Buying a milk cooler is one of the bigger investments on a dairy farm. New or used — both options make sense, depending on your budget, expectations and time horizon. Below are the key differences worth considering.
New cooler — full control and the latest technology
A new cooler comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, no operating history, and the ability to tailor the configuration — capacity, automation, washing system or optional heat recovery — exactly to your farm’s needs. It also usually means higher energy efficiency compared to older designs, which matters more and more as energy prices rise.
Used cooler — lower entry cost
A well-selected used cooler, after a technical inspection and any necessary refurbishment, can still run reliably for many years — usually at a significantly lower cost than a new unit. This is a sensible option for farms starting out, scaling up in a big step, or looking for a temporary solution.
What to check on a used unit
- Condition of the insulation and the tank jacket’s tightness
- Efficiency of the refrigeration unit and tightness of the refrigerant circuit
- Condition of the agitator and seals
- Service history, if available
- Whether the capacity matches your farm’s current and planned needs
Refurbishment as a third path
At Margo, we also refurbish coolers — after our inspection and any replacement of worn parts, the unit goes on sale with a genuine performance warranty, at a price significantly lower than new equipment. This solution combines the advantages of both worlds.
Browse our full range of coolers — new and used — or get in touch directly if you need help choosing.