Best Tips for Buying Used Heavy Equipment

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DanMichaels2881

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Hi everyone!

I’m looking into buying used heavy equipment to save some money, but I want to make sure I don’t end up with a machine that has hidden issues. What are the most important things to check before buying?

Do you recommend buying from dealerships, auctions, or private sellers? Also, how do you determine if the price is fair, and are there red flags to watch out for? Any advice or personal experiences would be really helpful!
 
Hi! Always check service records and get an inspection if possible. Buying from a dealer gives more peace of mind, but auctions can have great deals!
 
What size heavy equipment. Real big stuff, I'd prefer to put my eyes on it personally or get a third party inspection at least.

Normal stuff - skid steers, excavators - if the seller's got a good inspection and/or photos you're probably alright. What I like to see...
  • Engine: Start it up, listen for knocks or unusual noises, check for leaks, and look at the exhaust – black smoke means trouble.
  • Hydraulics: Run all the functions, look for leaks, and make sure the cylinders extend and retract smoothly.
  • Undercarriage: Check for wear on the tracks, rollers, and sprockets. This can be a big expense to replace or aplace to negotiate. They are wearables so can't expect perfection.
  • Frame and Body: Look for cracks, welds, or signs of damage.
  • Hour Meter: Check the hours and try to verify them. Sometimes, folks tamper with these.
  • Maintenance Records: Ask for any service records. A well-maintained machine is worth its weight in gold.
  • Fluid Levels: Check all fluid levels, great if they have a fluid report. But heavy equipment is built tough so if you flush everything when you get it you're probably good in most cases

I'd be least likely to trust private sellers. Bunch of snakes if you ask me. At best, they'll tell you everything is good, worst they'll intentionally mislead you. Dealers are good but you pay a premium. Auctions you can find a deal but there's always risk. Now-a-days the online platforms are a good choice. They've got a reputation so usually stand behind their machines to some extent and generally have solid inspections. It's a good middle ground.

Either way, it's used machines so have realistic expectations - most likely whatever ya get is gonna need a bit of work at some point.
 
Solid advice all around! I’d add that checking the machine in action is a must—controls should feel responsive, and there shouldn’t be excessive play in the joints or attachments. Also, don’t be afraid to bring a mechanic or experienced operator with you if you’re unsure. A second set of eyes can catch things you might miss! Have you narrowed down what type of equipment you’re looking for?
 
Good points! I’d also say trust your gut—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always test the machine yourself and check for any leaks or weird noises before buying!
 
Great advice, @Kevin.grant! I’d also recommend researching the model beforehand to get a sense of any common issues, so you know what to watch out for. It’s always better to be over-prepared than to miss something important! What kind of equipment are you thinking of buying?
 
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