Things to Look for When Purchasing Used Heavy Machinery

Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned contractor, you can benefit greatly from purchasing used heavy machinery. As people who have been in the industry for a long time know, buying used equipment can be quite beneficial for businesses, especially if they want to avoid the early the depreciation costs of new equipment. However, you still need to be able to identify which piece of used equipment would be a good choice.

Even used machinery requires a big investment, especially if you are buying a big machine like a motor grader or a wheel loader. You need to be careful and make sure that you do not make the wrong decision.When thinking about buying used heavy equipment, take these important factors into consideration.

Who is The Seller

You need to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable and trustworthy seller. However, locating a trustworthy dealer is not always simple, and if you are unsure, request to view the seller’s inspection report. This will allow you to gain a decent understanding of the caliber of the equipment they sell. Furthermore, see if they have testimonials from satisfied customers as those are another reliable sign.You should find sellers who have previous customers vouching for them.

Is the Warranty Still in Effect

It is better to look for machinery that is still covered by a warranty. Countless earthmoving machines and pieces of construction equipment have lengthy warranty terms which are measured in either years or working hours.You should try to find used equipment with its warranty still in effect.

Has the Equipment Received Quality Maintenance

Before making a purchase, you need to make sure that the unit has received routine maintenance and servicing. Request a copy of the machine’s maintenance records and inquire about any apparent gaps. Equipment that has been well maintained will last longer.

Is It a Well-Known Brand

Whenever possible, purchase equipment from relatively well-known and trustworthy manufacturers or brands. If you are new in the industry, you should do some research and find out which manufacturers are reputed to have dependable and long-lasting equipment. Major brands like Caterpillar and Komatsu typically have more parts and service options available as well. So, if you need to buy a grader it is better to look for a used cat motor grader for sale instead of choosing a no name brand’s machine.

How Long Has the Machine Been Running

Although the machine’s age is an important factor, the number of tasks it has performed during this time is much more significant. Equipment becomes progressively more likely to fail after being used for a particular amount of time. You should choose the equipment with less labor hours when presented with the choice between two comparable machines.

Has It Been Inspected Properly

Before purchase, you should examine the machine carefully, being especially mindful of the engine, and try to detect any signs of a leak, potential damage, and indications of how effectively it has been maintained. If you are unsure of what you should be looking for, it could be worthwhile to hire a professional to inspect the machine. It is best to uncover any potential issues prior to spending tens of thousands of dollars on a piece of equipment.

Can You Take It for a Test Drive

One thing you should always avoid is purchasing construction machinery before taking it for a test drive. Stay away from the dealers who will not let you take a test drive. There may be a problem with the equipment that they are trying to hide.

Stay Alert and Listen for Any Odd Noises

Allow the vehicle to run for a while during your test drive and listen care fully to detect any odd noises. Whenever the equipment is moving, listen closely for any noise coming from the engine.If you hear any creaking, squeaking, whining, or banging sounds, it is best to look elsewhere.

New Parts

You should ask for information from the dealer about any additional components that might have been added to the machine or any parts that were replaced. New parts may be able to increase the machine’s lifespan. However, you should try to search somewhere else if the replacement components were fitted as the result of an accident.