If you're going to be using an excavator on a regular basis, it's more efficient to buy one than to rent one for each project. Excavators are both highly reliable and durable, but buying new equipment is expensive, so in many cases it makes more sense to buy an original used excavator.
However, the idea of buying a used excavator is often daunting. In order to ensure that you not only get value for money, but also a reliable machine, the following are therefore key things to keep in mind when checking out the original used excavator that you may be purchasing.
4 Inspection Tips for Buying a Used Excavator
1. Machine Operating History
Year & Model - Make sure to check the important information about the excavator, including the year, make, model and serial number which can usually be located on the data plate. These details ensure that the information provided by the seller is accurate and will help you confirm that the excavator matches the description given.
Operating Hours - A 'good' level of hours can vary depending on the size and operations history of the excavator. A mini digger that has done 3,000 hours may be considered 'tired', compared to a 20 ton excavator with 3,000 hours depending on the work that the machine has been doing. If you're unsure about whether the hours are of a good level, we would recommend talking to a plant operator or someone with knowledge external to the seller for an unbiased opinion.
Service History - Make sure to ask for a clearly-documented service history, this will show if the excavator has been well maintained and regularly serviced. If the used digger doesn’t have a service history readily available, this could imply that there are underlying problems or that it hasn't been thoroughly looked after.
2. Inspecting the External Excavator Condition
General Machine Condition - the overall condition of the excavator will give a general indication of how well the machine has been looked after and its operation history. Check the state of the paintwork, decals, cleanliness, seat and dash condition. A clean and well looked after machine is often a good indication of proper maintenance and care.
Tires, Track & Undercarriage - Signs of dents, holes or oil residue can indicate improper care, misuse or internal damage. On a wheeled excavator, make sure the tires are in good condition, full of air and free of visible damage. Confirm with the seller how long the tyres have been in use to help determine if it's a good level of wear. For tracked excavators, make sure that the tracks have minimal wear or damage, that sprockets and idlers are in good condition and the track tension is firm.
3. Inspecting the Internal Excavator Condition
Battery - Prior to starting up the excavator make sure to check the condition of the battery and the expiration date. Ensure all wires and terminals are free from corrosion, rust or unusual fluids - these could be an indication of a leak.
Oil / Oil Filler Cap - Prior to starting the engine, check the oil level and condition. The excavator engine relies on proper lubrication to function optimally, so low oil levels and a clogged filler cap indicates poor maintenance or leak issues. Relatively clear oil indicates the oil has been recently serviced; black oil indicates it's probably been poorly serviced or maintained; and milky or beige coloured oil indicates there is moisture in the oil which could be an indication of a leaking head gasket.
4. Testing the Excavator Performance
Start-up Condition - When starting up the excavator, make sure to take note of start up speed. If the digger stalls or excessively turns over there could be an issue. Check for excessive smoke when revved - white, black or blue-grey indicates a potential engine issue. A small puff of black smoke when first started or revved is usually ok.
Hydraulic Checks - Check all hydraulic systems, including the cylinders, pumps, hoses and connectors for signs of wear or damage (cracks, bulges or leaks). A leak can be a sign of damage or degeneration - an expensive and time-consuming issue to fix. Once running, use the joysticks and pedals to move the rams in each direction. Ensure each ram is being used to its full extent and hold it - e.g. pull the dipper arm in as far as it will go and hold it - this will put the hydraulic pump under load. If you hear the engine reduce in revs this could indicate a fuel issue.
Slew Ring - A slew ring mounts between the excavator cab and the undercarriage and enables the cab of the excavator to continuously spin as necessary. To check the functionality of the excavator slew ring, fully rotate the cab in both directions. Slew at full speed, suddenly stop and see how much the machine travels afterwards, the further the cab moves after stopping the more worn the ring.
Additional Specifications - If you're purchasing an excavator that has additional features like air conditioning, heating or a radio, you should check that these function as required as they will have an influence on excavator value and purchase price.
Buckets, Attachments & Hitches - If the excavator is being sold with buckets, attachments or a quick hitch, ensure that these fit and operate as required. Be sure to check with the seller whether your quick coupler is a mix & match hitch. If it is, the pin dimensions of your buckets and attachments will not match the machine make and model so this will be something you need to bear in mind when purchasing additional equipment. Make sure to also check the wear on your buckets, attachments and hitches to ensure they're not close to failure as this will be an additional cost in the future to replace them.
For all of these reasons, it’s important to purchase your used excavator from a reputable source. One that will allow you the freedom to complete a full test drive of the machine, and one that keeps impeccable logs of services and the like. If you have needs, Lizhihang is one such used excavators manufacturer. Whether you choose to choose one of our existing products or seek additional assistance, you can feel confident working with us. High quality, lowest price, first-class service, Lizhihang is your most trustworthy choice! Please feel free to contact our team!