Whether you're buying equipment new or used, you want your purchase to meet your professional requirements and serve your operation for as long as possible.
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Because buying used equipment is a big investment, it's important to research the machines under consideration before making a final decision. To help you make the best choice for your business, here are 15 questions to ask when buying used heavy equipment.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Asking how long your dealer has been operating gives you a sense of their place in your community and the depth of their heavy equipment knowledge.
2. Can You Connect Me With Contractors You've Worked With?
As in most industries, talking to past customers can give you valuable insight into what it's like purchasing equipment from this source.
3. What Do You Know About the Machine's History?
When considering a specific piece of equipment, it's wise to ask about the machine's age, previous owners, and major repairs.
4. Who Owns This Equipment?
Though you may assume the dealer is the owner of the equipment for sale, you should always check. A trustworthy dealer will tell you who owns the equipment and produce proof that it's fully paid and not reported stolen.
5. How Many Operating Hours Does This Machine Have on It?
Knowing how many hours of operation the equipment has seen can help you determine its remaining life span.
6. How Does This Machine Compare to a Newer Model?
If you're buying a machine that is several years old, you might want to ask how its features compare to a newer model. Technology changes quickly, so if you value being on the cutting-edge, you might want to take the equipment's age into account.
7. Have You Inspected the Machine?
Ask your dealer to share the results of their initial used equipment inspection to save time during the shopping process.
8. Can I See the Machine's Maintenance and Service Logs?
Though some pieces of used equipment won't come to the dealer with maintenance and service logs, it's worth asking for them ' a well-maintained machine can last longer and retain higher value than a poorly maintained one.
9. What Is the Machine's Capacity?
Before purchasing, you need to know that the machine will perform to your expectations.
10. Can I Take It for a Test Drive and Try It With Test Loads?
If you have experience with the type of equipment you're purchasing, you know how it should handle when functioning properly.
11. Can You Estimate the Total Cost of Ownership?
Asking about the total cost of ownership can help you decide whether this piece of equipment is a realistic choice for your budget.
12. What Financing Options Do You Have Available?
Different construction equipment financing options could impact your purchasing decision.
13. Do You Offer Warranties?
Some used heavy equipment dealers, like Thompson Tractor, sell equipment with warranties, though warranties may vary from machine to machine.
14. Do You Offer Parts and Service for Purchased Equipment?
Getting parts and service from the business that sold you your equipment can save you time and stress.
15. Will This Machine Perform How I Need It To?
Ultimately, the most important question to ask when buying used heavy equipment is 'Will this machine work for me?' Consider your budget, project requirements, and personal preferences when answering this question.
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Used Equipment From Thompson
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At Thompson Tractor, we have 60 years of experience selling used equipment and supporting construction businesses. We offer warranties, financing, parts, and service for our equipment to keep your operation running strong. You can shop our selection of used machinery online and contact us with any questions you may have.
Get the quality equipment you need when you need it. View our used equipment online or contact us for fast local service.
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Buying a used excavator is easier when you follow our short checklist and ask specific questions.
Used JCB JS260 Construction Excavator For SaleBuying used construction equipment can save you a lot of money relative to buying new equipment. Similar to used cars, used excavator prices decrease with time, wear and tear. You can find good value if you know what to look for and follow our simple inspection checklist.
Used machinery prices fluctuate given the season and economic environment. Also, material costs such as steel can impact the prices. Typically new excavators lose 20-40% of their value after the first year, which makes buying used excavators potentially much cheaper than buying a new excavator.
We have compiled a list of questions that you should ask yourself, as well as a 13 point inspection checklist. Following this simple guide can help you improve your chances of hitting a home run on your next purchase.
Look at the level of wear and tear. Check for scalloping. Take note of the integrity of the welds (check for fissures). Check for rust and excessive wear. Not all rust damage can be repaired or refurbished, so if an item is rusty try to understand if it can be fixed.
Are teeth loose, missing or worn out? Also, check for missing bolts. Bucket teeth are in the middle of all the action get worn down over time. Heavy use often results in teeth with a rounded half-moon shape ' the teeth are still operational, but they lose their efficiency.
Look for spillage, rewelds and major dents.
Check hoses for breaks and scratches. Also, inspect cylinders to make sure they are in working order.
Check the condition
Do a visual inspection of the exterior, and look for visible wear and tear. Check fluids and make sure they look like they have been maintained properly.
Check these components to make sure they all perform as expected.
Look at the condition and any sort of wear and tear that will need to be addressed.
Does the hour meter work properly and reflect an accurate number? In the past hour meters could be manipulated.
What's the overall condition? Has it received TLC from its prior owners?
Use your ears to check for abnormal sounds that might indicate hidden issues.
Good documentation is a sign of a diligent owner. Check for original paperwork and detailed service records.
Often fluids can tell you the internal condition of the engine and other parts. Inspect transmission, engine oil, coolant and hydraulic liquids. Look for sediment buildup, note viscosity, check for leaks or worn-out pieces. Dirty fluids can be a sign of problems down the road.
Just like buying a car, it helps to have an operator present to take the excavator for a test run. This enables you to get a feel for how well it will handle, and also a chance to check for any issues that are not noticeable when the machine is idle.
Make sure you check the controls and full range of movements while the machine is running. Vary the operating speed and check the performance at full throttle. Test the range of movements and see if the machine is struggling to respond or keep up.
Hydraulics can be expensive to replace and repair. Listen for abnormal noises, and get a feel for their ability to keep up with the controls.
Observe the engine exhaust when the machine is running. The color of the smoke can give you hints on what is going on inside the engine:
When you purchase your machine you should think about the upfront acquisition cost, your operating cost, your maintenance cost and likelihood of downtime costs. A very cheap excavator could cost more than a mid-priced excavator if it has high repair and downtime costs.
Additional costs can include maintenance, fuel, insurance, transportation, oil, filters, hydraulics, etc. Maintenance and upkeep are required for all machines, so it helps to get an idea of what these costs will be before you purchase the equipment.
Downtime can be a major hidden cost. Mechanical failures that cause downtime reduce productivity, increase idle manhours and make customers upset. Further, mechanical failures have many uncertainties. Certain parts can take days or weeks to be fulfilled, and you may not be able to get a replacement machine to continue work near-term.
We hope these items help you with your next used excavator purchase. You can improve your odds of getting a great deal by doing your research and inspecting the item for sale ahead of time.
Inspecting a used excavator
Inspecting the undercarriage
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