Investing in used equipment can be risky for any individual or business who chooses to do so, however, the pay off is completely worth it if you find yourself a piece of machinery in a great condition. The risk of purchasing a hunk-of-junk with no warranty to protect you can be costly to you and your business if you then have to spend precious time and money repairing it. Below we have outlined some tips for purchasing reliable, used earthmoving & construction machinery.
Tip 1: Assess Your Needs And Research Accordingly
It is important to fully understand what you need from the machinery you are searching for before you invest in an expensive asset that inevitably depreciates in value. For example, if you are searching for used excavators for sale, is this a core piece of machinery that will be used frequently, or is it specialty equipment that will remain unused for extended periods of time? If it’s the latter, can you afford to leave it unused until the next project, or will you be hiring out the equipment during the down periods?
The type of equipment you purchase will also depend on the type of work you need to perform, so research accordingly to ensure your new investment does exactly what you need it to do. Make comparisons between equipment types, attachments, models and manufacturers. The maintenance program and ease of service are also important factors to consider.
Tip 2: Evaluate The Seller’s Reputation
This tip is especially important if you have not dealt with the seller before. A good way to evaluate the seller’s reputation is to find online reviews or ask your industry contacts who have dealt with the seller previously, they will be able to tell you their experience and whether they would recommend purchasing from the seller.
Once you have decided on your seller, make sure you conduct a search for the machine on the Personal Property Securities Register (www.ppsr.com.au) to ensure no money is owing on the machine before you purchase it.
Tip 3: Check The Maintenance History
Frequent inspections and preventative maintenance are important factors in keeping a machine in good condition. When you’re purchasing a used piece of earthmoving or construction machinery it’s important to check that the maintenance history and all necessary service calls have been adhered to. The seller should be able to provide you with detailed documentation recording the frequency of maintenance and any significant repairs that have been carried out. If a machine has sustained damage during its time or has a major service coming up, this could be a good reason to walk away from the purchase, however, if you are comfortable with these factors they could also provide you with leverage to negotiate a discount on the price.
On a similar note to maintenance, it is also important to check the amount of time the machine has been in operation as this will help you determine the remaining lifespan of the machine. A reputable seller should be able to give you an exact or approximate estimate on the number of hours a machine has been active. Tip: It is a safer bet to opt for well-maintained machinery with higher active hours than a poorly maintained machine with fewer active hours.
Tip 4: Check Key Indicators
As with any large investment, it is best to have it checked over by a qualified professional, however, there are a few checks that you could complete yourself which will give you an initial indication of the machine’s condition:
- Tyre & brake checks. The tyres should be in a functional and safe condition. The condition of the tyres should meet your expectations of tyres for the machine’s age.
- Fluid checks. Check the engine oil, hydraulic fluid and transmission fluid. If the machine’s fluids are low or dirty this is an indicator of poor maintenance.
- Cracks & Rust. Check for any unexpected cracks or rust that could lead to structural defects.
- Pins & bushings. Ensure that bushings are in good condition and pins are not loose. If these are in a poor condition, it would indicate neglect of maintenance which could result in costly fixes in the future.
- Welding. Typically, welding is considered substandard to the machine’s original condition and can be a sign of weaknesses.
We hope that these tips will come in useful when you are searching for your next piece of used earthmoving or construction equipment!
At Supergroups, you can buy new and used excavators. We are Victoria’s leading new and used Kubota dealer. Established in 2003, we have the knowledge and expertise to provide the best equipment solution for you. We also provide 3 years or 3,000 hours of construction equipment factory warranty. For more information about purchasing a used excavator, contact us on 9702-3999 or email .
