Tips for Buying Used Equipment from Construction Equipment Suppliers

Not every company can afford to purchase new construction equipment, particularly those that are just starting out in the industry. Construction equipment is a capital investment, which requires financial resources, forward-thinking, and in-depth industry knowledge.

This is where construction equipment suppliers can be of assistance. Their experience and industry understanding can help you make decisions regarding equipment that is right for your business both now and into the future.

Working with a trustworthy supplier is particularly important if you are looking to purchase used equipment. Whilst used equipment is a far more financially accessible option, there are many pitfalls that can trap you along this route.

If you are looking to purchase used equipment, always consider the following points. Ask about previous owners

If cared for correctly, construction equipment can have a very long life — and multiple owners. Don’t assume that ‘second-hand’ means only one previous owner and instead ask to see the full history of buyers and sellers.

This information will provide valuable insight into the frequency of use. The reputation of previous owners can also give you a bit of a clue as to how well the equipment is likely to have been maintained.

Consider getting in contact with previous owners (if possible) to get their opinion on the machinery and ask why they decided to sell. They should be able to provide additional information about the equipment’s history including the type of projects it was used on, and the terrain and weather it has been exposed to. Investigate wear and tear on tyres

It is inevitable that used construction equipment will show some signs of wear and tear, particularly on the tyres. Unfortunately, replacing a tyre that has been damaged on a dump truck is not as easy as grabbing the spare from the boot. Replacement tyres can be expensive and are not always easy to source.

When buying used equipment, always check the condition of the tyres. Make sure they are clean so you can get an accurate picture of damage that may be hidden under dirt. Excessive cracks can indicate that the machinery has been exposed to extreme heat and may not have been driven with great care. Study the condition of the lug nuts — the bolts that secure the wheel to the vehicle — and double-check the condition of the rims.

Finally, check the inflation pressure. Tyres that have been historically under or overinflated are at higher risk of suffering an unexpected blowout.

Check the condition of attachments

Depending on the type of equipment that you are purchasing, you may also be in need of attachments, such as a bucket for an excavator.

Excessive wear and tear on these attachments means that the equipment might not function at optimum capacity.

Whilst it is relatively easy to replace attachments, it can come as an unexpected, added expense. Be sure you fully understand the condition of your attachments as well as the cost of a new asset, so that you can accurately calculate the total price.

Inspect the state of the engine and fluids

Any type of engine fluid — be it coolant, oil or water — should be clean and smell as expected. Fluid that is dirty, excessively watery or has a burnt smell can be a sign that there are significant issues with your equipment’s engine.

If you are not an expert in engine fluids, it is well worth getting a professional mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchasing. Whilst some problems may have easy fixes, others can indicate intrinsic issues that may not be able to be repaired or at the very least, are likely to cause slow degeneration to the engine.

Turn the engine on and if possible, check every possible speed, type of movement and direction change. Stay away from equipment that is smoking, has leaking fluid or experiences an engine seize.

Refer to the maintenance history

Last but not least, maintenance history. This is arguably the most important consideration when purchasing used construction equipment. Equipment that is well cared for has the potential to last between twenty and thirty years, depending on the type and size. On the other hand, equipment that has not followed a regular maintenance schedule or has undergone non-manufacturer approved repairs can quickly depreciate in value and efficiency.

Signs of poor maintenance can include:

Low fluid levelsDiscoloured, thick and foul-smelling fumesDashboard warning lights and alarmsEngine stallsHissing and grinding sounds

Ask to see the equipment’s maintenance record and study it carefully. Check for recurring issues and factor in potential repair costs, should the issue ultimately result in complete breakdown. If the equipment has undergone comprehensive repair, make sure it was completed using original parts and to Original Equipment Manufacturer standard.

Following these steps, alongside the advice of construction equipment suppliers, will help you make smart decisions to the benefit of your business and your bottom line.

Not every company can afford to purchase new construction equipment, particularly those that are just starting out in the industry. Construction equipment is a capital investment, which requires financial resources, forward-thinking, and in-depth industry knowledge.

This is where construction equipment suppliers can be of assistance. Their experience and industry understanding can help you make decisions regarding equipment that is right for your business both now and into the future.

Working with a trustworthy supplier is particularly important if you are looking to purchase used equipment. Whilst used equipment is a far more financially accessible option, there are many pitfalls that can trap you along this route.

If you are looking to purchase used equipment, always consider the following points. Ask about previous owners

If cared for correctly, construction equipment can have a very long life — and multiple owners. Don’t assume that ‘second-hand’ means only one previous owner and instead ask to see the full history of buyers and sellers.

This information will provide valuable insight into the frequency of use. The reputation of previous owners can also give you a bit of a clue as to how well the equipment is likely to have been maintained.

Consider getting in contact with previous owners (if possible) to get their opinion on the machinery and ask why they decided to sell. They should be able to provide additional information about the equipment’s history including the type of projects it was used on, and the terrain and weather it has been exposed to. Investigate wear and tear on tyres

It is inevitable that used construction equipment will show some signs of wear and tear, particularly on the tyres. Unfortunately, replacing a tyre that has been damaged on a dump truck is not as easy as grabbing the spare from the boot. Replacement tyres can be expensive and are not always easy to source.

When buying used equipment, always check the condition of the tyres. Make sure they are clean so you can get an accurate picture of damage that may be hidden under dirt. Excessive cracks can indicate that the machinery has been exposed to extreme heat and may not have been driven with great care. Study the condition of the lug nuts — the bolts that secure the wheel to the vehicle — and double-check the condition of the rims.

Finally, check the inflation pressure. Tyres that have been historically under or overinflated are at higher risk of suffering an unexpected blowout.

Check the condition of attachments

Depending on the type of equipment that you are purchasing, you may also be in need of attachments, such as a bucket for an excavator.

Excessive wear and tear on these attachments means that the equipment might not function at optimum capacity.

Whilst it is relatively easy to replace attachments, it can come as an unexpected, added expense. Be sure you fully understand the condition of your attachments as well as the cost of a new asset, so that you can accurately calculate the total price.

Inspect the state of the engine and fluids

Any type of engine fluid — be it coolant, oil or water — should be clean and smell as expected. Fluid that is dirty, excessively watery or has a burnt smell can be a sign that there are significant issues with your equipment’s engine.

If you are not an expert in engine fluids, it is well worth getting a professional mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchasing. Whilst some problems may have easy fixes, others can indicate intrinsic issues that may not be able to be repaired or at the very least, are likely to cause slow degeneration to the engine.

Turn the engine on and if possible, check every possible speed, type of movement and direction change. Stay away from equipment that is smoking, has leaking fluid or experiences an engine seize.

Refer to the maintenance history

Last but not least, the maintenance history. This is arguably the most important consideration when purchasing used construction equipment. Equipment that is well cared for has the potential to last between twenty and thirty years, depending on the type and size. On the other hand, equipment that has not followed a regular maintenance schedule or has undergone non-manufacturer approved repairs can quickly depreciate in value and efficiency.

Signs of poor maintenance can include:

Low fluid levelsDiscoloured, thick and foul-smelling fumesDashboard warning lights and alarmsEngine stallsHissing and grinding sounds

Ask to see the equipment’s maintenance record and study it carefully. Check for recurring issues and factor in potential repair costs, should the issue ultimately result in complete breakdown. If the equipment has undergone comprehensive repair, make sure it was completed using original parts and to Original Equipment Manufacturer standard.

Following these steps, alongside the advice of construction equipment suppliers, will help you make smart decisions to the benefit of your business and your bottom line.

In summary, automated mining equipment is here to stay. Mining is another step closer towards a safer and more profitable industry and it is set to shake up the future of the industry.