Have you ever bought used heavy equipment? Perhaps you bought a machine in the past that turned out to be poor quality, or you are considering your first purchase and want to avoid regrets. This article shares five checkpoints to help you buy used heavy equipment without mistakes.

5 Checkpoints to Avoid Mistakes When Buying Used Heavy Equipment

Everyone has made a bad purchase at some point, even if it was not heavy equipment.

That uneasy feeling right after you realize the mistake, and the constant regret of “I should have chosen the other one” or “I should have bought from the other dealer.”

If a small purchase can make you feel that way, you definitely want to avoid it with used heavy equipment that costs thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

Drawing on daily experience buying and selling used machinery, the used equipment team at Saijuki Engineering in Saitama, Japan shares five checkpoints to help you buy with confidence.

Checkpoint 1

First and foremost, check that there are no problems with the hydraulic system: hydraulic cylinders, hoses, pumps and other components that carry hydraulic oil.

If you cannot travel to see the machine in person, it is essential to check it live via video call or an online meeting tool.

A used equipment dealer that shows you all of this openly, without hiding anything, is one you can trust.

Checkpoint 2

Next, check the undercarriage.
Steel tracks, rubber tracks, rubber pads,
tires, rollers and so on.

Look for damage, wear, sharpened sprocket teeth and play.
The undercarriage needs periodic replacement, but make sure from the start that you are not buying a machine that has been poorly maintained.

Checkpoint 3

The color of the exhaust smoke and the sound of the engine when it starts.
Whether in a car, a motorbike or heavy equipment, the engine is the heart of the machine.
It is a key indicator of the overall health of a used machine.

・Sound and rhythm
Abnormal noises or an unstable idle are warning signs.

・Excessive black smoke
A symptom of incomplete fuel combustion, caused for example by a dirty air cleaner or faulty injectors.

・Excessive white smoke
Engine oil may be burning or coolant may be mixing in, which risks engine seizure and could leave the machine beyond repair.

Use the sound of the engine and the color and smell of the exhaust to judge these engine problems.

Checkpoint 4

Compliance with emission standards and crane specifications.
There is no point in buying a used machine if it cannot be used on your job sites.

For example, please check the following:

・Emission standards
In Japan, emission-controlled construction machinery is generally required in urban areas and on public works. If you are importing, also check the emission and import rules in your own country.

・Crane specification (mobile crane function)
For hydraulic excavators, if your work involves lifting, the machine must have a crane specification (hook and overload warning device).
This is difficult to retrofit, so always confirm it matches your intended use.

Checkpoint 5

Check whether maintenance records are available.

Operating hours are listed on most spec sheets, but do not judge by hours alone. Check whether inspection and maintenance records exist, and what they contain.

Look for regular oil changes, seal and hose replacements, and statutory inspection records.
Also check whether the grease and lubricants are fresh.

Summary

Ideally, you would visit the dealer and check the machine with your own eyes and ears.
But the machine you want is not always available at a dealer near you.

Rather than compromising and buying a poor machine, today you can inspect a machine through live video and video calls.

Saijuki Engineering in Saitama, Japan has a long track record of selling used heavy equipment, and part of that history is published on our website.

Each machine is labeled as available, under negotiation or sold, making it easy to browse and choose.
If you find a machine you are interested in, or would like us to find one with specific specs, please feel free to contact us.
We export to buyers worldwide and can arrange live video inspections.