5 Tips for Buying a Used Excavator
Excavators play a pivotal role in the construction industry, and with their massive build and ability to move the earth from one place to another, it’s not a surprise that most come with a high price tag. Buying used excavators can be an excellent way to stick to your budget, but keep in mind that it can also burn more holes in your pockets if you don’t take the proper precautions. So when purchasing used excavators, a buyer should thoroughly examine the entire machine from head to toe.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Excavator
Tip #1: Always Inspect the Used Excavator Thoroughly
When looking for defects, buyers should lookout for signs of past accidents, broken parts, and poorly welded parts. While inspecting the machine, buyers should also take note of the condition, appearance and functionality of all the major components, including hydraulic and engine systems. Keep in mind that the engine will usually be the first thing to show signs of wear, as that is the heart of the excavator, so never skimp out on ensuring the engine is in tip-top condition.
Tip #2: Check the Electrics
The battery cables, cockpit controls, ignition system and other electrical parts will need to be examined closely to ensure that everything is in proper working order. After all, an excavator with an electrical problem could burn up a buyer’s new investment in less than a day.
Tip #3: Ask for Documentation and Records of Service
When buying a used excavator, a buyer should always ask for documentation and service records, like the oil change records or maintenance schedules. This will help you determine the maintenance schedule of the excavator and the overall condition of the machine. It will also help you determine whether the excavator is supplied and serviced by a single source or if you will have to take it to multiple locations.
Tip #4: Test Operate the Used Excavator
Before purchasing a used excavator, it’s important to test operate it to ensure that its performance meets your expectations. At the same time, rely on the machine’s manufacturer’s instruction manual. This manual can help you diagnose and fix any possible problems before they become serious issues.
Tip #5: Have a Used Excavator Checked Out by a Qualified Technician
Before purchasing a used excavator, buyers should always have it checked out by a qualified technician to ensure that all the parts are functioning properly and that the machine is in good working condition. The inspection will help determine what repairs you need to make, how much the repairs will cost, and how long the used excavator can last under your care.
The Bottom Line: What to Know When Buying a Second Hand Excavator
When buying a used excavator, it’s essential to do your research and confirm that the machine you’re purchasing is in good working order. After all, buying a machine that you later realise is a lemon can result in a loss of both time and money.
Are You Planning to Buy Used Construction Equipment in the UK?
At Construction Equipment UK, we’re one of the leading construction equipment manufacturers that supply construction machinery in the UK though, we also offer a wide range of high-quality used construction equipment, we offer an extensive range of second-hand excavators. Contact us today to get a quote on your used excavator!