10 Crucial Points to Consider While Buying Second-Hand Construction Equipment

The construction and mining industries are experiencing a rapid boom. With this growth, the demand for heavy machines is also rising. The companies associated with these industries are looking for cost-effective and reliable machinery as these machines are costly. The alternatives are using second-hand or used machinery which are available in the market for relatively low cost. New machines are very costly and not always feasible for small and medium-scale companies. Moreover, sometimes the scope of work doesn’t financially match the idea of buying a new one. So financially evaluating the need is always necessary. Here are a few tips you can keep in mind while buying a second-hand or used machine.

1. Define Your Equipment Needs and Application:

The first point to consider while buying second-hand or used machine is the scope of work. The need for the machine is to be identified first. If the work scope includes earthmoving operations then you should go for machines like excavators, bulldozers, or motor graders. Whereas when the work is loading, unloading, or material handling then forklifts, telehandlers, cranes, or wheel loaders are appropriate. So, identifying the job is as important as selecting the machine to buy or rent according to job type.

2. Assess the Equipment’s Age and Usage History:

The age and operating hours are important factors to see when buying a used machine. Most of the machines like cranes, skid steer loaders, and dump tippers are often measured in hours of operation. The more the operating hours more it is prone to wear and tear. So, it is important to see the log book and meter reading before buying a used machine. Machines that have been used for a long and have been in frequent use must be avoided.

3. Inspect for Physical Wear and Tear:

The machine should be thoroughly checked before buying. Important parts such as engines, undercarriages, hydraulics, and tires should be checked for damage and longevity. Overall inspection should be done to check for rust, damage, or cracks. If the damage is high and the repair cost is higher, the machines should be avoided from buying. For example, for an excavator, the bucket, arm, and boom need to be checked. In hydraulic excavators, the hydraulic hoses must be checked to avoid costly repairs later.

4. Evaluate Maintenance Records:

These types of machines require regular maintenance. The owner should maintain these machines at regular intervals. When buying a second-hand machine look for maintenance records to get an idea of the maintenance. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, cleaning of undercarriages, and maintenance of hydraulics. These will keep the machine in good condition for a long time. Machines with bad service records will face frequent breakdowns and vice versa.

 5. Verify Legal Documentation:

Unlike other vehicles, these machines also require documents. So, when buying a second-hand machine, one must look at the documents carefully. Documents include registration certificate, insurance, pollution under control certificate, and road tax receipt. In the case of very large machinery like cranes and long-reach excavators, custom clearance is required to ensure legality. Documents is important to prevent future legal problems.

6. Test the Equipment in Operation:

When you buy construction equipment, test the machine thoroughly and by an expert. Test run the machine under real conditions and its attachments to check its performance and reliability. Each machine has a different operation and specific purpose. Here’s what to check for each machine:

• Excavator: The hydraulic system is an important part of an excavator. The hydraulic system should be checked for smooth arm, bucket, and boom movement. Overall leaks, damage, rust, or unusual noise during digging and trenching should be checked.
• Backhoe loaders: It comprises a front loader and rear digging arm. Both need to be checked to check their efficiency in digging, trenching, loading, and material handling.
• Wheel Loaders: The lifting and dumping mechanism must be tested with different loads in different terrain. Checking of tires and joints must be done to see whether it can take sharp turns.
• Cranes: Cranes are used to lift materials from places where we can’t reach. The boom extension and the lifting mechanism should be tested under different loads. The stability of outriggers and load indicators must function properly.
• Bulldozers: The important parts are the blades and the rippers which should be checked for efficient cutting, pushing, and leveling of soil or debris.
• Forklifts: Lifting mast and forks should be checked for stability under different loads at different heights. Maneuverability should be checked in tight spaces.
• Dumper Truck: Stability should be ensured when loaded. No hydraulic lag and no oil leaks should be present.
• Telehandlers: Testing of the machine’s ability to lift, move, and place materials at different heights and angles needs to be done.
• Motor Graders: Checking its ability to level surfaces accurately, the moldboard should be tested. The hydraulic system for leaks as well as the turning radius should be checked.
• Skid-steer Loaders: Check the maneuverability in tight spaces as well as the compatibility of attachments like buckets, augers, or grapples.

7. Evaluate Spare Parts Availability:

Some of the brands have the issue of unavailability of spare parts in certain parts of India. So, it is better to look out for the availability of spare parts. Some of the used machines often become outdated and spare parts cannot be found in the market. Some machines like Bulldozers and motor graders require specialized parts, so ensuring parts availability is a must.

8. Consider the Reputation of the Seller:

Whenever you are looking for sellers or dealers of second-hand equipment always choose the reputed one. Often reputed dealers provide refurbished products with warranties.

9. Compare Prices and Negotiate:

Prices vary for different reasons like the age of the machine, brand, and conditions. The market survey should made for prices of similar products and then check who offers a better deal.

10. Inspect for Compliance with Safety and Environmental Standards:

Nowadays every company is making sustainable machines with fuel efficiency. It should be checked whether the machine is environment friendly or not. The machine should be checked that it is equipped with features like ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and FOPS (Falling Object Protection System).

Conclusion

In India buying a used machine is a good and cost-effective decision. But careful checking and inspection is necessary before buying these expensive machines. If you follow the above points then the chances of a wrong product reduce. Keeping in mind quality, reliability, and compliance with safety standards to ensure uninterrupted operations and long-term productivity.