Would you buy 2nd hand clippers?

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chaps89

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As title really. Come to the conclusion investing in a pair might not be a bad idea, but likely to go for the lister liberty's which don't seem to be the cheapest so looking for a 2nd hand pair. Anything I need to consider if I go for 2nd hand?
 
I bought a pair of Liveryman Mustangs second hand about 15 years ago and they are still going strong. They must be ancient cos they looked old then! Not the most pleasant to use but they are workhorses. Total bargain.

If you can try them out then that would be a bonus. Ask if they've been serviced regularly and be prepared to sacrifice any blades that come with them (though I was mega lucky and got 2 good sets with mine). I'd be inclined to get them serviced again just to make sure there is nothing iffy so build that into your total price when you are looking.

ETA I bought some cordless clippers 2nd hand 2 years ago and did the above ^^ the blades they came with were knackered even after sharpening but the clippers themselves are great. I'd happily buy second hand again :)
 
I bought mine off the local 'clipper man' they were a bargain. He has various ones that people have traded in or he has bought because they are broken, he doesn't actively sell them as he is always too busy but if you ask he will find you a set, fix them, service them and sell them to you
 
I bought a second hand pair of I dont know what brand !There are no markings, labels on at all. Had them 7 years now, sent them to have a service once. Think they may be Lister but VERY heavy duty, need to be to do cobs bog brush legs !
 
I bought an ancient set of Lister's from a neighbouring farmer who used them on his show cows over 20 years ago. They are still going strong, albeit a bit rickety. I keep thinking this is going to be their last season but they have not let me down yet. I am pretty sure they will end up in a museum one day!
 
Biggest problem with Liberty is knackered batteries, they are very prone to the batteries failing,especially if left flat for long periods. Machine itself is normally pretty good, little plug often breaks or lead will break internally just where it goes into the plug. They are still one the best re chargeable machines though.
 
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I got 2nd hand Liveryman clippers off eBay 3 years ago. I hog all year round and clip twice in winter. So far, so good! More than got my money's worth but can't seen them giving up just yet.
 
TheEngineer said:
Biggest problem with Liberty is knackered batteries, they are very prone to the batteries failing,especially if left flat for long periods. Machine itself is normally pretty good, little plug often breaks or lead will break internally just where it goes into the plug. They are still one the best re chargeable machines though.
Click to expand...

My battery is fine but the machine has been to two companies AND lister themselves and they have not fixed it. It started going wrong just out of warranty.
 
Thanks all, that's really helpful. And nice to know they should last a long time too!
I like the liberty's because they're quiet and quite small, other clippers I've used I've found big and bulky, as well as really loud, but I am open to other suggestions :) the ones I've borrowed off my friend, the battery pack has given up the ghost but to be fair, the top pin of the chargers snapped off and they are many years old with lots of use. Interesting others haven't had the same experience.
Out of interest, how much is slipper servicing, how often should it be done? And blades, how much for re-sharpening, how often/many clips can you get from a set of blades, and how often/how much for a replacement set? Please!
(apologies for all the ignorant questions, I've never had to clip until I got this pony and have begged and borrowed clippers until now but there's a limit as to how often one should take advantage of friends generosity, even if you are supplying wine or chocolates as a thankyou!)
 
1) the battery pack has given up the ghost but to be fair, the top pin of the chargers snapped off (Common occurence, the top pin is not connected to anything,i know its a bitch to get in a plug socket,but the top pin is just a plastic dummy peg)

Out of interest, how much is slipper servicing, (on average about £30 is a fair price,plus the cost of any parts. It is worth doing every season at the start before it gets busy, always get a new tension pin spring and nut on listers they cause lots of problems). Other tip with Liberty is always put them away fully charged, then if left for a long time it pays to run them down then fully re charge before use.

And blades, how much for re-sharpening, how often/many clips can you get from a set of blades, and how often/how much for a replacement set? Please! With Lister blades, make doubly sure whoever sharpens them Laps them correctly on a lapping machine. The rubbing faces will look grey. Grinding takes of too much metal and screws up your blades. On clean well groomed horses maybe 2 to 3 clips. Hit dirt or use no oil or the wrong oil,half a horse and they are blunt. Correct tension,good oil and proper sharpening pays dividends.
 
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