commercial floor buffers

I just picked up 8 commercial floor buffers at a yard sale. Talk about a unusual find. Walked out the door for 80 bucks. All were electric except one that had a 12.5 kohler propane engine.

Anyone ever scrap one or have tips? I know I can sell the propane engine easily, but doubt the elctric ones worth anything. All beat up and rusty.



I even thought about imitating a youtube video and hopping on one, to go for a ride. Peace my brothers.

If you can get the motor out do that, sell the rest as dirty alum, unless there are other easy to remove alum parts! Good find

Those electric motors are normally high wattage, high power units.
Look for the one or two capacitors, and the nameplate attached for the actual wattage.
The capacitors are used for starting as they need a high starting current.
Normally (here in NZ) they are 1500 - 2200 watts. (2 - 2.5 HP)

Would you even make your money back scrapping them?

I grabbed the propane powered one for 20 bucks. The others were a after thought. I was more interested in the propane one, because a off gridder or solar power guy would love it for a genny or water pump even know its a vertical shaft.

Now I am second guessing myself. I was just cruising ebay and apperantly the propane powered one is selling for700 untested with shipping included on ebay. The others not so much. So I think I did alright.

I dont really scrap, I buy things to flip. I was thinking of pulling the engine. Then when I was walking out the door the guy asked if I wanted the rest. I only had another 60 bucks on me, so thats what I offered. Score, mine lol. I only try to pull a 100 or 200 out of the bank when yard sale cruising to limit myself. I only really wanted the propane one.

I think in weight after I called the yard for pricing, I think I will double my money without even stripping the rest. I think they are 150-200 lbs a piece. And as I said I only really wanted the propae, the rest was a bonus.

Yep i would try selling for parts. $80 is a lot for those unless resale. Scrap value most likely won't line up. Good luck. Hope to see some pics

Well sold 2 within 48 hours for 160 bucks. Was shooting for 200, but guy tough negotiater. And they worked perfectly ducky. Have another guy interested in the propane one at a g. I tested it with ether and it runs. But it takes a special tank similar to a forklift tank or a adapter to use a barbecue tank. Apparently the propane one is 4 grand new.

So got like 4 left at this point. I love picking. No money in scrap unless you have commerical accounts, but lots of money in picking. Yes siree....love turning 80 bucks in 1500 in a week or less tax free.