Heavy equipment is quite costly, so it makes sense to save some money by investing in used machinery. However, when you are buying used machines, you have to consider a lot of different factors. If you are not careful, you may end up spending more money later on repairs and replacements by purchasing the wrong equipment.
Before you decide on an excavator, make sure to ask some important questions like what kind of treatment that the machine got from its previous owner or for what kind of tasks it was used. Find out whether the previous owners of the excavator maintained it properly or if the machine had to endure working in a rough environment. If you are looking for a used excavator for sale, make sure to inspect the following components of it before you purchase one.
The Bucket
On an excavator, its bucket is one of its most important features. If you see signs of wear and tear or misuse on the bucket, you should be concerned. You can usually spot signs of overuse in the form of scalloping of the bucket teeth. This does not always indicate that you need to immediately replace the bucket, but it does mean that there will be a reduced cutting force.
Movement or Play
Check for play or movement in the excavator as there are consequences of excessive play. The rotation of the housing should be a tight and smooth one. If there is excessive play in the swing radius of the excavator, you may end up facing some serious damage or it could result in an injury. If the additional play damages the slew ring, you will be in for quite an expensive replacement as it is one of the most expensive components of the excavator. Also, make sure that there is not any unnecessary movement in the bushings and pins of the excavator.
Operational Hour Meter
To determine the amount of wear the excavator has endured, you need an operational hour meter. If the hour meter is broken, it indicates that the excavator was used more than the meter reads. This suggests that there is less useful life span of the excavator remaining. If you find that the hour meter is not operational or the reading on it does not seem reliable, make sure to check the control pedals. If they show signs of overuse, it could mean that the machine did more work than the log notes indicate.
Look for Cracks or Welds in the Metal
If you are purchasing a used excavator, some general wear and tear is to be expected since heavy equipment is used in extreme conditions to perform extreme tasks. However, finding cracks or welds in the metal should be concerning, especially if they are near key connection points. Cracks and welds in the metal may be an indicator that the previous owner did not care for the excavator properly. Make sure to closely examine the mechanics of the excavator. You can build your fleet and grow your business by making the right decisions and inspecting the machine properly when you are buying used equipment.