What to Know Before Buying a Used or Refurbished Roller Table
A quick, honest guide for chiropractors comparing new vs. pre-owned Spinalator-style tables.
Many clinics consider used or “refurbished” roller tables to save money.
But most pre-owned Spinalators are 20–25+ years old, heavily worn, and missing key safety features.
This guide explains:
• What’s risky about older units
• Why “refurbished” usually means cleaned, not rebuilt
• What to expect from a new U.S.-built table
• When a used table might be okay
• 20–30 years of wear
• No manufacturer warranty
• Unknown motor or gearbox condition
• Missing safety shut-offs
• Hard-to-find or unavailable parts
• Lower upfront cost, higher long-term risk
• Modern motors, electronics, and rollers
• UL-rated components
• Warranty and factory support
• Smooth, reliable operation
• Available replacement parts for years
• Fresh construction — not reused parts
Many used models were built decades ago and are still being resold today.
These units often fall short of modern safety and reliability expectations.
Common hidden problems include:
• Motor strain or overheating
• Worn or noisy gearboxes
• Cracked, flat, or uneven rollers
• Failing or inaccurate timers
• Missing safety shut-off features
A table from the 1990s or early 2000s may look fine online but be near mechanical end-of-life.
The term “refurbished” is often used loosely.
In many cases it means:
• New upholstery
• A cleaned cabinet
• Maybe a new timer
However, major components — motors, gearboxes, and rollers — are usually original.
If one of these fails, parts may be unavailable or cost more than the table is worth.
Modern Spinalator-style tables are built with:
• Current UL-rated components
• Updated safety features
• Better motors and rollers
• Reliable electronic controls
• Consistent long-term support
With a new table, you get:
• Warranty coverage
• Smooth, quiet operation
• Predictable maintenance
• Parts availability
• Professional appearance
These tables are built fresh in 3–5 weeks, not from retired components.
A used table can be a reasonable option only if:
• You’re comfortable with no warranty
• You can manage repairs when they occur
• You understand the age and limitations
• Minimizing initial cost is your top priority
For most busy clinics, a new table is the safer, more reliable long-term investment.
Some online sellers list:
• “Refurbished” roller tables
• “Like new” units
• “Parts available” claims
But many listings include:
• Empty product pages
• “Out of stock” notices
• No manufacturer information
• No warranty details
• No service or support
These tables often come from auctions, storage units, or non-clinical environments — not true refurbishing facilities.
New U.S.-built roller tables provide:
• Reliability
• Safety
• Warranty-backed performance
• Low downtime
• A clean, modern appearance
• Long-term support and parts
For most clinics, long-term stability outweighs the risk of used equipment.
If you’d like more information on new U.S.-made Spinalator-style or traction roller tables, feel free to call or text 434-262-3620.
You’ll reach me directly — a real person, not a robot or voicemail.
(Made in the USA • Built in 3–5 Weeks)
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