What to Look for When Buying an Excavator

What to Look for When Buying an Excavator

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Excavators can be a valuable addition to your equipment rental business. However, not all excavators are worth the cost and may not meet the demands of your local market.

When you decide to add an excavator to your rental equipment business, understanding what to look for is crucial, particularly with used excavators.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing an Excavator

Choosing the right excavator begins with asking key questions. Keep these questions in mind when forming your equipment purchasing checklist.

What Is the Equipment’s Maintenance History?

Request the maintenance logs for the machine. A machine that has been well-maintained will have a documented servicing history. Examine the records carefully and ensure the service intervals are reasonable. Look out for any anomalies such as long gaps in the maintenance history.

Has the Excavator Suffered Severe Damage and Subsequent Repairs?

Inquire about any past damage the excavator has endured and any significant repairs it underwent. Examine the equipment for major wear and tear, dents, or signs of past repairs.

If there were previous damages, determine the types of repairs needed and if any issues recurred. Assess if major damage could reduce the excavator's useful life.

Will It Need Service or Replacement Parts Soon?

Investigate when the last service occurred and if any parts will need replacing soon. Older excavators might be difficult or costly to repair due to hard-to-find parts. Ensure there is adequate manufacturer support for parts you may need.

If short-term repairs are necessary, will the seller cover them? If not, factor any upcoming repairs into the final sale price.

What Are the Seller’s Guarantees and Warranties?

Ask the seller about any warranties or guarantees on the excavator’s condition. Whenever possible, get these guarantees in writing. Consider whether the seller will be around to honor these warranties and look for references or reviews from past customers.

Inspection Checklist for Used Excavators

Purchasing a used excavator requires thorough inspection, more so than a new machine. Here’s what to evaluate:

Buckets and Attachments

Inspect the bucket and attachments for excessive wear, rust, and integrity of the welding. Look for scalloping, which is wear between the teeth, indicating reduced cutting force.

Boom and Stick

Check for cracks or rewelds at connection points between the stick and bucket or boom. Ensure all pins and bearings are tight, as loose connections can reduce accuracy.

Hydraulics

Examine the hydraulic system, including the cylinder, pump, and lines, for leaks and cleanliness. Leaks may not need immediate replacement but may require repair soon. Consider the hydraulics and flows for potential attachments.

Slew Ring

Ensure the slew ring is in good condition without signs of overloading or poor lubrication, as repairs can be expensive.

Engine

Check the engine for leaks and listen for any knocking or rattling noises when running. Test various speeds to see if excessive smoke is an issue and listen for abnormal sounds after turning it off.

Steering

Test all steering components and ensure there is no excessive play. Verify if the steering is responsive in all directions and provides full rotation.

Tracks and Rollers

Inspect tracks or wheels for any damage. For tracked excavators, check tension and look for cracks in rubber tracks. For wheeled excavators, ensure proper tire pressure and absence of visible damage.

Hour Meter

Ensure the hour meter is functional. If questionable, assess control pedals and cab elements for excessive wear, which may indicate higher hours than recorded.

Fluids

Check all fluids, such as oil and hydraulic fluid, ensuring they are at acceptable levels without leaks. Some leaks may be minor fixes, while others could be deal breakers.

Documentation

Request all original paperwork and service records for the machine. Gather information on its performance and usage history, including the types of projects it has been involved in.

Ready to Add an Excavator to Your Rental Portfolio?

Is purchasing an excavator a good investment? For those renting out heavy equipment or catering to smaller projects, an excavator is versatile for grading and home projects. However, ensure the excavator is in good condition to achieve the best return on investment.

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