty.
- Review site rules. Bring required identification and PPE. Follow age, footwear, photography, security and escort restrictions.
What to inspect on an industrial machine
Identity
Confirm the exact lot
Match lot number, manufacturer, model, serial plate, control and visible configuration to the catalog.
Condition
Look beyond paint
Check for missing guards, leaks, corrosion, damaged cables, broken handles, alarm messages, worn ways and evidence of incomplete repairs.
Operation
Observe permitted functions
If allowed, observe power-up, spindle, axes, turret, hydraulics, feeds, control, coolant or a limited cycle. Record what was not tested.
Tooling
Verify included accessories
Compare chucks, vises, dies, holders, pumps, tanks, conveyors, transformers and manuals with the written lot description.
Power
Read utility tags
Confirm voltage, phase, full-load amps where available, transformer, air, gas, water, hydraulic and control requirements.
Removal
Walk the exit route
Measure machine, doorways, aisles, dock, floor levels and overhead clearance. Identify approved riggers and loading limits.
How to use a Zoom inspection
- Request the lot numbers and areas you want shown before the call.
- Ask for a slow view of the serial plate, control, electrical tag, tooling, known damage and rear or side access.
- Use screenshots only for your notes; do not assume recording or redistribution is permitted.
- Remember that camera angle, audio and video quality can hide wear, noise, scale and depth.
- Ask direct questions and record the answer, but rely on written catalog updates for material changes.
- Hire a local qualified inspector when the machine is expensive, critical to production or difficult to evaluate remotely.
Inspection does not create a warranty
Auction equipment is commonly sold as is, where is. Inspection is the buyer’s opportunity to gather information, not a promise that every issue can be found. Some components cannot be tested without production tooling, material, software, utilities or extensive disassembly.
Bid according to what you can verify, the stated terms and the risk you are prepared to accept.
Related auction resources
Use these pages to continue without starting over.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment for the published preview day?
Some previews are open during stated hours; others require an appointment or security approval. Follow the catalog instructions for that sale.
Can I power up a machine myself?
Not unless expressly authorized. Facility personnel or approved representatives may control power and demonstrations for safety and liability.
Can I bring a technician or rigger?
Usually, subject to site access, identification, PPE, insurance and capacity limits. Confirm before the appointment.
Can Sterling guarantee a Zoom inspection time?
Appointments depend on access, staffing and demand. Request early and provide the exact lot numbers.
What if a material discrepancy is discovered?
Notify Sterling promptly. Authorized catalog updates or announcements may be issued when appropriate; review them before bidding.
Ready to bid with better information?
Review the current auction catalog, confirm the sale-specific terms, inspect whenever possible and contact Sterling before bidding if anything is unclear.
