Inspecting Used Wine Bottling Equipment: Buyer's Checklist
A field-tested checklist for wineries and beverage producers evaluating second-hand wine bottling lines before purchase. Use it during your on-site inspection or factory acceptance test.
1. Documentation and machine history
- Original manufacturer manual, electrical schematics and pneumatic diagrams.
- Maintenance log: hours of operation, format changes, replaced parts.
- CE declaration of conformity and last safety inspection report.
- Reasons for resale (upgrade, closure, downsizing) — ask explicitly.
2. Stainless steel and product contact surfaces
- Confirm AISI 304 minimum, AISI 316L for tanks, valves and filling tubes in contact with wine.
- Inspect welds for pitting, corrosion or rouging — a sign of poor CIP cycles.
- Check tank insulation, manholes and gaskets (FDA / EC 1935/2004 food-grade).
- Verify drainage slope: standing wine residues mean cleanability problems.
3. Filler (isobaric / vacuum / gravity)
- Count filling valves and verify they match the declared nominal speed (bph).
- Test vacuum pump performance and seal integrity on each valve.
- Inspect lifting cylinders, centering bells and bottle supports for wear.
- Confirm inert gas (N₂ / CO₂) injection works and pressure is stable.
- Request a wet test with water at full speed before shipment.
4. Corker, screw capper and crown capper
- Check jaws / pliers of natural cork heads for wear — replacement sets are costly.
- On screw cappers, verify the magnetic clutch torque and roller condition.
- Test vacuum on the cork insertion station to prevent reduction risk.
- Confirm change-over parts for every bottle and closure format you produce.
5. Labeller and capsuler
- Identify the technology: self-adhesive, cold glue or hot melt — each has different running costs.
- Inspect mechanical cams, label drums and pads for grooves or play.
- Verify orientation systems (notch, vision, embossing) work at line speed.
- For capsulers, test thermal heads or brushes on your specific capsule type.
6. Conveyors, infeed and accumulation
- Check chain wear, guide rails and lubrication systems.
- Test depalletiser / unscrambler for the bottle shapes you produce.
- Confirm photocells, encoders and emergency stops respond correctly.
7. PLC, HMI and electrical compatibility
- Note PLC brand and model (Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley, Omron): spare parts availability varies.
- Check HMI language packs and PIN access to recipes.
- Verify supply voltage and frequency (400V / 50Hz vs 480V / 60Hz) match your plant.
- Inspect cabinet wiring, contactors and inverters for overheating signs.
- Ask whether the software source code and backups are included in the sale.
8. Utilities and consumption
- Compressed air: required pressure, flow (Nl/min) and dryness class.
- Steam or hot water for sterilisation and CIP cycles.
- Electrical absorption (kW) of the complete line at nominal speed.
9. Dismantling, transport and reinstallation
- Agree in writing who handles dismantling, marking and crating.
- Photograph the layout and label every cable, pipe and connector before removal.
- Plan transport: complete bottling lines often need 2–4 standard trucks or 40' containers.
- Budget reinstallation, recommissioning and operator training.
10. Contract and warranty checklist
- Inspection clause and acceptance test (FAT) before final payment.
- List of included change-parts, spare parts and consumables.
- Warranty terms on used equipment (typically 3–6 months on mechanics).
- Incoterms (EXW, FCA, CIP) and payment milestones.
Need help inspecting a specific machine?
Our sales team can support you with technical evaluation, dismantling, transport and reinstallation of used wine bottling equipment.