Purchase of a Used Wheeled Excavator

Introduction

Used wheeled excavators are in high demand on the market, but it's no secret that some of the machines offered are in poor technical condition and require expensive repairs.

This means that an entrepreneur interested in purchasing a wheeled excavator faces a very difficult task of finding a machine that will be ready for work immediately. It happens that sellers try to conceal serious faults.

That's why we have prepared another guide to help you know what to look for before buying a used wheeled excavator.

Proper selection of the machine according to your needs

One common mistake made by buyers of used construction machinery is the improper matching of equipment to their requirements, specifically to the projects they undertake.

Entrepreneurs buy whatever is available at the moment and seems to be at a good price, without considering that a machine that is too large will be costly to operate, while one that is too small will simply be ineffective.

Therefore, the first thing to focus on is to accurately determine the company's needs and the scope of work that the enterprise will have to undertake in the near future. It is also worth considering the opinions of operators, as they will be using the equipment on a daily basis.

Thorough inspections - the key to minimizing risk

Inspection of a used wheeled excavator begins with checking the drive system. During a test drive, pay attention to:

• Does the machine weaken?
• Do all wheels work evenly?
• Does the excavator steer well?
• Are there any worrying noises?

Next, assess the condition of the engine. Check the oil pressure, whether the unit emits excessive smoke, and if it has sufficient power reserve.

A crucial step is to check for any clearances. To facilitate verification, use supports.

Lift the machine on supports and on the bucket, then check the drive - clearances on the swivels and drive shafts, and observe if the tracks are evenly spread.

This option is not available for tracked excavators. Supports can also be used to check the swing brake - lift the machine on one side, raise the arm, and see if the excavator rotates by itself. Also, check the parking brake - always do this on sloping terrain.

Regarding the gearbox, preliminary tests will only help to detect leaks and check the operation of individual gears.

Time for hydraulics

During machine testing, pay attention to whether the hydraulic pump weakens after the engine heats up. If so, there is a suspicion that it is damaged.

The operator should also demonstrate the operation of the swing ring (play or chipped teeth may appear) and check the operation of individual functions and the machine's response to commands.

At this stage, it is worth examining the cylinders, bushes, seals, and, of course, the arm itself - if there are any visible non-original welds or modifications, it may indicate significant wear and improper servicing of the machine, which practically disqualifies it from purchase.

Finally, check if the computer displays any errors. Also, verify the operation of all machine equipment, including air conditioning, central lubrication, and quick couplers.

The excavator should also have complete accessories - at least a bucket, but valuable additions will be a ditch bucket, a breaker, and installations for these accessories.

Not everything can be checked on the construction site

Preliminary inspections at the construction site or at the premises of the company selling the machine allow you to assess whether a given wheeled excavator is generally in good condition.

If, after checking all the points mentioned by us, it turns out that the machine is in good condition (at least at first glance), and the price is acceptable, it is worth making an appointment with a professional service.

Only detailed diagnostics of the machine using specialized equipment will provide an answer to whether the excavator is hiding any faults, the removal of which will be very costly. Buying a pig in a poke when large sums of money are involved is really too risky, and it is better to thoroughly verify the available offer before making a final decision.