6 Red Flags When Buying Used Construction Equipment

Used construction equipment is ideal for companies with conservative budgets looking to purchase reliable, high-functioning machinery without paying new equipment prices. However, not all used machines are created equal, which is why you should be diligent when choosing preowned equipment for your workplace.

This article will teach you what to look for when buying used heavy equipment to ensure you obtain the highest-quality machines for your company.

The Benefits of Purchasing Used Construction Equipment

Though investing in new heavy machinery has its benefits, used equipment comes with its own set of perks. Purchasing previously owned equipment enables organizations to minimize expenses without sacrificing quality and efficiency, ultimately saving them money and boosting production.

When you purchase used heavy equipment that's free of faults and defects, you'll experience all of the following advantages:

• Lower purchasing costs: Used equipment costs considerably less than a new machine, with lower initial purchase prices and less sales tax. These reduced rates enable companies to save thousands and put this money toward other important investments, such as attachments, maintenance or even another machine.
• Longer value retainment: Because used machinery depreciates at a much slower rate than new equipment, it holds its value for longer. With the proper maintenance, you could potentially resell your equipment for around the same price you purchased it.
• Lower cost of ownership: In addition to minimal purchase costs, used heavy equipment also has a lower overall cost of ownership. You can deduct numerous expenses from used machinery on your income tax return, including interest on financing costs, insurance, amortization and maintenance.

6 Red Flags to Look for When Buying Used Heavy Equipment

When purchasing used construction machinery, it's crucial that you know what red flags to look out for to avoid buying faulty equipment. There are six tell-tale indications of unsuitable or inefficient machinery that you should keep in mind when choosing your used equipment to ensure you get the most value for your money.

1. Faulty Engine

The engine is the powerhouse of any machine, giving it the energy it needs to run smoothly and efficiently. That means if your machine's engine doesn't operate correctly, it can significantly impact the equipment's overall operation, potentially costing you more on repairs and replacements than you initially spent on the machine itself.

To minimize the chances of these losses, make sure the equipment you're looking to buy has a high-functioning engine. Engines that struggle to start, emit smoke or won't start at all typically indicate a low-quality machine.

2. Indications of Wear and Tear

Most used equipment will inevitably have some signs of wear, but it's important to verify that this wear isn't indicative of any major damage that might warrant replacements or repairs in the future.

To confirm that your machine doesn't exhibit substantial wear and tear, it's a good rule of thumb to check components like the tires, hoses, attachments and undercarriage for warning signs like rust, hairline cracks, corrosion and other damage. If you can rule out these signs of serious wear, it's likely safe to move forward with the investment.

3. Leaking Fluids

Even the most minuscule leaks can indicate much larger mechanical issues that can impact equipment function and create safety hazards on the job site. That's why it's crucial to check previously owned equipment for leaking fluids.

Take a look at the bottom of the machine to verify that no fluids seep out while it's running or at rest. You should also inspect the equipment's hoses, cylinders and arms to ensure that no leaks are present. Once you're confident that the machinery doesn't exhibit fuel, hydraulic fluid or transmission issues, you can think about incorporating it into your fleet.

4. Strange Noises or Behavior

Make sure the equipment you're interested in doesn't make any strange noises or demonstrate abnormal behavior, particularly in the brakes or drivetrain. Though some part repairs and replacements are relatively affordable and will be offset by your used equipment savings, others can cost more than the machine is worth. For example, you can replace external brake discs at a relatively low cost, whereas any repairs in the drivetrain's rear differential are significantly more expensive.

You can pick up on drivetrain issues by listening for strange noises or inspecting the tires for uneven wear, which can be indicators of damage.

5. Welding

It's wise to stay away from used equipment that shows signs of welding, particularly on the backhoe, buckets, arms, joints and attachments. Machinery with weld marks has likely endured considerable damage in the past that technicians have attempted to repair by fusing parts back together. Though welding provides a temporary fix, welds will never be as strong as the machine's original steel, resulting in a weaker frame that can submit to breakage again in the future.

6. Signs of Poor Maintenance

It's essential to look for signs of improper or infrequent maintenance when buying heavy equipment. Routine maintenance is crucial to any machine, lengthening its life span, reducing the need for repairs and boosting productivity, so those that have not received the proper care run the risk of malfunctions, damage and downtime.

One major indication of maintenance neglect is loose components like pins and bushings. If these parts are unfastened, the machine likely wasn't adequately maintained throughout its previous ownership.

Purchase Your Used Construction Equipment at Cleveland Brothers

If you're looking to buy used equipment that's as reliable as it is affordable, Cleveland Brothers is your solution. Our family-oriented business has been serving communities throughout Pennsylvania, western Maryland and northern West Virginia for over 70 years, and we put our customers' needs at the forefront of everything we do.

Browse our used equipment selection or contact us to learn more about our machines today!