Used Snap-on PolarTek A/C Machine- worth buying?

[GON]

Came across a used Snap-on PolarTek A/C Machine. Wondering if this machine is worth buying for home use? Asking price $3,000 USD.

 

[D60]

I think approximate age might matter?

I've always wondered how reliable the electronics are in these. Presumably SnapOn wouldn't be likely to drop the ball here or they'd have a lot of upset shop owners.

 

[Chris142]

Snap on does not make the internal parts. I believe robinair does. Robinair quality is all over the map. Some units are great sand others are nothing but trouble.

Depending on how many cars you plan on servicing it might be a good deal for you. It uses the 30 Lb cylinders and those are regulated here in California.

Gotta have a business license to buy one.

 

[supton]

This would be for servicing auto and home a/c, right?

Can you identify a payback period? I'm not sure what car a/c repair costs, but it seems random. House a/c is probably the same. But still, how many repairs would you have to do to break even?

 

[D60]

This would be for servicing auto and home a/c, right?

Can you identify a payback period? I'm not sure what car a/c repair costs, but it seems random. House a/c is probably the same. But still, how many repairs would you have to do to break even?

Meh, I think like me @GON is mostly unconcerned with payback in dollars. If you use it ONCE and it saves dealing with incompetent morons, it paid for itself right there.

 

[supton]

Meh, I think like me @GON is mostly unconcerned with payback in dollars. If you use it ONCE and it saves dealing with incompetent morons, it paid for itself right there.

Fair enough point. That has value in it right there. For me, I'd probably weigh in having learn the machine and all the details of doing the job right, as that would have a cost too.

 

[GON]

I think approximate age might matter?

I've always wondered how reliable the electronics are in these. Presumably SnapOn wouldn't be likely to drop the ball here or they'd have a lot of upset shop owners.

Appears to be manufactured in 2019.

I have been watching videos of different machines on youtube, I am starting to wonder of the newest machines have technology that makes using the machine easier than older dated machines.

This is the machine that is for sale on Facebook for $3,000 USD.

 

[Donald]

Meh, I think like me @GON is mostly unconcerned with payback in dollars. If you use it ONCE and it saves dealing with incompetent morons, it paid for itself right there.

I think there is more to servicing your car's A/C than just buying a A/C service machine. There is training and other tools needed.

It takes up space. Most car A/C system work without any need for service for many years assuming no accidents. If the A/C needs service then probably something has leaked and that needs to be repaired before using the machine.

 

[GON]

I think there is more to servicing your car's A/C than just buying a A/C service machine. There is training and other tools needed.

It takes up space. Most car A/C system work without any need for service for many years assuming no accidents. If the A/C needs service then probably something has leaked and that needs to be repaired before using the machine.

Challenge I have is finding competent technicians to work on vehicles, and this also goes for working on vehicle AC systems.

The late model AC machines are reportedly very efficient, effective, and seamless in servicing automotive AC systems. I have watched numerous videos, and feel capable of doing vehicle AC service, especially with the aide of one of these machines.

I just made a $2500 USD offer on a 2023 built Robinair 34788NI. A Seller has one and states it was used just for vacuum testing in a lab.

Additionally, this one of many videos available that discuss the operations of this machine. Looks easy to use for someone who takes the time to get educated prior to use of the machine: