Used Excavator Buying Guide | Tips, What to Inspect

When purchasing a used excavator, many buyers may be concerned about its performance, durability, and future maintenance costs. After all, as heavy machinery, excavators are complex to maintain and often costly to repair. Choosing a reliable used excavator can save money while maintaining operational efficiency, so it’s crucial to understand the precautions before and after purchasing.

Pre-Purchase: Key Inspections and Preparation

Choosing the Right Brand and Model
In the used excavator market, performance varies significantly across brands and models. When choosing, prioritize reputable brands such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo. These brands generally offer better durability and after-sales support. When choosing a model, determine the appropriate machine specifications based on your specific needs (such as the working environment and type of work).

Check the Machine’s Service History
The machine’s service history is crucial. Find out how long it has been used (number of hours), whether it has undergone major repairs, and whether it has regular maintenance records. Excessive use or frequent maintenance may pose hidden dangers. Therefore, request detailed usage and maintenance records from the seller to ensure the machine is in good operating condition.

Appearance and Parts Inspection
A visual inspection of the machine can help identify potential problems. Focus on inspecting the body, hydraulic system, bucket, and arm for obvious wear, cracks, or oil leaks. Damaged parts may require additional repair costs. Also, check for loose or corroded parts.

Engine and Hydraulic System Inspection
The engine and hydraulic system are core components of the excavator, so it is particularly important to inspect their condition. Check for smooth engine startup, unusual noises, and excessive smoke emissions. Check the hydraulic system for oil leaks, clean hydraulic fluid, and intact piping. Hydraulic system performance is directly related to machine efficiency.

Inquire about market conditions and prices
Understand market conditions and research prices for similar used excavators to determine if the seller’s offer is reasonable. Avoid hasty decisions and make comparisons to avoid unnecessary expenses.

What should you pay attention to before buying a second-hand excavator?

Regular Maintenance and Inspection
After purchasing a second hand excavator, timely scheduling of regular maintenance and inspections is crucial to keeping it in good working order. This includes routine maintenance measures such as changing the engine oil, checking the hydraulic oil, and replacing the air filter. Additionally, it’s important to keep the hydraulic system clean to prevent impurities from entering and affecting its proper operation.

Timely Repair and Replacement of Parts
Even a used excavator that has undergone rigorous inspection may experience malfunctions after a period of use. Therefore, it’s recommended to regularly inspect key components such as the engine, hydraulic system, and transmission, and promptly replace any aging or damaged parts to ensure efficient operation.

Maintaining Standardized Operation
Improper operation is a common cause of malfunction in used excavators. Operators should receive professional training and be familiar with the equipment’s operating procedures to avoid damage or malfunction caused by incorrect operation. Maintaining an appropriate workload and avoiding excessive overload is also an effective way to extend the life of the machine.

What should you pay attention to after buying a used excavator?

Cultivate the habit of keeping a maintenance and repair log for future reference and tracking of the machine’s status. Recording the time and content of each repair and part replacement will help you understand the machine’s long-term performance trends and anticipate potential problems.

Purchasing a used excavator is a cautious decision-making process, as ensuring the machine’s efficiency and long-term value is crucial. By choosing a reputable brand and model, conducting a detailed inspection, understanding market conditions, and performing routine post-purchase care and maintenance, you can effectively reduce risks and extend the lifespan of your equipment. When choosing a used excavator, professional inspections and meticulous ongoing maintenance will provide greater reliability for your project. We hope this guide will help you make informed decisions and ensure the stable operation of your equipment.

For further information on purchasing and maintaining used excavators, please contact Shanghai Kunjue, a professional used excavator supplier, and we will provide you with the most comprehensive and professional advice and service.