Search the Community

Hi folks. A quick search and I did not see any recent alignment machine posts. I have a quote from Hunter, $86,000 includes a scissor life and the concrete work to flush mount it, shipping, the machine with wall mount cameras. Some accessories. If I do conservatively 3 alignments a week my break even is approx 4.5 years, a bit longer depending on financing cost. I lease my shop, and one of my biggest fears has been getting kicked out of here. Should I be looking at obtaining a location instead? I am always nervous about taking on the massive cost of a bigger building, especially when I struggle so often to hire good people. I talked to a friend that went from a small shop like I have to a larger facility and he said it was a lot more headaches with very little increase in income. I want less headaches, less stress. Maybe it is my small shop that makes it hard to hire? Is this the right time to try to get a new location? How do I even start finding financing, I do not have a ton of cash saved up right now. Should I get the alignment machine now, and continue to save up for a new location? How much do I need down for a new spot? Should I keep my eye open for other shops that might fail in the coming year and hold off on the alignment machine and continue to stack cash? I am kind of tired of loosing an employee for 30 minutes to an hour to run an alignment across town that may or may not get done to the same quality standards I hold my employees to.

Hello, I recently had the Hunter folks in to give me a demo on the Revolution Tire Machine, Road Force Balancer, and the HawkEye Alignment Machine). We are a five bay three man shop. We have a Hunter Alignment Machine that works but it is an older unit. We have two old coats machines for tires and balancing. I would love to replace all of this with the newest equipment but as all of you know the cost is very high. I was wondering if anyone is willing to share their experience with making a large purchase like this as a package deal. Also, did you finance it, do a lease program or buy it with cash? Was it worth it? Are you happy with the equipment? In hindsight would you be willing to try another less expensive brand (i.e. Coats Leverless Tire Machine or Atlas Cyclops Alignment)? Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, DG