5 Tips for Purchasing a Used Excavator for Your Business
Investing in high-quality excavators can help you ensure a successful construction project. But they can be costly, especially brand-new ones. If you want to save money, you can consider purchasing used excavators, which may yield better results.
While buying used construction equipment can cut down your costs, it can hurt your budget and cause you to spend more if you fail to observe proper precautions and perform thorough examinations. You have to check all aspects of the machine to ensure it is in excellent condition although it has been pre-owned. Here are some tips for purchasing a used excavator:
- Do your research
The first step to buying used heavy equipment is to do thorough research. Determine the excavator you need to get your job done and consider the boom length, maximum operating weight, and dig depth. Narrow down your choices until you find a used excavator you like. You should also look for information on available service packages, issues with the brand or model, and the equipment’s overall performance.
- Check the service history
Look for a used excavator with a clearly-documented service history because it is usually well-maintained and regularly serviced. If the equipment you are interested in doesn’t have service history readily available, see this as a red flag. It may be a tell-tale sign that it hasn’t been appropriately maintained or could have underlying problems.
- Inspect the machine properly
Some machines may not have proper documentation due to lost records, but they may be well-maintained. To assess the performance of the equipment before buying, do a full inspection. Here are some essential parts of an excavator that you should always inspect before making a purchase:
- Attachments
- Cab accessories
- Cab
- Fluids
- Final drive
- Hydraulics
- Oils
- Pins
- Undercarriage, wheels or tracks
If you are unfamiliar with these components, hire an expert to assist you to do proper equipment inspections. Look for someone familiar with the specific make and exact model of the used excavator you plan to buy. This way, you can receive sound advice from someone trustworthy and knows the ins and outs of the machine you are interested in.
- Give the machine a test drive
The best way to determine if the used excavator you are planning to purchase is right for you is to give it a test drive. It also allows you to have proper inspections since you will have the chance to test each equipment’s hydraulics, attachments, and cab accessories.
- Check if the equipment comes with a warranty
The majority of used excavators on the market usually don’t come with a warranty, but it’s advisable to double-check so you can save money if something goes wrong. You should also check for any current service packages to benefit from the additional benefit of pre-organised servicing from experts.
Conclusion
Excavators are essential equipment for your construction business. If you decide to buy used ones to get quality machines without breaking the bank, remember to get your money’s worth by following the tips listed above. Most importantly, don’t forget to find a reputable supplier to guide you through the purchasing process.
If you’re looking for used machinery in the UK, then you’ve come to the right place. At Construction Equipment UK, we offer a comprehensive selection of used and refurbished construction machinery from various manufacturers. Browse our used equipment stock today!