Useful Tips For Buying a Second Hand Excavator

Author:

Fujian Xinyuan Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.

When purchasing construction equipment, whether it is new or second-hand, how to control the budget and purchase high-quality equipment can be confusing. Here are some suggestions for purchasing the next excavator.

1- Check Your Budget
Before you start searching, please understand your budget and be prepared to follow it when shopping. The repair and maintenance of excavators are not free, so if they exceed the budget at the beginning, the gains may not be worth the losses.

When purchasing second-hand machines, unless you have the confidence to negotiate with the seller, do not look at machines that you already know you cannot afford. Repairs and replacements are bound to further increase prices, so it is best to start buying second-hand machines at prices below budget.

2- Check for signs of damage on the surface
Check the external surface of the excavator for signs of wear, such as dents, cracks, and bends. Over time, various components of excavators, such as booms, joysticks, buckets, or swing rings, may deform or bend after extensive use. Of course, components can be replaced at any time, but doing so quickly becomes expensive. Please remember that some wear and tear on second-hand machines is normal, but excavators are heavy equipment that can withstand a large amount of heavy load usage. Therefore, obvious dents, perforations, or reduced functionality may indicate that the excavator has been misused or damaged by amateur users.

3- Check the hydraulic system of the machine for leaks
Ensure that all cylinders, hoses, and pipelines are in good condition and working properly. The hydraulic pump compartment, as well as the slewing ring and slewing ring, should be checked for any type of leakage. If there are signs of damage to the hydraulic system of the machine, it does not mean that you should not invest in purchasing it, as long as it meets your needs and budget. However, you need to negotiate with the seller to require them to repair any damage before you make any payment.

4- Check for improper movement of the turning radius
Check for any signs of movement beyond the normal range of the swivel ring. When the shell of the hydraulic excavator rotates, the operation should be tight and smooth. Check all connection points, bushings, and pins for signs of damage or looseness, especially between the linkage, boom, and bucket.

Caution: If the swivel ring is damaged, you will face one of the most expensive repairs in owning an excavator.

5- Check the wear of the bucket and accessories
Excessive wear of bucket teeth or attachments means that the machine may not be able to achieve the expected excavation efficiency. Check the bucket for signs of tooth wear or attachment breakage, otherwise your new machine may not meet the working requirements. The good news is that replacing or repairing excavator attachments is much easier than repairing hydraulic systems or control panels.

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