4 Advice to Choose a Used Wheel Loader

03, Mar. 2025

 

4 Tips & What to Look For When Buying a Used Wheel Loader

Buying a used wheel loader is a big decision. You don't want to invest in a wheel loader that doesn't suit your needs or isn't reliable. As you look at tips for buying a used wheel loader, you should make sure you know the areas of the machine you need to inspect and the steps you need to take to verify a wheel loader's reliability and performance.

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Check out our used wheel loader buying guide to learn more about the benefits of investing in a used wheel loader and how you can do so properly with a comprehensive inspection.

Buying used equipment is a consideration many construction companies make when they're looking to grow their fleet and give themselves with the opportunity to take more jobs. You can enjoy many advantages from buying used, and used equipment makes an excellent choice for many companies. Below, you can find some of the top benefits of buying a used wheel loader:

1. Cost-Effective

Buying used equipment is a great choice for companies interested in machines at a lower price point. One of the top advantages is that used equipment comes with lower initial investment costs. Despite the equipment being previously used, you can still get several years of profitability out of it. Reputable dealers will ensure any piece of used equipment they sell has been well-maintained, so you get your full money's worth.

2. Better Resale Value

When you buy older equipment, you won't see high depreciation costs. The longer a piece of equipment has been on the market, the more its costs will settle. With its value staying steady, used equipment typically experiences slower depreciation. Buying used means you don't have to bear the brunt of a piece of equipment's initial depreciation. Since you won't have as much depreciation, you can often get a better resale price in proportion to what you initially paid.

3. More Operator Friendly

Since a used piece of equipment is usually on the market for some time and standard across the industry, your staff may already be familiar with it. The widespread use makes it more likely your staff members will already have experience operating the equipment. This saves your company time on training and gets your equipment rolled out to work sites sooner.

4. Reliable Warranties

Many dealers offer warranties for the used wheel loaders they sell. These warranties can give buyers who want to ensure they're getting high-quality used equipment some peace of mind. You may be offered multiple warranty options and packages, meaning you can find one ideal for your needs.

5. Lower Insurance Costs

Used equipment generally comes with lower insurance costs since most insurance companies base their pricing and premiums on how much it costs to replace the equipment. When you buy used, the equipment's replacement costs are going to be lower, which means your insurance costs will be lower as well. This can save your company money in the long term and keep your monthly costs lower, freeing up capital for other ventures.

As you look to purchase a wheel loader, you need to inspect it first. A dealer should be able to provide you with relevant documents for the service history of the wheel loader and tell you how the machine was used in the past. Additionally, you should conduct an inspection of the major parts of a wheel loader and take it out on a test drive.

Check out the top four used wheel loader inspection tips:

1. Review the Maintenance and Service History

One of the first things to check before buying a used wheel loader is the maintenance and service history. A good dealer will have information on when the machinery was last serviced and the type of maintenance performed on it. You should check to ensure the previous owners stuck to the recommended maintenance intervals since keeping up with them can greatly extend the life of a wheel loader.

If a wheel loader has a track record of preventative maintenance and inspections, you can be more confident in its reliability.

2. Check Major Areas for a Proper Inspection

You want to be sure the piece of equipment you buy is worth the money. Any reputable dealer will allow you to conduct an independent inspection on the wheel loader. As you conduct the inspection, you can review the major areas of the wheel loader for damage, including:

  • Bucket: Look at the front of the bucket to determine if all the teeth are attached securely. Next, check for any damage to the side panels and the leading edge. If your wheel loader is hooked up via a coupling system, see if there are any damaged bushings or loose pins. Finally, inspect the lift arms and lift arm cylinders for damage.
  • Cab: Your operators are going to be spending a lot of time in a cab, so you need to inspect it. Ensure the foot pedals, joysticks, seat and any other controls or pieces of technology are in good condition. Note the reading of the hour meter. Start the wheel loader, and check that the gauges are working.
  • Frame: Some wheel loaders will come with a Roll Over Protection Structure. If the machine you're looking at has one, you should inspect it to see if there's any damage that could potentially put your operator in danger if your wheel loader rolled over. If you have a Falling Object Protective Structure, inspect the slide screens to make sure they're secured to the frame and undamaged.
  • Hydraulic system: One of the main things to look for when buying a used wheel loader is the hydraulic system. Look for damaged cylinders and hoses, and check that the hose couplings don't have any scratches or breaks. As you look at cylinders, check for dents, scratches or leaks that could result in contaminants entering the system or fluid leaking out.
  • Engine: Inspect the engine, searching for any loose belts or leaks. Additionally, look at the air filter to see its last service date.
  • Center articulation point: The center articulation point is located at the midpoint of the underside of the cab. Check this area for damage and wear. If the articulation point has been significantly damaged, you may notice the top and bottom pins making an up and down movement during operation.
  • Tires, wheels and rims: Inspect the rims' metal for structural damage, such as cracks, rust or dents. You can also check the tire tread for any basic damage or wear.

3. Find Out How It Was Used

Knowing how a wheel loader was previously used can help you better predict how long the machine will hold up. Ask the dealer about who previously owned the machine and if it was utilized for handling exceptionally heavy or rough materials. Find out if the wheel loader was used during the week or also on the weekends to determine how often the previous owner had the machine running. The machine's history will give you an indication of how reliable it will be.

4. Take the Wheel Loader on a Test Drive

Always take a wheel loader on a test drive before you make a purchase. On this drive, you can get a sense for how it handles and verify everything works properly.

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On this test drive, you can check to see if you can shift through all the gears without any issue. You can also see the low and high engine RPMs, as well as check to see if there are any irregularities in significant areas like the bucket link or center articulation joints. Issues like these could indicate you may be stuck with repairs shortly, so a test drive is a must.

4 things you need to know before buying a used wheel loader

If you're looking for a way to increase productivity, boost your fleet, or trying to find an additional wheel loader for sale, buying a used model may be the best option for you. Here's everything you need to know before you buy a used wheeler.

1. Know your needs

Selecting the best wheel loader for your needs is dependent on what you plan on using it for. Make sure that you consider size, power and the amount of road-endurance it may require, amongst other needs.

For example, if you plan on using a bucket for the majority of the time, opting for a Z-bar will provide you with the best breakout force.

Additionally, if you'll be travelling regularly by road or highway, or if you'll be using it on a large site that will require a lot of daily travel, perhaps choose a powershift transmission instead. By thinking of every scenario that you will operate your wheel loader in, you will have a comprehensive list of the solutions required and what you'll need to conquer them.

2. Research the right brand for you

If you already own a number of vehicles or construction equipment, perhaps you are already familiar with a certain brand. In some cases, it can be best to stick with a brand that you already use, as it can cut costs in the long run. When buying replacement parts, services or various other upkeep costs, you can spread the costs between a number of vehicles instead of one.

However, make sure to research each potential brand and look for the best wheel loader reviews from peers before committing to buy. There may be a better brand for your wheel loader with perks that outweigh staying loyal to one brand.

3. Will your wheel loader be sustainable?

A used wheel loader can be beneficial as it will be a tried and tested model that can withstand tough jobs and extended working periods. MY Equipment carries out rigorous and specialised inspections and services to ensure that every item for sale is the highest quality.

Not only will a used model save you a large amount of money, but it will also be environmentally sustainable in comparison to buying new, contributing to your workforce's lowered carbon footprint and a greener way of working.

4. Extend its life with the right attachments

To boost your wheel loader's longevity and workforce productivity, complement it with accessories that will protect and support your vehicle. Under-guards and light-shields can help your wheel loader withstand harsh conditions, while attachments such as deeper treads or a wider tyre may be beneficial to the type of work you plan on using it for.

Make sure to be mindful of your wheel loader needs when deciding on the right attachments as these will all play an important role in the right attachments being picked.