lyon-admin, Author at Alex Lyon & Son Auctions

Choosing The Right Lift For Your Project

There are a number of options when it comes to low-level access equipment for construction work on aerial platforms. Construction workers, supervisors, facility managers, and residential owners alike face this purchasing decision when commencing a large-scale project. From portable lifts that extend a few feet, to larger machines that can reach 60 feet in the air, asking simple questions about the work that needs to be done can help you to determine the best machine for your particular task at hand.

Answer These Questions

The first question you should ask about a particular project is the number of workers that will be present on the jobsite. Record the required vertical reach, whether the jobsite is indoors or outdoors, and the weight of the materials that will be lifted. Take a look at the surrounding area and check for any narrow doorways or hallways, stairs, or elevators that will need to be accessed. Look around at the floor, conditions of the worksite, and any obstacles that could at all impede transporting or operating the equipment.

Portable Lifts

For low-maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs, rearranging your home decor, or servicing air conditioning ducts, a portable lift is a great option. This type of lift has a secure platform and the ability to access it around all 360 degrees, which is beneficial for construction workers who will be loading and unloading it. The portable lift is easy to maneuver, and boosts materials to a height of up to 20 feet in the air in a short amount of time. One benefit of choosing this type of lift is its non-marking wheels that minimize their impact on flooring.

Large Lifts

For tasks that require you to reach heights of over 20 feet, there are plenty of additional equipment options that include boom lifts, compact crawlers, and scissor lifts. These machines are capable of performing many different facility maintenance jobs. Some use the lift to reach up and over objects or obstacles, but are also up for repair and inspection tasks. Large lifts have a higher weight capacity and platform height, powered by environmentally-friendly systems and non-marking tires with 360 degree access. These lifts allow multiple workers, tools, and other machines to be onsite.

Whatever construction project is at hand, there are a variety of lift options to help accomplish work safely and efficiently in any work environment. In order to choose the right lift, you will have to ask the right questions and familiarize yourself with all of the available options to you. To learn more about lifts and where you can buy them, visit our site!

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it headache-free and as enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we’re listening!

Heavy Equipment Construction Safety Tips (Part 2)

June is national safety month! This year, make sure that you are taking the proper precautions to stay safe on the jobsite using these heavy equipment construction safety tips. There are several risk factors and dangers that you should be aware of. Follow the rest of these safety tips when working with heavy equipment on a jobsite to ensure a productive and accident-free work environment.

Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings

It is important to always be mindful of everything around you when operating heavy machinery. If you do encounter an obstacle, fix the problem and move on. Power lines should be de-energized, and all underground utilities including sewer, water, gas and electrical lines should have been clearly identified and marked to avoid damage and delays that could cause more work in the long run. During construction, other workers should be kept away from areas where heavy equipment is being operated. Operators should also be aware of their swing radius, especially when they are working in tighter spaces. This is to avoid hitting other workers, objects, or equipment in the vicinity.

Use The Equipment For Its Intended Purpose

Every piece of equipment is made for a single designated purpose. Bulldozers simply cannot do the same work as an excavator can, for example. Be sure to choose the right piece of equipment for your task at hand, and use it as the manufacturer intended. One essential piece of advice we have is to make sure you do not overwork or overload any piece of equipment, staying constantly aware and mindful of its capacity. If you are lifting materials, make sure that all riggings are properly secured beforehand.

Keep Your Workzone Clear

Ideally, every work site is separated with barriers to keep workers safely away from operating equipment. If there are workers in close proximity, it is best to use a spotter with a radio that can give signals and communicate what is in a machine’s blind spot. Backup arms on equipment actually go unheeded on many construction sites. When you are loading and unloading equipment at the site, make sure it is on level ground to avoid equipment rollovers. When the equipment is being turned off for the day, make sure your parking brakes are engaged and your wheels are locked in place.

Safety is extremely important to us here are Alex Lyon & Son. Working with or around heavy equipment should be part of your safety program, too! All workers should be thoroughly trained on the dangers and hazards of working with equipment before they operate it. Stay safe out there!

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it as headache-free and enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re listening!

Heavy Equipment Construction Safety Tips (Part 1)

Next month is national safety month! This June, make sure that you are taking the proper precautions to stay safe on the jobsite using these heavy equipment construction safety tips. If you use heavy equipment on a construction project, there are several risk factors and dangers that you should be aware of. Using equipment in an incorrect way can cause accidents, such as getting caught in between and inside of equipment, as well as rollovers that can seriously injure workers. Follow these safety tips when working with heavy equipment on a jobsite to ensure a productive and accident-free zone.

Training

All heavy equipment workers should be trained with the proper procedures to safely operate all types of equipment that they may be working with. Training should consist of both classroom and hands-on instruction. Topics to be covered include possible hazards to watch for, safety features of the equipment, and how to safely maneuver it. They should also be aware of how to safely lift, push, mount, and dismount the equipment. Refresher courses should be offered as well for those that may have been working in construction for a while. Only workers that have been trained should be allowed to operate equipment.

Visual Inspection

It is important to inspect heavy equipment before each use to make sure that it is in proper operating condition. Take a look at any tires or tracks for wear and damage. Check fluid levels first before starting up any equipment every day. Check components of the equipment for cracks and damage that may have been a result of improper usage and verify the security of all attachments. When you power on the equipment, make sure the lights, gauges, horn, and backup alarm are all working. Never use equipment that does not seem to be working properly or appears damaged in any way. You may worsen the damage to the machine, which could mean a major safety issue if it is not addressed.

Wear Your Seatbelt

It is the law to wear your seatbelt (in some states) for a reason. In many situations, a seatbelt can save your life. For example, if a machine starts to tip or roll over, a seatbelt will keep you in place and safe from tumbling with the massive construction equipment. If an accident happens, you may feel the need to jump out of the machine. However, this is a bad idea and could have a far worse outcome than staying in the cab. The rollover protection system installed on heavy equipment is intended to keep you safe in this type of event.

Stay tuned next week for more important safety tips to use when operating heavy equipment!

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it as headache-free and enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re listening!

Reasons To Consider Construction Equipment Financing

If you’re in the market for construction equipment for your business or personal use, there is a lot to consider before purchasing anything at a heavy equipment auction. The construction industry is filled with equipment-intensive settings that require a variety of different equipment types from heavy grade machines to attachments. As a bidder seeking to acquire a particular item, it is important to consider all construction equipment financing options that are available to you.

Choosing to finance the purchase of your equipment rather than paying cash upfront may offer significant benefits to you. It is essential to keep in mind the many factors that will help you decide the best option for your particular needs based on careful planning. Some of these factors include practicality, cost effectiveness, type of equipment, and the length of time the equipment is going to be used. Some of the primary benefits of construction equipment financing are:

Capital Preservation

Capital preservation is what makes equipment financing so attractive to most businesses. Investing in large capital expenditures like heavy equipment for sale can present huge financial risks, especially for smaller companies. Financing can alleviate the uncertainty of investing in a capital asset that may not have your desired return.

Current Technology

It is important to have the latest equipment in today’s world for reasons including safety, efficiency, and durability. Many companies struggle to make big purchases all at once and can fall behind, losing their competitive edge. By financing their equipment, businesses are often able to acquire better equipment – and more of it. This opportunity would not have been possible if they did not consider the financing options available to them.

Improved Expense Planning

Maintaining a budget and cash flow is another factor to be taken into account when considering purchasing heavy equipment for sale. Instead of spending a huge chunk of your capital all at once causing budget fluctuations, finance your purchase to enable the ability to plan exactly how much you will be spending on expenses. Some financial companies allow the borrower to take depreciation on an asset, and some even allow the borrower to make lower payments with no depreciation.

Stay tuned next week to learn more about each and every one of our construction equipment financing partners offered to bidders at Alex Lyon & Son Sales Managers and Auctioneers, Inc. auctions!

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it as headache-free and enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re listening!

The History of Alex Lyon & Son Sales Managers and Auctioneers, Inc.

In 1950, an enthusiastic entrepreneur named Alex Lyon purchased a farm in Bridgeport, New York that he would later name “Alex Lyon Livestock Company.” Primarily, this company handled private treaty negotiations of cattle and farm machinery with the occasional public auction. Within a few years, the business became one of the largest in New York State. Its reputation for quality and respectability grew along with its sales volume. Lyon became a trusted company known for treating customers fairly.

As the company grew, Alex’s son, Jack Lyon, loved the work and wanted to get involved as much as he could with the business. According to Alex, Jack was incredibly ambitious and listened intently. In 1973, Jack graduated with a business degree in Marketing at the University of Cincinnati. After graduating, he became a lot more active in the auction business. Eventually, Alex Lyon Livestock Company began diversifying the type of auctions they conducted. A major construction company then signed an agreement with Lyon allowing them to manage an upcoming auction. After the auction was completed successfully, one sale led to another and the father and son team led the company to become a nationally recognized auction house.

On that day in 1950, Alex could only dream of what his company would eventually become. As the business grew and grew, it eventually earned the title of America’s largest privately owned auction company! The company is now called Alex Lyon & Son Sales Managers and Auctioneers, Inc. Its corporate philosophy throughout the years has always been “if you need us, we’ll be there.”

Today, our family-owned operation is a success worldwide. We have expanded to Canada and Mexico in recent years making the company even more prosperous. Our headquarters are still located in Bridgeport, New York and we conduct construction equipment auctions all throughout the United States from New York to California. We also have customers that come from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, Israel and the continent of Africa that trust us to give them the best used heavy equipment for sale.

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it headache-free and as enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we’re listening!

Ask These 3 Questions To Ensure A Buyer Isn’t Wasting Your Time

At an auction, wasting the salesperson’s time may not be the first thing on your mind, but it can be very easy to unknowingly do it at an auction. So the question becomes, how can you reduce the amount of time being wasted at an auction?

At a heavy equipment auction, the buyer is not the only person who has to make a decision. The seller also has to decide where they want to focus their energy because each potential buyer has something different to offer. To ensure that a buyer is worth your time, ask these 5 questions:

Does The Buyer Have A Budget?

It can be very challenging to determine a buyer’s final budget. If they fail to give you any indication of their budget, try asking them follow up questions. For example, “based on what we have discussed, you are planning to invest anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 for this item. Does that suit your budget?” Even if your buyer does not give you a definitive answer, you will receive some sort of estimate from their response. At that point, you will have a better idea about how much attention you should pay to them.

When Does The Buyer Need To Make A Decision?

Asking this question is particularly important because you want to know how quick the buyer needs to make a decision to take them seriously. You could invest hours and hours with one potential buyer and they could have a timeframe of 9 months or even longer. This is an essential question to ask early on in the selling process – before it is too late.

Does The Buyer Have Enough Authority To Make The Purchase?

Heavy machinery for sale at an auction can be very expensive. Oftentimes, buyers will attend an auction with people that may not be qualified to make a purchase, so it is important for a seller to speak to the right person when discussing potential sales. If direct exposure to the decision maker is difficult to get, it may be a good idea to walk away and focus on other potential buyers.

At the end of the day, if you can find a timely buyer with a worthwhile budget and authority to make purchases, then you have found a good match! Always remember to use your best judgement and invest your time and energy wisely.

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it headache-free and as enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we’re listening!

How To Bid At A Construction Equipment Auction

Bidding at a construction equipment auction may seem easy, but there are many factors that come into play when there is used heavy equipment for sale. A bid usually placed with an easy gesture like a nod, the wave of your hand or through a proxy. Before you head to an Alex Lyon & Son auction, consider some of the following tips and tricks to know about the bidding process.

Maintain Eye Contact

One thing that is very important at a live auction is keeping eye contact with the auctioneer. Try to keep the attention of the auctioneer if you are interested in the item and stay where they can easily spot you in the crowd. This way, as soon as you are ready to place a bid, the auctioneer is aware of your presence and will easily be able to identify and acknowledge your bid.

Build A Connection

After making an initial connection with the auctioneer, it is important to maintain that relationship moving forward. Communication between the two of you will build a friendly rapport, and eventually you will be able to place a bid with a simple hand gesture or head nod. This is because an auctioneer is more likely to stay engaged with bidders who have already made previous purchases. Take advantage of this to win any bidding wars on items that you really want.

Bid At The Right Moment

A lot of people struggle with when to jump in with their bid during an auction. Placing an offer too early or too late could narrow your chances of winning significantly. Generally, the best time to make an initial offer is about midway through bidding because it allows the adequate amount of time to decide if you want to quit or continue pursuing an item based on the current bidding price. If you are still on the fence about an item, do not enter bidding at the beginning, especially if there are a lot of other people interested in that item.

Know When To Quit

It is common to feel a bit of pressure to continue bidding on an item when an auctioneer is looking to you to keep raising the price. If you have reached your maximum budget, gracefully drop out of the bid. If an auctioneer continues to go higher and you are done bidding, give them a signal like shaking your head “no” or some other gesture indicating that you are no longer interested in bidding on that item.

Stay On Your Feet

In many auction settings, a quick decision must be made on the spot regarding many items. Bidding can move very quickly and if you are not on the top of your game, you could miss the deal of a lifetime. Making a list of all of the items you are interested in and what you are willing to pay for them ahead of time is always a good idea. An auction will not stop for you to calculate your budget, so keep your head in the game to get the best deal possible.

If you plan on bidding on heavy machinery for sale, you should use these steps to make the most of your auction experience.

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it headache-free and as enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we’re listening!

Expansion To Canada

Alex Lyon & Son Auctioneers is proud to announce that we are now conducting live heavy equipment auctions in Canada! After first expanding from the United States to Mexico, Lyon Auctions has now extended with the goal of covering the market throughout the entire North American continent. We are now coordinating auctions in Québec as well as eastern and northeastern Ontario.

Our president and CEO, Jack Lyon, has hired Joël Gauthier to act as Executive Vice President for Alex Lyon & Son’s Canadian counterpart and Charles Gauthier (shown) as Vice President of Operations.

Jack Lyon told Equipment Journal, “I am very pleased and honored to announce the completion of a partnership with members of the Gauthier family. Canada is an important and mature market for construction and transportation equipment. By joining the expertise of Alex Lyon & Son with the abilities and network of Mr. Joël and Mr. Charles Gauthier, I am convinced that they will offer a credible and reliable alternative to the industry owners and operators who want to sell their surplus or remarket their pieces of equipment.”

Joël and Charles Gauthier used to be a part of Gauthier Auctions Inc. They also founded Forke The Auctioneer Canada Inc. The Gauthier family has been operating auctions throughout Canada for 30 years and have become well respected in their community. We are proud to have them as a part of our team!

Alex Lyon & Son Auctioneers will be having a complete liquidation sale in Montreal, Canada on April 24, 2018! This auction will mark an important milestone in our development journey to the Canadian market. Our move North is permanent and plan to auction off heavy equipment at many auctions in the future.

Our plan is to continue expanding operations into Ontario and the Maritimes by the end of this year, and into western Canada by the end of next year. For more information on upcoming auctions, visit our auction calendar.

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it headache-free and as enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we’re listening!

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Lyon Auction will be hosting a live auction of large construction equipment just West of Atlantic City, New Jersey on Thursday, April 5th, 2017! The auction will be located at 4501 Leipzig Ave., Mays Landing, New Jersey 08330.

As always, this sale will include all of the finest equipment and trucks found in the northeast! If you are looking to add some large construction equipment to your fleet, this is the auction for you!

We will be auctioning a variety of equipment from brands such as John Deere, Doosan, Kubota, Bobcat, and more! You can expect to see everything from dump trucks to cement mixers, office trailers to walking floor trailers. For a comprehensive list of what will be included in this auction, click here.

Mays Landing, New Jersey is a short 16 miles west of Atlantic City, New Jersey. If you are looking for a nearby hotel, check out The Inn at Sugar Hill, Homewood Suites by Hilton Atlantic City, or the Days Inn Hotel Egg Harbor Township. Currently, the forecasted temperatures will be in the mid-40s and partly cloudy.

If you are looking to spend some time in Mays Landing after the auction, there is a great variety of restaurants to explore. The Ye Olde Mill Street Pub offers up great burgers, excellent prime rib, and an amazing beer selection. It’s definitely worth checking out.

If Atlantic City is your desired destination, you can hit up one of the many casinos or famous landmarks. Atlantic City was home to the first boardwalk in the United States, which was constructed in 1870. The structure was originally 8 feet wide and 1 mile long and had to be taken down each winter.

If this is your first time buying large construction equipment at auction, we have a few helpful tips for you! We want you to get the most out of your purchase!

Purchasing a more popular brand of equipment makes for an easier time purchasing replacement parts, if necessary.
Identify the year the equipment was manufactured. Factory warranties might still be in place if the machine is relatively new. This can save you big money in the long run!
Listen to the engine of the machine you’re looking to bid on. If you hear strange noises or notice any fluid leaking, these could be red flags.
Pay special attention to the service life of the auction item. Ask if the equipment was used regularly or if it ever sat idle for a long period of time. ever be afraid to ask to see the machine used in action.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, April 5th, just west of Atlantic City!

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it headache-free and as enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we’re listening!

Heavy Equipment Selling Tips

Making top dollar off of your used heavy equipment is vital as your business transitions out old equipment and upgrades to newer equipment. But, it’s not all about the benjamins. When selling heavy machinery or construction equipment at auction, there’s a few things you need to have prepared.

Know The Worth Of Your Items

Although you may know some details or the purchase price of your equipment, you may not know how much it has depreciated. It is important to price items fairly if you want to bring in buyers with serious offers. Do your research and find the most recent information that you can on similar pieces of equipment.

Knowing this information will give you an estimate of the depreciation value and how you should be pricing it. Keep a bottom line of what you will accept for each item and don’t forget to negotiate fairly.

Give Your Buyers Details

It is extremely important to provide your buyers with as many details as you can find for the heavy equipment up for auction. Sellers should always provide a complete history about the machinery and as many pictures as possible. Make sure to document any issues and repairs with the equipment so that the buyer will know before they make a purchase. Let your buyers try out the equipment beforehand as well.

Build A Relationship

Establishing a trusting relationship with all of your potential buyers will go a long way. Building a strong rapport will benefit both parties because if the buyer needs another piece of machinery down the road, they will know who to turn to. Having an ally in the auction world will lead to even more connections and potential sales in the future.

Ask A Professional

Selling heavy equipment can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Talk to the professionals at Alex Lyon & Son to guide you in the right direction. Our experience and expertise will help you succeed.

Further questions about selling heavy equipment at auction? Feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns!

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What makes a Lyon Auction unique is that all of the equipment is in the same location. Companies are able to liquidate a large fleet of vehicles in a single auction. Lyon Auction is able to help well-known companies from the conception to the conclusion of the auction. This makes it headache-free and as enjoyable as possible for both the seller and buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we’re listening!