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Always check wiring connections first.

We had a loader bog down in a muddy haul road once after thinking it would "make it just fine." It took another machine and a tow strap to get it out, and ever since then I've never skipped checking soft spots after a good rain.

One tip that’s worked for me is to check the tool with the highest startup surge, especially compressors and larger saws, and size the generator around that, not just the total running watts. It gives you a little extra breathing room and helps avoid unexpected shutdowns on busy jobsites.

Exactly. People see the machine on the trailer, but they don't always see all the planning behind it..permits, route surveys, escorts, and load securement can take almost as much effort as the actual transport

Same here 😄. I usually start looking for one machine and before I know it, I'm checking specs and photos on half a dozen excavators and dozers I wasn't even shopping for.

I’ve had decent luck using both Veritread and independent heavy haul brokers after IronPlanet purchases. Biggest tip I can give is to always double check the actual machine dimensions and weight yourself before booking, because auction listings are sometimes missing attachments or modified specs...

Had the same thing happen on a skid steer last year, one hose kept rubbing on the frame just enough to fail every few months until we rerouted and sleeved it.

Had a similar issue on an older Genie lift once - wiring checked out fine, but it ended up being a bad connection at the controller plug causing the drive functions to act dead.

I think it’ll be a mix too, especially since even auctions on Ritchie Bros. still show strong demand for diesel alongside newer tech. Change is coming, but it feels like it’ll roll out slower on real job sites. Curious which tech will actually prove itself first in heavy use.

Start small, learn fast

Watch ground conditions

Hey @George, uneven bucket motion can definitely point to linkage or pin wear. Have you checked for play in the pins and bushings before digging into the hydraulics?

Hey everyone, how accurate have you found IAA condition reports and photos to be in real life? I know they give a decent overview, but I’m curious how often things show up worse (or better) than expected. Would love to hear any good or bad experiences before bidding.

I'm with @Laser_tech03 local auctions can surprise you with some real steals if you time them right.

honestly, starting as a laborer plus garbbing osha 10 is the easiest way in-after that, apprenticeships really open doors fast

Big oak that close to the house will likely run $3-5k with a crane-defintiely worth a few quotes to compare.

couldn't agree more-a spotless machine with working lights, alarms, and fresh service records really makes buyres feel confident they're getting good value

i'd add staying alert for uneven ground-forklifts can get unstable quick if the surface isn't level

start with your site layout... tight space or uneven ground? that really narrows things down

I usually take warranty and service plans seriously.. especially if both machines are close in specs had a buddy dodge a huge repair bill thanks to a solid extended warranty like others said, it's all about what’s actually covered and how good the dealer support is fine print can be sneaky, so...