Here are ten things you need to look out for when buying used heavy equipment (source: https://thompsontractor.com/about/resources-(1)/used-equipment-buying-guide)
1. Age of Equipment
Knowing the used equipment's age can help you estimate how long it will last thereafter. It also presents an idea of how much it’s worth. Is it more than a decade old or is it still within its first three years of life? The age also shows how much maintenance you will need to perform and even help illuminate parts that may go bad within the next several years. From here, you can factor in replacement and repair costs when looking at the asking price of the used machine.
2. History of the Machine
The history of the heavy equipment is an umbrella for all the inspections you will want to advise. For example, was it used responsibly? What are the logged hours and miles? If the previous owner responsibly used it, the machine will be in better shape and last longer. But one that’s used recklessly will default quicker and possibly cause more problems down the line. Check out the body for damage like dents and other factors that show how hard it was used as well as aspects like fluids and exhaust.
3. Proper Documentation
While evaluating the physical condition of the engine is crucial, ensuring proper documentation also plays a major role. Are there any liens against the machine? Can the dealer verify reliability? Always ask for used equipment maintenance records and a list of completed major services. From the papers, you can gain info like fluid change intervals, the average frequency of maintenance problems, and occurrences of severe problems.
Also check that the suspension, hydraulic, engine and transmission components were serviced and examine the oil-sampling records. Documentations will give a clear picture between negligence and proper upkeep, which can make or break the deal.
4. Fluid Checks
As you’re walking around the equipment, be sure to check the inside fluid components. Evaluating engine fluids like the transmission, engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic liquids will give insight into how the machine was maintained and its current conditions.
Dirty and low fluids in the gaskets can indicate poor upkeep and below standard maintenance. Be aware of further concerning conditions, such as water in engine oil, which can relate to more critical issues are at hand. Others include cloudy oil, a coolant system with bubble formations, and oil in coolant or vice versa.
Each of these problems can relate to more extreme engine malfunctions, like a blown head gasket, resulting in costly repairs. Additional replacements on top of the asking price can add up to where you may be paying for more than what you bargained.
5. Previous Operating Hours
Used equipment hours isn’t an all or nothing consideration, but paints an idea of which end the machine is on — whether it’s at its last leg or if it can run for years to come. The best way to know if the previous hours are a significant factor is to calculate the cost/benefit. You can see if saving money is worth the extra maintenance and the possibility of the equipment breaking down more often. You can also check the mileage on the odometer to understand how much it has run.
While numbers often equal liable statistics, they may not be all of what they seem. High hours can impact the value of a diesel engine by resulting in decreased performance, which can mean a need for extra maintenance and result in reduced secondhand life.
On the other hand, even with a massive number of hours, if the former owner maintained and cared for equipment, it can still deliver high performance. If the operating hours are close to the engine’s upper limits, it can still be beneficial for less demanding projects.
6. Wear and Tear Warning Signs
Used equipment evidence of wear is an inevitable factor, but the degree of usage can indicate severe damage vs. regular upkeep. While some repairs can add value, others may be a sign of disregard if done right before selling. Examining the body and undercarriage of the machine can help you see what future repairs may look like.
Be aware of warning signs such as:
Coolant in oil and oil in coolant
Difficult engine starting
Foam in fluid reservoirs
High temperatures in the system
Loose pins in the undercarriage
Oil leaks on or under equipment
Smoking engine
Structural damage
Welds on attachment arms
Of course, a used piece of equipment won’t be as pristine as a new engine from the market, but some signs of wear are more major than others and can indicate problems — especially hairline cracks along the steel, rust, decay, dents, repair welds, and damaged parts. Wear and tear can lead to future breakdowns and hazards, leading to downtime. While small impressions may not have any effect on the equipment’s performance, always examine the front, rear, sides, undercarriage, and tires of your prospective machine.
When checking the engine and transmission, does it smoke when starting up? Examine the chassis for wear on the mounts, bearings or spring coils. Does it start and stop as it should? Look at the hydraulics and work tool attachments for welds and signs of dramatic damage. Are the tracks or tires worn out?
7. Accuracy of Machine
Watch out for the accuracy and precision of the technology, attachments, and general operation of the industrial equipment. Once it’s compromised, it can lead to errors that impact the project and your business. Operating inaccurate machinery can put your worker’s safety at risk and place a setback on your jobs.
8. Engine Exhaust
When you power on the engine during the test drive, take notice of different noises and vibrations — feeling, hearing and seeing how the engine functions can tell you various conditions. In particular, the exhaust can indicate the health of the equipment’s internal components. Check for symptoms like black, white, or blue smoke:
Black Smoke: Black smoke indicates there is an imbalanced mix of air and fuel inside the engine triggered by inadequate filtration.
White Smoke: White smoke is a result of mixed fluids like coolant and water spreading in the oil from a blown head gasket.
Blue Smoke: Blue smoke indicates a broken ring or valve seal where it lets in too much oil causing the engine to overheat.
High costs to make any of these repairs may outweigh the value of the machine.
9. Cab Examination
The driver region can also show how the equipment was cared for. See if the sticks, pedals, gears, and dashboard aspects are working and that the seat and steering are both functional. Even having clean upholstery that’s intact can be a sign of proper upkeep. Is the cab comfortable? Are the controls easy to operate? Can you feel any excessive vibration?
10. Drive Before Buying
Sometimes, the best way to see used heavy equipment maintenance is to test drive the machine like you would with a car. Survey its abilities by performing a test load with a pile of rocks or dirt. Feel for different performance indicators of the engine by looking and listening for grinding or clunking sounds and vibrations. Are there glares in the glass that can affect visibility? Are there any visible fluid or oil leaks?
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