How to tell if your heavy equipment is used？

As with any industry, in the heavy equipment parts sales business, there are honest sellers and dishonest ones. While some equipment sellers may be acting against their conscience and selling equipment of poor quality, many more may be selling bad equipment without even knowing it. It's therefore imperative that you only purchase machines and machine parts from experienced and reputable professionals. Buying from a licensed and reliable dealer may be more costly than buying from the man selling excavators from his backyard, but it will be worth it in the long-run to as you know your machine is brand new and buying machine and equipment parts from distributors increases the risk of getting shoddy goods and even used ones.

 

1. Consider the price carefully—Cheaper isn't always better

You may be overjoyed to see a machine way below the market price, but cool down. There is no such thing as free lunch. Equipment that's priced well below market value could be a cue that something is wrong with the machine or the machine lack some vital attachments. Compare price online before you rush to a factory and place an order. If the machinery you're interested in is listed at a rock bottom price, make sure to inquire about the reasons why. Cheaper isn’t always better. Instead of spending loads of money on machine maintenance, you might as well get a rather expensive and well-equipped machine at the very beginning.

 

2. Walk around the storage house

You can learn a lot about a heavy equipment company by looking at the condition of the equipment in the storage house. Does the equipment look clean and well cared for? Is the yard, shop and garage neat and tidy? An equipment garage with several dilapidated machines is a warning sign. Quality equipment companies will pay much attention to the equipment safety and workplace cleanliness and professionalism.

 

3. Talk to the mechanics

A reputable heavy equipment company will have factory-trained and certified mechanics that oversee the maintenance and repairs of the machines. This is important because you'll want to know that the machine you're purchasing has been thoroughly inspected before being put on the market.

 

4. Do your own inspection

Give the machine a careful examination before signing any paperwork. This includes inspecting the undercarraige, hydraulics, engine, tires, buckets or forks and engine exhaust. You can make a list before you arrive the site in case you forget something. If you or your mechanic notice any issues, you may be able to negotiate a price decrease or insist that the problem be fixed before handing over any money. If the equipment dealer is hesitant about letting you inspect the machine, walk away. A clean hand wants no washing.

 

5. Check their business ratings and customer reviews

In addition to reading their Google and Yelp reviews, you should also learn about their customer reviews. A well-established heavy equipment sales company will also have a professional website in which features information on their owner and employees and company. If they don't, ask for customer references.

 

6. Check for valid equipment certification

Standard machine and machine parts get certification reports once they pass certain standards and requirements. So be sure to check the certificate to see if the parts you are getting are up to scratch. If you don’t see any certificate on the website, talk to people concerned.