Things To Inspect When Buying A Used Dump Truck

New equipment is always attractive to construction companies because they come with shiny exteriors, warranties, and fewer chances of damage. However, the reality is that not every company can afford to purchase new trucks and other machines to run their business, relying on used machines instead.

Used construction equipment is a fraction of the price of their newer counterparts and, in many cases, able to work just as well. This is not to say, however, that every company should blindly purchase any secondhand vehicle without proper consideration. A thorough inspection must be done to assess the vehicle’s condition to discover issues that can affect the purchase.

That being said, if you are looking to purchase used dump trucks and want to ensure you are not cheated out of your money, here are some things you will need to inspect!

1. The Body

One of the first places you must inspect is the body of the dump truck. Everything from the dump box / skip all the way to the tires must be inspected thoroughly for any signs of wear, tear, and signs of damage. Any problems can mean an issue that can affect the machine’s performance and must be accounted for to ensure you do not end up with a malfunctioning dump truck.

During your assessment, pay extra attention to the dump box / skip. If you are working with heavy and rough material, you will want to make sure it is made of steel. If you are carrying lighter products, an aluminium box is better as it is lighter, helping to save on fuel costs.

2. The Engine

The muscle of your dump truck is its engines, and if there are any problems with it, your truck is not going to run properly, if at all. Unfortunately, if you do not have much experience with engines, it can be quite difficult to inspect the engine. It will do you well to hire a mechanic to inspect this part of the vehicle. They will have plenty of expertise in looking for problem signs in your engine to notify you of any issues that may impair the dump truck’s performance.

3. The Frames

A dump truck will have frames to maintain its structure, but over time, it can start to sag and bend due to the stress the frames are placed under. For that reason, take the time to inspect all the frames on the dump truck. Keep an eye out for sagging or bowing bend, as well as other issues like corrosion and other types of wear and tear that can lead to issues. One aspect you may need to keep an eye out for is the lift axles on the trucks. These axles are responsible for the truck’s stability, and any presence of them ensures that you can operate the truck safely.

Conclusion

There are a few other parts of the truck you can inspect, such as its hydraulics, operational ability, and various other components. Regardless, an inspection is important to ensure you do not run into surprise issues and problems that can negatively affect the truck’s performance and your projects. Ensure that these problems are caught before you buy the truck to have them addressed to make sure they are ready to be of service to your company.

Construction Equipment UK is a construction equipment specialist supplying excavators, dump trucks, and more to construction firms to satisfy their needs. If you are looking for articulated dump trucks for sale in the UK, buy from us today!