Inspecting A Used Excavator Prior To Purchase

Having access to an excavator can make it easier to clear any work site in preparation for construction. Investing in an excavator represents a significant financial responsibility, so many small construction companies opt to purchase used machines instead of new ones.

While a used excavator might be more affordable, it can quickly turn into a money pit if you don't take the time to thoroughly inspect the machine prior to purchase. Here are three things that you should be looking for when evaluating an excavator to add your your equipment arsenal in the future.

1. Check the machine engine.

When you are evaluating a used excavator, you should start the inspection process with the machine engine. The machine engine is responsible for powering both the excavator itself, and any attachments that you opt to add to the machine after purchase.

Be sure that you are checking for soot in the engine bay that could indicate the machine engine has been overheating. You should also take the time to check for signs of an engine oil leak if you want to invest in an excavator that will perform properly in the future.

2. Check the body.

Once you have determined that a used excavator's machine engine is in working condition, you should conduct a thorough inspection of the machine's body. As you check the quality of the excavator's body, be sure that you are looking for signs of rust.

Rust can weaken the structural integrity of an excavator, making it less powerful than it should be and leaving the machine susceptible to damage during use. You should also check for bending or welded patches on the body of the excavator to determine if repairs were needed because the machine was overloaded in the past.

3. Check the undercarriage.

Crawling underneath an excavator to examine the machine's undercarriage is important if you want to invest in a machine that will perform properly over time. As you look at an excavator's undercarriage, check for damage to the sprockets and rollers that help keep the machine's powerful tracks in proper alignment.

Replacing these parts can be costly, and damaged sprockets or rollers could leave you without access to a functional excavator in the future.

Investing in a used excavator, such as from Independent Lift Truck Of Alaska, is a simple and effective way to save money without sacrificing your construction company's site-clearing abilities. Be sure to thoroughly inspect each excavator prior to purchase by checking the machine engine, body, and undercarriage for signs of damage.