6 Things to Check Before Buying an Excavator

Whether you’re buying a new or used excavator, it’s critical to do your homework first so you can make an informed selection. When inspecting the excavator for damage or excessive wear, ask yourself the following questions and utilize the inspection checklist.

1. What will the machine be used for?

Excavators are classified into three sizes: small (0–7 metric tons), medium (7–44 tons), and giant (above 44 tons) (45–80 tons). Know the job’s spec needs before contacting a vendor, as this will help you calculate the size of equipment you’ll need. You’ll also need to think about if you’ll need any support attachments like couplers, rippers, or hammers ahead of time.

2. Do you have a trailer for your film?

You’ll need to make sure your drivers have the proper certification and that your trailer can maneuver successfully to and from your job site, in addition to having a trailer that is prepared to transport your excavator. Oversized loads may not be permitted on some routes and bridges. Furthermore, these are all additional costs that you’ll need to account for when planning your buy.

3. Do you have faith in the dealer?

It’s a good idea to build a long-term connection with a dealer, especially if you want to buy, rent, or repair construction equipment in the future. It’s critical that the heavy equipment business you select is not only experienced but also trustworthy and ethical.

6 Things to Look for Before Buying:

In an ideal world, you wouldn’t need to inspect the equipment at all and could make a purchase without seeing it. However, even the most respected and honest construction equipment suppliers might make mistakes and overlook a severe problem in the real world. Whether you’re buying a brand-new excavator or one with thousands of hours on the clock, it’s critical to undertake a complete and comprehensive check before signing a contract.

Here are some pointers to help you get started:

1. Examine the slew ring for wear and tear.

Slew rings are some of the most expensive parts to replace or repair, so be sure your hydraulic excavator’s slew ring is in good working order before signing the purchase paperwork. This is especially crucial if you’re buying a used excavator, because improper machine maintenance, such as insufficient lubrication or overloading, can cause slew ring failure early on.

• Make sure to check the following items throughout your inspection:
• Check for any play or movement by rotating the housing a quarter turn.

2. Inspect the boom, stick, and bucket for any loose connections.

Pins and bearings, particularly at the excavator stick and bucket attachment points, should be tight. It’s crucial to double-check this since any looseness, play, or movement in the excavator’s connecting points could compromise the machine’s accuracy.

3. Examine the structure for fractures and bends.

Examine the excavator for any cracks or dents, especially in the following areas:

Check the connection point welds between the boom and stick, as well as the stick and the bucket, for cracks. If you notice any cracks, this may indicate that the boom or stick needs to be replaced.

Undercarriage — Look for any dents or damage in the excavator’s undercarriage, as this indicates that it wasn’t utilized properly. It’s possible that the operator was inattentive or that the machine was involved in an accident. This could be a sign of internal harm in either case.

4. Keep an eye out for leaks

Check for leaks in the hydraulic pump compartment.

The hoses, cylinders, and lines should all be inspected.

5. Check the hours’ meter twice.

Check the control pedals if you have any doubts about the hours’ meter reading. If you see significant wear, it’s possible that the meter is malfunctioning or has been tampered with, and the machine has logged more hours than the meter shows.

6. Look for scalloping on the bucket teeth.

Scalloping (wear in the shape of half-moons between the bucket teeth) indicates that the excavator’s cutting force is diminished. While this happens naturally over time and does not always indicate that the bucket needs to be replaced, it is something to keep in mind when assessing the machine’s overall value.

Source: Blue Diamond