Checklist for potential buyers

The following is a summary of the main points to be considered when selecting the most suitable block press:

· Available financial resources (budget restraints can limit the choice considerably).

· Required quality of blocks (small low-cost houses do not need highly compacted blocks, harsh climates may need stronger blocks).

· Required prod action rate (the choice can be several less efficient presses, or a few high-output machines).

· Weight and mobility of machine (the presses may have to be moved frequency from site to site).

· Available energy sources (not only the costs must be considered, but also the frequency of power failures and supply shortages of diesel, petrol, etc.).

· Availability of spares and skilled technicians for maintenance and repairs (machines with standardized parts create less problems).

· Versatility of machine (presses with interchangeable moulds for a variety of products can bring about considerable savings).

· Operational safety (for this, several demonstrations of use, especially with unskilled workers, should be seen).

· References (contacts with users of the machine should be made whenever possible).

· Conditions of purchase (since machines with similar outputs are available, comparisons of prices, discounts for large orders, delivery time, etc. are urgently recommanded

· After sales services (not only should the manufacturers be fair enough to rectify defects of their machines by providing technical assistance or supplying spare parts at minimum or no-cost; users should also take the trouble to send accounts of their experiences and suggestions for improvements to the manufacturers, for without this feed back no effective development is possible).

Final Advice

The quality of the soil used is more important than the quaky of the press. In other words, a good soil in a poor press can give better results than a poor soil in a good press.