[TowerTalk] HDX 72' Tower

[Michael Goins]

We could talk if you were closer to Texas. Freight is a killer.

Michael Goins, k5wmg
Pipe Creek, Texas
Fast cars, slow boats, big dogs, and summers off to write




On Sat, Jan 30, 2010 at 6:30 PM, Mike <noddy1211 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>  I have an MA-40 tubular tower I would like to see the back of, complete
> with tilt over and bottom mount rotator fixture.
>
> Nobody is ever interested, but I am in Norcal, so maybe that's the reason.
>
> Mike, K6BR
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Normoyle
>
>
> I've bought 3 used towers. (hmm.. actually 4 but I sold one)
> All involve labor and materials to bring them up to snuff.
> power wire brushing, pressure wash, phosphoric acid wash before cold
> galvanizing paint, replacement of most bolts, refurb of pulleys (usually
> bearings are shot), new cables, usually new winch. New anchor bolts or
> base. new a325 bolts to attach to base.
> I've had a rotor plate made for one.
>
> If you're dealing with used towers, I think you really want to have
> cable crimp tools and be comfortable with your skills and knowledge in
> that area.
>
> While possible, it's rare to find a tower that you can install as if you
> just bought it new.
> I usually rent a truck for the heavy 72' towers, so there's moving costs.
> I'd say on average you've got $1000 of materials and labor before you
> can use any used tower.
>
> Unless someone's selling a used tower that's only been up <5 years, I
> can't see them being worth more than $1000. Unless you just throw it up
> "as is" and don't care about any issues.
>
> Heck I sold one 52' tower that a bought but didn't use, and delivered it
> for free just to make it easy to find someone to sell it too. It was the
> best condition one I got.
>
> That all said, it's kind of cool using the old stuff, has a "being
> green" feel. And yeah it's cheaper, but not everyone can deal with the
> issues.
> Sellers are free to try to do whatever they like, but there's a reason
> they are sometimes hard to get rid of...it can be a hassle dealing with old.
>
> Also, there are some design issues with some of the older crankups. And
> if people say there's an electric motor, it's usually worthless, but not
> in their minds.
>
> I can't see paying more than $1000 for a 72' used crankup.  Yeah I'm
> saving money, but on the other hand, regardless of what the seller might
> think, the reality is there aren't many customers who want to deal with
> the issues. If there were, they wouldn't sell cheap!
>
> Maybe the CA towers selling used are typically older. If East Coast used
> towers are just 5-10 years old, that could explain it. Some of the used
> towers here have been through more than one previous owner.
>
> -kevin
>
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