The price of new construction equipment will be significantly more than its used counterpart. In the construction industry, when new isn’t required or needed, a used model will deliver the same preowned reliability and performance at a fraction of the cost.
Used bulldozers deliver excellent value for construction projects, combining affordability with proven reliability. They are readily available, well-suited for various tasks, and offer a quick return on investment when purchased wisely. This guide will show you how to assess used machines, avoid common risks, and choose the right supplier, ensuring your bulldozer performs as needed.
To find out more about the advantages of used bulldozers and how to make the best choice for your construction projects.
What Are the Cost-Saving Benefits of Buying a Used Bulldozer?
The financial benefit is the biggest key to acquiring a bulldozer. First, you pay a lot less on the front end for the equipment. Second, you don’t have all the other expenses with insurance and property taxes because it’s cheaper to insure and your property taxes will be lower since it’s used. This is a huge benefit for companies located in areas with strict budgets, especially in emerging economies. After the purchase, you start using it and making money immediately. You don’t have to wait for someone to build your
bulldozer.
You also save a lot of money. This just leaves them with a great feeling about your business. Third, you’ll save a lot of money upfront. You can use those savings to spend more money on employees, better equipment, or a better overall plan of action.Fourth, with those older machines being sold and the new machines coming on, all of a sudden the price point for those used machines will drop considerably. These machines will be bargains compared to what new ones will cost.
How Reliable Are Used Bulldozers Compared to New Ones?
Reputable suppliers take great care when they resell used bulldozers. In most cases, a high-quality machine from a well-known brand like Caterpillar or Komatsu also will dramatically outperform a cheaper new bulldozer from a place nobody has ever heard of. These used machines typically come with enough hours on them to make sure they’ve been through at least one, if not two, lifecycles.
If you are lucky, you will get a great, used bulldozer which has been well-maintained and has all the maintenance records. The engineering involved in creating modern bulldozers makes them incredibly durable, especially when it comes to work. Because of this, some old bulldozers have a lot of life left in them. If these machines are serviced regularly, they will perform for decades.
What Factors Should You Consider When Inspecting a Used Bulldozer?
You won’t go wrong as long as you inspect the major parts of the bulldozer. The one area that will require the most maintenance on a bulldozer is the undercarriage, which typically comprises about 45 to 50 percent of the total maintenance costs. You need to take a good look at the tracks, rollers, and sprockets, and pay close attention to the rails that provide the track’s base to make sure they are not worn to a dangerous state.
The next part on the list is the engine. Take a look at it when the bulldozer was delivered to see if it leaks badly. Also, check for any noisy parts during maintenance. If you encounter a problem, the engine will smoke terribly during startup. The hydraulics are an area of concern. This system is the first thing to wear out on a bulldozer.
Be sure to look for any leaks. The bulldozer should be capable of operating while the blade is mounted to it. The most important part of the inspection must be whether the bulldozer is safe to use when someone inside it cannot see where they’re going. Overall, the condition of the machine depends on what you plan to do with it. If you choose to buy the bulldozer, there are more specifics to consider.
How to Choose the Right Bulldozer Size and Model for Your Projects?
The size and model of the bulldozer are key factors depending on what you plan on doing. A small bulldozer or a D6-sized bulldozer is great for residential work or landscaping work. You want something smaller that is easy to handle and gets around well. A smaller machine can be more precise when you’ve got to knock down a dirt pile.
A big puddle or a new road in town requires a superheavy, large bulldozer. Decide what model you need to do what you want. Next, think about what you may need in the way of attachments for the dozer. If you’re in really tough ground, you’ll need a ripper to break it up. If you’re doing forestry, you may need a winch. If you don’t use it every day, you don’t need to own it!
Lastly, be mindful of what you’re doing with the dozer and make your selection based on your needs. With nearly every project, bigger is better. When you’re in construction, buy a bigger dozer. If you buy a small dozer to save money, your operator will ride you to death because it’s costing you. Make sure you evaluate the right model for your job.
Which Brands Dominate the Used Bulldozer Market, and Why?
First, Caterpillar is the industry leader. If you have the choice to buy a brand-new Caterpillar or a brand-new (fill in the blank), buy the brand-new Caterpillar. The CAT machine will almost always outperform the lesser-known, off-brand bulldozer. You will buy the CAT bulldozer because you can get parts for it the world over. Caterpillar machines are built to withstand incredible abuse and last for an extremely long time in the hands of an owner who performs the required maintenance.
Komatsu has great machines, but consider all the stuff Caterpillar owners said above about that particular brand. Komatsu has been known for some fantastic technology, particularly with the hydraulic systems capable of adjusting power output to fit the load on the blade automatically. The machine is remarkably fuel-efficient and user-friendly because it typically doesn’t require the operator to adjust anything. The Komatsu is also likely to include some type of built-in GPS-based grading system. With a high-tech grade control, there are several scenarios where you can finish a job faster and make more money.
In many parts of the world, some off-brands like XCMG, SANY, and LiuGong are being purchased left and right. These machines are becoming increasingly popular because they’re rated pretty decent and are dramatically cheaper than the well-known competitors’ bulldozers. The construction market in many developing regions is mainly made up of bulldozers being used for the first time, and these machines offer a cheap way to get work done.
None of the brands mentioned above can touch the lifespan of a CAT or Komatsu bulldozer, but they’ll get the job done, particularly in areas where labor costs are cheap and projects aren’t massive.Whatever you do, stick with a brand with parts that can be purchased easily from around the world. Later, you can decide if you want to be loyal to Caterpillar or Komatsu instead of an off-brand.
How to Evaluate a Supplier’s Credibility Before Buying?
Look at a supplier like HIXEN, for example. With their long track record in the industry, you know they probably aren’t going to take advantage of you. As long as you read reviews and understand their reputation, a company like HIXEN would be a great place to buy used construction equipment. A reputable company can give you a copy of the inspection report and let you have a third party inspect the machinery yourself.
Ask to see the cut sheets for the undercarriage and, if available, ask for a copy of the last few oil samples to determine the equipment’s overall health from an oil perspective. Are service history and ownership records available for review? Does the company have a record of any previous repair? Let us help you minimize the risks when purchasing equipment. A company that will give you an honest assessment of the equipment before you even see it, substantially increases your confidence in purchasing their machinery.
What Risks Come with Buying a Used Bulldozer, and How Can You Mitigate Them?
Purchasing a used bulldozer involves risks such as hidden mechanical issues, counterfeit parts, or even fraud. Mitigate the risks when buying a used bulldozer by an in-depth pre-purchase inspection from a knowledgeable person or company that specializes in that equipment. Then say, “I want to make sure someone has taken care of the bulldozer. May I buy the bulldozer contingent on me reviewing the maintenance records to make sure it’s had the various services it needed? Do you care if I have someone look at those?” Next, find out if the used bulldozer meets all the local emissions and safety regulations, before it gets delivered to you.
The next barrier to obtain a used bulldozer is finding someone who is honest enough to partner with you. If you don’t know any people or companies who sell used bulldozers, it is harder to figure out who you can trust. Find a reasonable company or dealer from whom to buy a used bulldozer company like HIXEN. HIXEN loves to sell used bulldozers because they have usually taken care of them; their business depends on customer referrals and word-of-mouth advertising. Also, force these companies to give you a warranty or guarantee they will fix anything that’s wrong with your new (to you) bulldozer for some period after the purchase.
Why Are Pre-Purchase Inspections Essential for Used Bulldozers?
A large bulldozer may always have some leaks, but a massive puddle shouldn’t be at the bottom of the pile. Check out the components such as the engine, the hydraulics, and the undercarriage system. If you’re not sure how to inspect it, hire someone from a large bulldozer repair shop or hire a professional to look at it for you. It’s almost unbelievable how many problems they can find with a good inspection that you will never see and cannot find yourself without a thorough understanding of the machine.
A professional inspection will give you a much clearer picture as to how much life the bulldozer still has left in it and may allow you to get a better deal on the piece of machinery. When you ask for the bulldozer to be inspected, be sure to look at all the compliance issues too. Are things marked correctly? Does the right information appear in the right spot on the bulldozer? I know it’s a lot of checklists, but this proactive compliance view may keep you out of court in the future. Remember, this weekly bulldozer industry knowledge is protecting your investment in the bulldozer, and ensuring you will be able to use that awesome used machine right away.
How Do Logistics and Shipping Impact Your Purchase?
Working with a third-party shipping company can also be an option. Many equipment suppliers have partnerships with shipping companies or can recommend reliable options. These companies can handle all the logistics of shipping the equipment to your location, including customs clearance and delivery to your site.
In summary, when it comes to shipping heavy machinery like bulldozers, it’s essential to: Understand all costs associated with shipping and factor them into your budget. Ensure compliance with international trade laws and customs regulations. Work with a reliable supplier that offers end-to-end shipping solutions or a trustworthy third-party shipping company.
How Can a Supplier Like HIXEN Simplify Your Buying Experience?
HIXEN is a trusted source of used bulldozers with a variety of models available to meet different project requirements. With 14 years of experience, they offer machines that are thoroughly inspected for quality and performance. HIXEN also makes the purchase process easy by taking care of logistics, customs clearance, and after-sales service. Transparent policies and a focus on the customer mean you get the equipment you’re expecting. Dealing with a company like HIXEN removes much of the hassle of buying used machinery, and it can be a stress-free experience.
What Are the Environmental Benefits of Choosing a Used Bulldozer?
By purchasing a used bulldozer, you are also practicing sustainable construction. By using the bulldozer again, you are extending the life of a piece of heavy equipment. To manufacture new equipment, no matter how advanced or technically superior it may be, requires all sorts of resources. This includes materials from the earth, including the energy required to turn those raw materials into a piece of heavy equipment. When you buy a used dozer, you are not demanding the production of a new dozer.
When companies are not manufacturing new products, they are not using natural resources or creating a carbon footprint during production processes. The actual manufacture of equipment is a significant reason why new equipment has a higher environmental impact than a used piece of equipment. Buying and using pre-owned bulldozers lightens your carbon footprint, reduces resource demand, and minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing new equipment. There is also a built-in environmental benefit by not having to dump your old equipment, or to have someone else transport it to a landfill, scrap for parts, or otherwise decommission the dozer.
Many used bulldozers can be refurbished, overhauled, or can have their operation extended with some new parts and a little elbow grease. In practice, there is not a potion of an operational bulldozer that cannot be fixed or replaced. All of this happens in the context of a growing global awareness and emphasis on sustainability in construction. Whether the driver is government regulations or your clients pushing you in that direction for your own good or thinking of the greater good – finding ways to work with less environmental impact, and reusing and recycling as much as you can is becoming a fact of life in construction.
How Does Market Demand Influence Used Bulldozer Prices?
Used bulldozer pricing is dependent on supply and demand, just like everything else. The demand side is mainly influenced by the economic health and unpredictability of the construction industry. The supply side is influenced by the fact there is a finite number of used bulldozers in the world (supply). Market demand can fluctuate significantly based on regional and global factors. Construction booms in developing nations, emerging economies, or sudden infrastructure development, as in the case of major disasters, can spike demand for reliable used machinery.
This spike inflates prices temporarily for the time it takes the market to adjust and more machines to work their way into these depressed areas. Conversely, in less developed areas with a lower priority for infrastructure , used bulldozer prices can fall from oversupply rather than just a lag in demand after increased sales. Understanding these swings and drivers of price can enable you to time equipment purchases more strategically. For example, it may be possible to acquire rental equipment when you want to purchase your next bulldozer before the local buying spree of people with insurance or federal funds artificially inflates prices.
With some rural equipment sellers, they may be able to give you insights into regional market and purchase conditions. Some have benefitted from being able to time their bulldozer purchases with price lulls when the market is in their favor. A reputable supplier can provide valuable insights into the ebb and flow of prices for used bulldozers and help you time your purchase based upon the latest market intelligence.
Summary
A used bulldozer can take your construction operation to another level. It allows you to compete with reliable performance while saving a ton of money compared to a new dozer. Most of all, with the right knowledge and working with a reputable dealer like HIXEN, you can have your cake and eat it too. Take risks out of the equation and acquire the perfect used bulldozer that makes an impact and creates profitability for all your projects. For more information or professional advice, feel free to contact us.
