Investing in used construction equipment is a cost-effective approach to taking on and completing jobs without breaking the bank. However, before you begin the search for the used heavy construction equipment you need, keep a few things in mind. Whether you work in construction, agriculture, landscaping, or roadwork, the key to long-lasting used equipment is knowing what to look for when you’re ready to buy.
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Working in construction requires powerful equipment and long hours, so finding the right used construction equipment is important. Some of the benefits of investing in used equipment for construction jobs include warranties, reduced overhead cost, and little concerns over additional depreciation that you may experience with purchasing brand new equipment.
When in the market for used construction equipment, inquiring about the age of each machine you are interested in and the total hours that the equipment has been used is imperative. Using the age and estimated hours of use is a significant factor in determining if the equipment is valued at a fair price and if it is in the condition it should be for its age.
One of the best ways to determine if you are receiving a fair quote and price for the used construction equipment you are interested in is to conduct adequate market research. Request general estimates from various equipment providers and websites that are local to you to better understand the current going price for the used equipment you need.
If you are shopping around for used construction equipment, there is no guarantee that the seller will be honest and forthcoming with you, especially when it comes to the operating hours, service history, and overall age of a particular machine you are eyeing. Request a full history report on any used construction equipment you are considering.
If the dealer does not have a complete history of the used equipment you want to buy or refuses to provide a printout of service history details, it may be best to move on. Any dealer that will not provide a thorough history of the equipment they are selling may not be selling the parts and machines they own legitimately, or they may be doing so under false pretenses.
Before choosing a piece of used heavy construction equipment for your next job, be sure to research top-notch brands in your industry like CASE, Takeuchi, and Liebherr. Knowing which brands are the most trusted and reliable can help you save time once you compare new and used equipment for your construction project needs.
If possible, request to demo the machine you are thinking of purchasing before finalizing a deal. Testing the performance of any piece of equipment before settling on a purchase price is highly advisable. During the demo, it is also recommended that you check fluid levels to make sure that the used equipment has been properly maintained.
You may need to have your used construction equipment inspected, which should be accounted for while you are planning your purchase, as there may be fees associated with this.
If you are working in construction, you may require a new machine or piece of used equipment from time to time. For a leading CASE construction dealer, turn to GT Mid Atlantic for all your used construction equipment needs.
At GT Mid Atlantic, we offer a range of the highest quality equipment throughout the Philadelphia area, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. To learn more, contact GT Mid Atlantic to review our inventory and find the used equipment you need for your next job today.
For many in the industry, the question of new vs. used construction equipment comes down to one factor — cost. Used equipment is often more cost-effective than new equipment, making it more appealing to buyers. But it’s important to remember that the value you’ll get from a used machine depends entirely on how much use you can get out of it after purchase.
Large or heavy construction equipment can be used for many different kinds of jobs. These machines are especially convenient for improving labor productivity and performing tasks that would not be possible for the average worker alone. If you are in need of used heavy equipment for a construction project, it may seem strenuous to research and narrow down the best option for your demands. Here are some tips for buying used heavy construction equipment.
Knowing what to look for is key to finding a good used machine at a great price. So to help you out, we’ve created this list of pointers so you can learn how to buy used construction equipment.
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Heavy equipment purchasing is easier if you know what type of used machines you need. Depending on the size of your project that your business or organization requires, you may need several models of construction equipment. There are hundreds of industries and jobs that require different heavy equipment types, such as:
Before starting any projects, landscaping, demolition, remodeling or other areas of construction, you need to find the right variation of used equipment for your industry needs.
Within these industries, heavy equipment comes in various types and has many different uses for projects. Some examples of used equipment include:
This type of equipment is routinely used for hauling products and materials around and is built to easily roam over different types of terrain in all sorts of weather conditions. An articulated truck consists of a cab and a trailer. They are generally referred to as improved versions of dump trucks due to their updated mechanisms that make them easier to operate. This equipment is often used for construction, mining, waste handling, transporting loose material and quarrying.
Frequently known as a backhoe, this make of heavy equipment comes equipped with an adjustable shovel, which is often used for digging and transferring heavy or oversized loads. A used backhoe loader, which comes in numerous sizes, is also great for landscaping, trenching, breaking pavement and excavating.
Used excavators are another popular type of industrial construction equipment. This machine operates with a long arm attached to a bucket for digging, which is operated manually. Excavators are able to rotate in any direction for full capability and easy use. These machines are most commonly used for demolition, cutting down trees, mining, snow removal, rail construction and many other excavation uses.
Also known as crawler tractors and bulldozers, this type of equipment is perfect for removing or transferring soil, sand and other materials. This machine has a sharp metal plate, known as a ripper, that helps to break through compacted solid substances. Dozers are available in an assortment of sizes and are customarily used in industries such as farming, construction, engineering and mining.
In forest-related jobs, such as logging, various make of equipment are utilized to help navigate difficult terrain, limit soil disturbance and improve safety conditions. Some models include:
Used forest products allow the operator to cover more ground and improve the ability to efficiently harvest, remove tree stumps or plant trees.
Motor graders are excellent for paving roads and grading dirt and gravel. For reshaping, mixing and spreading material smoothly, motor graders are probably your best option. This machine is also a great choice when dealing with certain weather conditions because snowplow blades can typically be attached to the front of the system.
When purchasing used heavy construction equipment, it’s important to consider factors that might alter your requirements. When deciding whether to buy new or used machines, think about these benefits and tips for heavy equipment purchasing:
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While these are helpful tips for buying used heavy construction equipment, it’s always wise to know all of your available options. While buying used machinery may seem like the best choice, you may not need your equipment for a big project or for a long time. In this case, you should look into renting your equipment to get what suits your needs.
Rental equipment is a worthwhile alternative if you have limited storage available. Or, suppose you happen to run into an emergency project and need equipment as soon as possible while staying within your company’s budget. In that case, you should contact a construction rental equipment company that has a wide selection of available machines.
If you are still unsure of what alternative is best for you, request a quote online for additional information.
Before heading to the lot, try to learn as much about the seller as possible. A well-established seller should have reviews or testimonials available online.
For smaller or newer dealers, do as much research as possible to learn more about them. It might help to ask colleagues and business partners if they’ve had experience with this seller, or track down information from past customers. Their experience in the industry is another sign of credibility – someone who’s been selling heavy equipment for a long time, or is part of a family business, will be a safer bet than someone who’s new to the scene.
Pro tip: Any trustworthy seller will let you test the equipment before you make a decision. If the seller bars you from taking a test drive, they may be hiding something from you.
Checking the ownership history is an excellent way to tell if you’re getting a good deal. If equipment has changed hands frequently, it might be underused or poorly maintained. But if it’s been with one owner throughout its operating life, it’s likely the owner took good care of it.
Additionally, you should look out for ownership issues, such as liens and seizure of equipment. Liens are problematic because they can interfere with your legal rights as the machine’s owner. Seized equipment is also concerning – it means the equipment was taken from a buyer who could not pay in full, so maintenance was probably spotty at best.
The machine’s maintenance record should tell you everything you need to know about its condition. A detailed record of proper maintenance reduces the chance that you’ll encounter surprises during use.
The previous owner should have recorded the following:
Pay extra attention to the frequency of past repairs. If one part is consistently experiencing serious issues, chances are high you’ll have the same problem moving forward.
Before you buy, it’s best to conduct a thorough inspection of the machine to ensure you’re getting the best deal. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to thoroughly inspect heavy equipment, bring a trusted colleague or local expert along to help you.
Look out for the following when inspecting a used machine:
Your machine’s engine is one of the most expensive parts to fix, so you want to make sure it’s in good condition.
Turn the engine on and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for abnormal noises like rattling, knocking, coughs or hiccups. Strange engine sounds can indicate engine malfunctions, which can cause serious issues later.
The exhaust color can also reveal potential engine issues:
The condition of a machine’s fluids can reveal the care it has received. Check the levels of the following:
If they seem low, it could mean the owner hasn’t bothered to keep up with regular maintenance. Or it could even be a warning sign of a more severe issue, like leakage or contamination.
Dirty fluid can also be a red flag. Look for dark brown or cloudy fluids with abnormal smells, and make sure the fluids haven’t mixed. Mixed fluids could be a sign of an internal breach, which can cause engine damage if it hasn’t already.
Examine the machine for signs of extensive wear. Checking the following parts should give you a good idea of the machine’s condition:
Look for welds on the backhoe, loader arms or buckets. Minimal welding is okay, but if the welding looks extensive, it’s best to avoid this machine. Extensive welding can be a sign that the part has experienced breakage under extreme use, which could also indicate deeper issues that aren’t immediately visible. Manual welding is never as strong as factory machine welding, so the likelihood of the part breaking again increases with each weld.
A machine’s age and hours run should be an important factor in your decision-making process. High hours can indicate a machine that’s closer to the end of its life than you might want to deal with.
However, a history of regular maintenance and proper usage is ultimately more important than running hours. For example, a poorly maintained 2,000-hour machine will be less valuable than a well-maintained, properly used machine logging 15,000 hours. Even though one has higher hours, the newer machine is more likely to experience serious issues due to misuse and poor upkeep.
Choosing a partner for your industrial equipment that is reliable and dependable is essential for your contracting and business projects. To find an equipment partner you trust, consider its:
Securing a long-time partner who pays attention to detail, looks for innovative ways to improve and cares about your success can help with productivity and motivation in all kinds of projects. Whether you need assistance with your used heavy equipment inspection or want more information regarding new versus used large construction equipment, your partner should always be available to support your needs.
If you’re looking for high-quality used equipment in North Carolina, Carolina Cat has you covered. As a proud Cat dealer, we strive to provide you with the best continuing service we can manage. A heavy equipment purchase is more than just any purchase – it’s the start of a long partnership. Trust us to provide the best service Cat has to offer.
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