ASPHALT ANSWERS
Demos are a popular way to make a decision
on equipment late in the season.
Are You
Buying or
Being Sold?
W
here did 2019 go? Seems as if
we were just getting the year
started and now in many re-
gions, plants are shutting down.
From most accounts, it was a busy year.
Many states passed infrastructure bills
which kept everyone working in their
own specialty. To that end, it’s certainly
time to start looking at purchases for
year-end tax deductions. Section 179
was further expanded this year and now
is the time to consider investments for
accelerated depreciation. This month,
let’s look at some of the pitfalls of shop-
www.callape.com
ping for new or used equipment. You
are sure to be bombarded with oppor-
tunities to purchase machinery, but let’s
take a step back and educate ourselves
as to what make sense to you. It’s your
investment, right? Let’s make sure your
money works for you instead of just lin-
ing someone else’s pocket.
Look backwards and forwards.
How was your year? Did you accom-
plish the goals you set last January?
Great, so what about 2020? Now is the
time to aim for where you want to be
in 2021. With that in mind, what kind
[26]
BRIAN HALL
of equipment will you be looking at for
next season. Did you find yourself in
a bind when it came to tack distribu-
tion? Could you use a milling machine
or attachment? Some contractors are
considering putting on a second or
third crew. Whatever the case, now is
the time to focus on moving forward at
the pace you are comfortable with. Re-
member, slow and steady wins the race.
Beware of buying what’s on the
lot. Good dealers have quite an as-
sortment of machines with different
options ready on their yard. But make
1.800.210.5923