Used excavator – Saves you heaps!

Construction Equipment: Purchasing used excavators could help you in saving money than purchasing a brand new one. If you don’t use the excavator constantly, then a second hand equipment is acceptable. Sometimes, purchasing a used excavator may cause you to expend more money for repairing it. It is very common that there will be some damages on the used excavator and so, before arranging for the the contract for the new ownership, comprehensive check-ups should be involved. You should be more careful, or else, you might end up spending more money on repairs alone. Thus, it is vital to inspect the used excavator meticulously before purchasing. You should enquire well about the manufacturing date of the used equipment, the specifications and date and time of last service.

Inspection of a used excavator is usually carried out in two stages: Physical visual inspection Performance inspection.

Also, it is important to inspect the engine, the cab, boom, stick, bucket, track, hydraulic systems, undercarriage, swing system, gears and bearing etc.

Engine:

Excavators are mainly designed to handle heavy tasks and are prone to wear and tear. While inspecting the engine, any signs of soot around the engine area might involve overhauling. Any oil leakage in the engine is an indication that needs repairing. The AC system should also be examined as presence of small amount of dust can cause engine failure.

Cab:

While inspecting the cab, a good looking interior shows that it is being maintained properly. On the other hand, any out of place welding on the body is an indication of danger as it might be a sign that the body has previously suffered major damage.

Undercarriage and bucket:

Make certain that nothing is bent on bucket. Make sure that everything seems to be in place. Undercarriage and tracks of an excavator says a lot about its first owner and how it was treated. Look out for deterioration and any signs of damage. Estimate the condition of rollers and sprockets and check if any of them need replacement. After examining the physical condition of the excavator, estimate approximately the total cost the repair might need.

Buying a second hand excavator is more of a financial decision than a technical one. It is vital that you consider the gross cost rather than just listed price. The net cost includes the listed price plus the carefully estimated cost of repairs. If essential, it is sensible that you seek the recommendations of a professional mechanic to make the most reasonable estimates. Appropriate inspection of a used excavator is the surest way to get value for your money!

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