A Guide for Buying Used Heavy Equipment
Quality equipment tends to last for two decades or more. Most people acquire used heavy equipment parts instead of buying a new one or renting once the old one gets faulty beyond repair.
Some of the reasons why they prefer this option for their construction companies is that it reduces training time. More so, it helps to avoid depreciation. Purchasing used equipment can be daunting and time-consuming if care isn’t taken.
Buyers need to note different factors before making their final decisions. Here are the important things you must note when shopping for used heavy equipment.
Look for damages
A piece of equipment with major damages isn’t worth the investment. Such a machine may need expensive repairs or break down completely within a short period. Something is likely wrong with the engine if you notice any strange emissions or sounds.
However, don’t allow a few wear and tear discourage you because this common with used equipment. The ideal thing is to test all the machine features.
Inspect the fluids
Ensure that you check the hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and the likes. This will reveal whether the equipment was properly maintained. Chances are the seller failed to stick with standard maintenance if the oil is dirty.
You can also request for oil sampling records which is useful for detecting problems quickly.
Buy from a trustworthy dealer
Buying heavy equipment from trusted dealers like John Deere parts will help you avoid issues when looking for replacement parts and technicians. This is the key to getting the most out of your machine and extending its lifespan.
Remember to visit their website and read online reviews. It’s important to know if they provide any warranty and read terms and conditions. You can ask a technician to carry out a thorough inspection of the equipment before making a deposit.
Ask for maintenance reports
A reputable dealer should be willing to present a copy of the maintenance reports and records upon request. It’s better to find another supplier if they keep coming up with excuses. Peace of mind is guaranteed if the seller followed scheduled maintenance steps and fixed issues correctly.
Make sure that you maintain the machine after purchasing as you may want to sell it later on.
Check the equipment history
Reviewing the equipment history will help you avoid buying stolen equipment or a machine that the lien is yet to be paid off. Confirm that the paper works are in order and check the title. It’s advisable to conduct a background check with the police department to be on the safer side.
Find out the operator hours
Although checking the total operating hours may not show you everything you need to know, the information will still come in handy. It can assist you to estimate how much you will spend on repair and maintenance.
Even though you will have a lot of options as you shop for used equipment, try to put your needs and budget into consideration.