In today’s demolition and construction environment, every purchasing decision affects a company’s bottom line. Equipment budgets are under closer scrutiny than ever, and contractors are expected to deliver more work in less time without compromising safety or performance. When it comes to excavator attachments such as selector grabs, the question is no longer what to buy, but how to invest wisely.
Should you buy new, hire when required, or opt for a refurbished model? Each option has clear advantages depending on project volume, equipment usage and financial strategy. This guide examines the differences to help contractors make informed decisions and keep fleets efficient and profitable.
Purchasing new attachments is often the right choice for contractors with steady workloads, long-term projects and high equipment utilisation. A new selector grab offers full manufacturer warranty, predictable performance and the assurance of modern hydraulic and structural engineering.
While the upfront cost is higher, owning a new selector grab ensures consistency, strong resale value and uninterrupted availability. With TocDem’s after-sales support, buyers also benefit from servicing, recalibration and spare-part supply throughout the product’s working life.
Hiring provides flexibility and financial control, particularly for contractors managing multiple sites or variable project sizes. With access to TocDem’s large UK hire fleet, operators can select the right grab for each job without a long-term investment.
Hire costs can add up over time if usage becomes frequent. Contractors using the same equipment for more than 60% of working days often find ownership or refurbishment more cost-effective. TocDem’s team can assist in comparing hire and purchase costs to determine the most economical solution.
Refurbished selector grabs bridge the gap between buying new and hiring. TocDem’s refurbishment process ensures each unit is disassembled, inspected, rebuilt and pressure-tested before sale. This provides an opportunity to own a fully functional attachment at a lower cost while maintaining professional reliability.
Quality depends on the refurbishment process. TocDem’s engineering team, with more than 100 years of combined experience, ensures that every refurbished selector grab performs as expected. Buying from a verified source removes the uncertainty of private second-hand sales.
A practical approach is to evaluate each option using total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes purchase or hire cost, servicing, downtime and resale value.
| Option | Upfront Cost | Maintenance | Flexibility | Long-Term Value | Ideal For |
| Buy New | High | Low | Medium | Excellent | High-utilisation fleets |
| Hire | Low | None | High | Low | Short-term or variable work |
| Refurbished | Medium | Low | Medium | Good | Growing contractors on a budget |
TocDem can provide tailored cost comparisons to help businesses decide based on workload, fleet size and operating hours.
Before choosing how to acquire equipment, it is essential to ensure the attachment matches the carrier and the task. TocDem’s TGR Selector Grab range covers excavators from 0.8 to 55 tonnes, providing efficient handling across demolition, recycling and material-sorting applications.
Checklist for Fleet Managers
TocDem’s technical team provides this assessment with every sale or hire, ensuring the right attachment is supplied from the outset.
The difference between a one-time transaction and a long-term partnership lies in after-sales service. TocDem customers benefit from:
This complete support structure provides peace of mind and protects the value of each investment over time.
Contractors often begin by hiring attachments, then transition to ownership once consistent demand is established. Indicators that it may be time to buy include:
TocDem can review hire records and recommend a transition plan, including trade-in or discounted purchase options for frequent users.
A demolition contractor operating across northern England hired selector grabs from TocDem for three consecutive projects. By the fourth project, hire costs had exceeded the value of a refurbished grab. The contractor purchased a refurbished TGR model and recovered the investment within six months through reduced hire expenditure.
This approach is becoming common across the UK. A balanced mix of purchased, hired and refurbished attachments allows contractors to stay competitive while managing cash flow effectively.
Whether buying, hiring or investing in refurbished equipment, the goal remains the same: reliable performance, minimal downtime and long-term value. The right decision depends on project volume, cash flow and strategic priorities.
TocDem supports all three routes. With a large hire fleet, refurbished stock and new TGR Selector Grabs available, contractors can choose the solution that best fits their operational goals. Backed by comprehensive after-sales support and engineering expertise, TocDem ensures every attachment delivers the power, precision and durability expected from a professional demolition and utility tool.
For advice on the most cost-effective option for your next project, contact the TocDem team at TocDem.com or call +44 7415 838322
