Introduction
A new circular knitting machine from a Chinese manufacturer costs $12,000-$70,000 depending on specifications. A used or refurbished machine can cost 40-60% less — but the savings come with risks that aren’t always obvious from a listing photo. This guide compares new vs used circular knitting machines across every cost dimension: purchase price, hidden repairs, downtime, production quality, and total cost of ownership over 10 years.
Price Comparison: New vs Used
New Machine Pricing (2026 FOB China)
| Machine Type | New Price (FOB) | Typical Used Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Jersey 30″ 20G | $12,000-$18,000 | $5,000-$9,000 | 40-55% |
| Single Jersey 34″ 24G | $15,000-$22,000 | $7,000-$12,000 | 40-50% |
| Rib/Interlock 30″ 18G | $18,000-$28,000 | $8,000-$15,000 | 40-50% |
| Double Jersey 34″ 20G | $25,000-$40,000 | $12,000-$22,000 | 40-50% |
| Jacquard 30″ 24G | $30,000-$50,000 | $14,000-$28,000 | 40-50% |
For detailed new machine pricing, see our Circular Knitting Machine Price Guide 2026. If you’re considering a used machine, also read our guide on How to Source Circular Knitting Machines from China for supplier verification tips.
What “Refurbished” Actually Means
The term “refurbished” is used loosely in the textile machinery market. It can mean anything from a basic cosmetic cleanup to a complete factory overhaul. Before buying, ask the seller specifically what was done:
- Cosmetic refurbishment: Cleaning, repainting, new belts. Cost: $500-$2,000. Value: minimal.
- Mechanical refurbishment: New bearings, needle bed re-grinding, cam replacement. Cost: $3,000-$8,000. Value: significant.
- Full factory overhaul: Complete disassembly, replacement of all wear parts, re-calibration to factory specs. Cost: $10,000-$20,000. Value: near-new condition.
A truly factory-refurbished machine from the original manufacturer is the safest used option — but it costs 60-70% of new, narrowing the savings significantly.
Hidden Costs of Buying Used
The purchase price is only part of the total cost. Factor in these hidden expenses:
Inspection and Verification
Before committing to a used machine purchase, budget for:
- Third-party inspection: $300-$500 (SGS, Bureau Veritas, or local textile machinery inspector)
- Test run with your yarn: If possible, visit the seller’s facility and run your actual production yarn. Cost: travel time and expenses.
- Documentation review: Request maintenance logs, spare parts records, and any overhaul documentation.
Transportation and Installation
Used machines often don’t come with the same packaging and logistics support as new ones:
- Shipping: Similar to new machines ($1,500-$5,500 depending on destination), but used machines may require custom crating ($500-$1,500 extra).
- Installation: $2,000-$5,000 (same as new), but may require additional technician time if documentation is missing.
- Initial spare parts kit: $1,000-$2,000 (recommend replacing all wear parts immediately upon installation).
Repairs and Adjustments
Even a well-maintained used machine will likely need some work:
- Immediate repairs: Budget 5-15% of the purchase price for parts and labor in the first 3 months.
- Calibration: $500-$1,500 for professional calibration to your production specifications.
- Software/firmware updates: If the machine has electronic controls, updates may cost $200-$1,000.
Downtime Costs
A used machine may have more frequent breakdowns, especially in the first year:
- Expected downtime (used): 5-15% of operating hours in year 1, improving to 3-8% by year 3
- Expected downtime (new): 2-5% of operating hours
- Cost of downtime: $5-$15/hour in lost production margin per machine
Over 10 years, the additional downtime cost of a used machine can range from $10,000-$40,000 depending on utilization and maintenance quality.
When Buying Used Makes Sense
Despite the risks, buying used can be the right choice in several situations:
Scenario 1: Startup Factory with Limited Capital
If you’re setting up a new textile factory and need 5-10 machines, buying used can reduce your initial investment by $50,000-$150,000. This capital can be redirected to working capital, raw materials, or marketing.
Recommendation: Buy 2-3 new machines for your core production line and supplement with used machines for secondary products. This gives you reliability where it matters most.
Scenario 2: Backup or Secondary Production
If you already have primary production machines and need a backup or a machine for a specific product type, a used machine makes economic sense. The lower utilization means downtime is less costly.
Recommendation: Look for machines from factories that are upgrading or closing. These machines often have good maintenance histories and are priced to sell quickly.
Scenario 3: Short-Term Production Need
If you need a machine for a specific order or seasonal production (6-18 months), buying used and reselling it afterward can be cheaper than the depreciation on a new machine.
Recommendation: Buy a popular model that will be easy to resell. Single jersey machines in standard gauges (20G, 24G) have the best resale market.
When to Buy New
A new machine is the better choice when:
- You need guaranteed uptime for high-volume production
- You’re producing technical fabrics that require precise machine tolerances
- You want a warranty (typically 1-2 years from the manufacturer)
- You need the latest technology (energy efficiency, automation, IoT connectivity)
- You don’t have in-house maintenance expertise to handle used machine issues
Inspection Checklist for Used Machines
If you decide to buy used, this checklist covers the critical inspection points:
Mechanical Inspection
- [ ] Cylinder and needle bed: Check for scoring, wear patterns, and needle slot damage
- [ ] Cam system: Inspect cam profiles for wear, chips, or cracks
- [ ] Feed system: Verify all feeders operate smoothly and timing is correct
- [ ] Take-down system: Check fabric take-down rollers and tension consistency
- [ ] Bearings: Listen for grinding or excessive play in main bearings
Electrical Inspection
- [ ] Control panel: Verify all buttons, displays, and error codes function correctly
- [ ] Motor: Check for overheating, unusual noise, or vibration
- [ ] Sensors: Test all safety sensors and stop-motion detectors
- [ ] Wiring: Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or signs of overheating
Production Test
- [ ] Run with your yarn: Produce at least 100kg of your target fabric
- [ ] Check fabric quality: Look for bars, dropped stitches, or uneven tension
- [ ] Measure production speed: Compare to manufacturer’s rated speed
- [ ] Check energy consumption: Compare to specifications (excessive consumption indicates wear)
Total Cost of Ownership: 10-Year Comparison
| Cost Component | New Machine ($20,000) | Used Machine ($10,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| Shipping + installation | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Initial repairs/spare parts | $500 | $3,000 |
| Annual maintenance (avg) | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Downtime cost (annual) | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Energy (annual) | $3,000 | $3,500 |
| 10-year total | $78,000 | $101,000 |
In this scenario, the used machine actually costs more over 10 years due to higher maintenance and downtime costs. The break-even point is typically 3-4 years — if you plan to use the machine for less than that, used is cheaper. For longer-term production, new is usually the better investment.
For a complete TCO framework, see our Circular Knitting Machine TCO Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best age for a used circular knitting machine?
3-7 years old is the sweet spot. The machine has depreciated significantly but hasn’t yet reached the age where major overhauls are needed. Avoid machines older than 15 years unless they’ve been factory-refurbished.
Should I buy from a dealer or directly from a factory?
Dealers often provide warranties and can handle logistics, but they add 10-20% to the price. Buying directly from a factory that’s upgrading equipment can give you the best price, but you’ll need to handle inspection and logistics yourself.
How do I verify a machine’s production history?
Ask for the machine’s hour meter reading (if equipped), maintenance logs, and production records. Some modern machines have built-in production counters. For older machines, ask the seller about the factory’s production volume and product types.
Is it worth buying a used jacquard machine?
Jacquard machines are more complex and have more wear points. Unless the machine has been factory-refurbished or you have a jacquard technician on staff, the risk is higher than with single jersey machines. Budget an additional $5,000-$10,000 for potential repairs.
References
- Dataintelo — Circular Knitting Machine Market Research Report 2034 — Market size and growth projections for circular knitting machines
- Mordor Intelligence — Circular Knitting Machine Market 2026-2031 — Market analysis and manufacturer landscape
- Intel Market Research — Knitting Circular Knitting Machine Market Outlook 2026-2034 — Market size $1.85B in 2025, projected $3.12B by 2034
- Yuanda — Understanding the Crucial Role of Cams in Circular Knitting Machines — Technical reference on cam system components and wear patterns
- Fabrico — Best Maintenance Software for Knitting Machines 2026 — Modern approaches to machine maintenance monitoring