Second hand excavators can be a great addition to your business, but it’s crucial to do your homework before making a purchase. The purchase price is only the beginning of the costs. If you know what to look for when purchasing a second hand excavator, you can make an informed buying decision. And if you know what to look for when operating your used machine, you can avoid costly repairs, set up your machine properly and operate safely.
Buying a second hand excavator can be a great way to save money, but without proper research, you risk investing in a machine that could cost you more in repairs and maintenance. To ensure you’re getting value for your money, focus on factors like the excavator’s condition, operating hours, and service history. By following these essential guidelines, you can make a smarter purchase that delivers long-term reliability.
Let’s jump right into eight areas to check before buying a used excavator.
Risks of Buying a Second Hand Excavator
When you buy a used excavator, you need to be aware of the inherent risks involved. If you’re not careful, you’re setting yourself to get destroyed in terms of repair bill, downtime, or worse – having the machine break down on you.
What Risks Are Involved?
- Hidden Mechanical Issues: While the external machine inspection can often alert you to mechanical issues, there are some problems that are only apparent during operation. Examples of internal concerns include worn-out engines, hydraulic leaks, damaged gearboxes, or other internal issues.
- Limited or No Warranty: Buying a used machine usually comes with no warranty. If something goes wrong a week after you purchase a used piece of machinery, you are on the hook for the repair. .
- Outdated Technology: You may not be getting the latest technology when you purchase a used machine. Therefore, it might not be as fuel-efficient. It could have older-style hydraulics or lack modern safety features.
How to Minimize Risk
To reduce these risks, ensure that you:
- Hire a Professional Inspector: This person will know what to look for regarding wear and tear.
- Ask for the Machine’s Service History: If the seller has records of the machine’s service history, see it. A well-maintained excavator will last.
- Verify the Seller’s Reputation: Find out who you’re dealing with. Do they sell quality machines? Do they beat around the bush? Can they provide the information you need?
| Risk | How to Minimize | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Mechanical Issues | Hire a professional inspector | Test hydraulics, engine, and tracks |
| Overpaying | Compare prices and ask for discounts | Get multiple quotes and negotiate |
| Poor After-Sale Service | Buy from certified dealers | Ensure warranty and support availability |
Condition of the Excavator
The overall condition of the used excavator will directly affect how it performs and operates, how long you can use it, and ultimately what you pay out in maintenance. Evaluate the external and internal parts of the machine that affect its use.
External Visual Inspection
Before starting the machine, carefully inspect its exterior. Look for:
- Rust and corrosion. If the machine has been exposed to harsh conditions, you’ll find rust here and there. But if the machine has excessive rust, this may affect the machine’s integrity.
- Look for dents and cracks. This condition might indicate the excavator was in an accident or mishandled.
- Undercarriage. Tracks should not be worn. If they are, the machine will be more expensive to operate. Look for cracks in the tracks, and ensure the undercarriage is in good condition.
Mechanical Inspection
When it comes to the internal condition of the machine, focus on:
- Engine Condition: Check the oil levels. Start the engine and take note of any unusual noises. If the oil level is low or it sounds rough when you fire the engine, you might be looking at hidden internal engine issues.
- Hydraulic System: Make sure that the hydraulics work the way they are supposed to work. Are there any leaks? Are the fluid levels where they should be?
- Undercarriage: The undercarriage has to be solid. You can see the wear in some of the machines. Check for tracks that are overly worn, worn sprockets, worn rollers, and wear on things keys or drives into the rollers.
Operating Hours
The more hours a machine has been run, the more wear and tear it should have. Hoe you can reduce the risk by having the expert inspection. Pay attention to the number of hours on the machine versus the year of the machine. A general rule of thumb is an excavator over 10,000 hours will have excessive wear if it hasn’t been well-maintained.
| Component | What to Check | Signs of Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Oil levels, engine sounds | Low oil levels, rough sounds |
| Hydraulic System | Pressure and leakage | Leaks, low pressure |
| Undercarriage | Tracks, frame, and body integrity | Worn-out tracks, frame cracks |
| Operating Hours | Hour meter reading | Over 10,000 hours may indicate wear |
Machine Age and Usage History: Why They Matter
The age of the machine and from whom it was bought will tell you the condition and performance of the second hand excavator
How Old is the Machine?
Older excavators are cheaper, but there’s also the risk they use outdated technology and may have higher maintenance costs. Generally, older than 10 years, but has been well-maintained, could be a good purchase. But in general, you really need to be cautious of any model of machines that is 15 years old or more unless there is a specific application or replacement parts for these machines in the secondary marketplace.
Previous Usage
Knowing the application for which the machine was used gives you an idea of the wear for which you need to be looking. Heavy duty application, such as mining or demolition work, for example, are going to wear a machine out much quicker than if it was used for light duty landscaping work or for digging in the dirt.
Maintenance Records
Maintenance history is important. You’re more likely to have the correct service intervals taken and we are likely to have the key items replaced, such as the engine, hydraulics, and undercarriage items as needed since wear and tear is the primary factor which drives cost up.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Age | Affects price and potential wear | Year of manufacture |
| Usage History | Determines the extent of wear and tear | Previous projects, workload |
| Service Records | Shows maintenance and repair history | Regular maintenance checks |
Top Brands and Models of Second Hand Excavators
The brand and model of the second hand excavator most definitely play a role in the performance and longevity of your investment.
Why Brand Matters
- CAT (Caterpillar): Caterpillar has a strong reputation for durability and thus their excavators are often the most reliable option on the used market.
- Komatsu: These excavators are often the most cost effective in the used market and still provide good performance for many different types of construction tasks that you could come across.
- Kubota: Here’s a little secret. One of the most common small excavators in North America is a Kubota model labeled as a Mustang, a Takeuchi, a Gehl, a New Holland, a Case, an IHI, or any other variety of nameplates on it.
Popular Models to Look For
- CAT 320D: A bold statement, but this is one of the best all-round machines in the world, suitable for heavy or light construction work.
- Komatsu PC200-8: Some of the most fuel-efficient machines on the market and also one of the best when it comes to abrasion resistance in tough working conditions.
- Kubota KX040-4: The most popular machine in this size class and perfect for a lot of urban or landscaping projects.
Availability of Spare Parts
Make sure the model you are looking at has parts readily available. If you’re looking at machines that have good parts support, then you’re less likely to be down in the middle of a project due to waiting for parts.
| Brand | Reputation | Common Models | Parts Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | Known for durability | CAT 320D, CAT 330D | Easy availability globally |
| Komatsu | Reliable, cost-effective | Komatsu PC200-8, PC350-8 | Parts are easy to find |
| Kubota | Compact and efficient | Kubota KX040-4, Kubota U17-3 | Wide availability in Asia |
Pricing and Market Value
Understanding the second hand excavator prices is essential to make sure you are not overpaying and that you are getting good value for your money.
How to Determine Fair Pricing
If the seller is asking a fair price for the machine, compare the price to the market value of other similar machines. Consider the make and model, age, hours, and condition. You should also factor in what the demand is for that brand in your area.
Market Trends
Prices for used excavators can fluctuate based on what is trending in the market. Pay attention to demand and availability of certain brands and models to get the best price.
Negotiating Price
Once you have looked at the machine and determined its condition. Try to use what you found in your inspection to negotiate with the seller. You can use any issues found in your inspection to knock the price down, or you can ask for a warranty or service package to be included.
| Model | New Price | Used Price Range | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 320D | $80,000 | $45,000 – $55,000 | $30,000 savings |
| Komatsu PC200-8 | $75,000 | $40,000 – $50,000 | $25,000 savings |
| Kubota KX040-4 | $60,000 | $35,000 – $45,000 | $15,000 savings |
Inspection and Testing Before Purchase
Before making your final decision to buy a used excavator, you’d better thoroughly test it out to make sure everything works like it should.
Professional Inspection
Having a mechanic inspect a piece of heavy equipment ensures that all the critical components like the engine, hydraulics, and undercarriage are in good shape.
Test the Equipment
Make sure the machine does what it’s supposed to do. Run every hydraulic system on the thing. Go through every cylinder and make sure they work. Run the tracks. Run the engine. Run everything. When you do this, pay attention to any dull thuds, clangs, or bangs during operation and use the detective skills you honed in the previous step to figure out what it is and whether it’s a deal-breaker.
| Inspection Area | What to Check | Test Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Check for leaks and engine sounds | Start the engine, listen for issues |
| Hydraulics | Pressure and leak testing | Operate hydraulics, check for power |
| Undercarriage | Check tracks and structural integrity | Inspect for cracks, test track movement |
Warranty and After-Sale Support
When you buy a used excavator, make sure the seller offers some kind of warranty or at least after-sale support.
Importance of Warranty
Peace of mind that you won’t be financially burdened if the machine fails within a certain period.
After-Sale Support
Make sure that spare parts are available, and they offer ongoing technical support in case of any issues with the machine.
| Warranty Type | Duration | Covered Components | Additional Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer Warranty | 3-6 months | Engine, hydraulics, body | Free servicing for 6 months |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 6-12 months | Engine, major components | Parts replacement support |
Conclusion
A rewarding investment, but only if you take the time to inspect the machine, find out what you can about its history, and judge its general condition. By doing this, you should be able to buy used and know it’ll work for a good number of years to come. Note that if you don’t inspect the equipment, the likelihood significantly increases that you’ll buy the infamous lemon or someone else’s problem.
Always keep in mind any cost associated with the equipment on top of the price of the machine. Also remember that if paperwork does not come with the piece of equipment, it is useless. Test the machine, do your homework, and take the advice in this list! Always, always, always compare categories of an excavator between different prices. Do your due diligence, and you will find the best used excavator for your money.
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