When it comes to buying a piece of used equipment such as an excavator, budget size and the right choice of equipment move in parallel axes which may never meet. 

The parallel relationship between your budget size and the right choice of a second-hand excavator lies in the fact that no matter the amount of money you are ready to pay for a second-hand excavator, it can never guarantee that you are going home with the perfect piece of equipment.

Kitmondo is the best choice when buying used heavy machinery

In a bit to salvage you from spending your hard-earned money for a second-hand excavator that may not meet your expectation and project needs, we at Kitmondo has deemed it fit to keep you on the know about what we are sure to be the basics about an excavator.

As a trusted marketplace for used units, machines, and equipment, we have understood that many clients may not have all the time to carry out a thorough research about the fundamental aspects of used equipment they hope to acquire.

So, to uphold our global reputation as a reliable marketplace for used equipment, whose standard for quality delivery of used industrial machines and equipment is unswerving, we have compiled these tips which you MUST inspect before giving your financial consent about a second-hand excavator.

What to have in mind before buying second-hand excavator

Sit back and let’s get you enlightened about a second-hand excavator.

Inspect the engine for smoking

You’ll obviously agree with us that the engine of an excavator is the heart of such equipment. So, an excavator with a smoky engine is a clear indication that such a piece of equipment is very close to abandonment. In case you are considering the repair of such an engine, get this clear – you’d better consider purchasing a new excavator than try to repair an engine that has been overworked. You can ascertain a smoking engine when testing the equipment at various degree of strenuous activities

Inspect for looseness of slew ring

Besides an excavator's engine, the next part that may be very expensive to repair is the slew ring. While inspecting a second-hand excavator, keen attention should be paid to the slew ring for any sign of looseness or play because such looseness or movement is an indication that the equipment will be less precise and accurate. More so, when inspecting a second-hand excavator particularly for the slew ring, deliberate effort should be made trying to rotate the housing of the excavator to at least a quarter turn because this will give you first-hand info about the state of the slew ring. Also worthy of note is the stick, bucket, pins, bushings, and boom for looseness.

Inspect hydraulic/cylinders for leakages

While defects to hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and hoses within the equipment may not be a serious issue compared to a defective engine, there is still need to ensure that these parts are in their right form. Leakage to the cylinder is an indication that such equipment won’t be able to build the needed pressure to carry out the job it was designed to do.

Inspect log hours meter for mileage

The log hour meter of a second-hand excavator is meant to give you a clue about how often the equipment has been used for projects. However, many vendors temper with this meter as a way of showing you that the equipment is still sound and strong. To make a wise judgment about this, you'll need to relate the equipment's pedal (check for obvious wear-off) and the exterior polish of the equipment to ascertain the possible number of years it has been in use and the kind of project it has been used for.

Inspect bucket teeth for excessive wear off

Obviously, the primary aim of going for an excavator be it a new one or a second-hand excavator is for the purpose of accomplishing projects involving digging. If that's true about your need for an excavator, you should pay more attention to the bucket teeth for excessive wear off (scalloping). This is important because worn out bucket teeth will impede the digging efficiency of your excavator – sure you won’t want to feel as though you are digging with your fingers. If a half-moon shape is observed in the bucket teeth due to excessive wear off, it should be considered for replacement at least to enhance digging.

Inspect for general wear and tear

Since the goal is a perfect second-hand excavator, minor wear and tear around some parts will be expected. Such expectations are normal because these equipment are used for extreme jobs in mostly rough terrain. However, even if you expect some minor wear and tear on a second-hand excavator, such defects shouldn't be found on sensitive parts such as weld lines, hydraulic metals or even steering wheel. To avoid this, a careful inspection into the little but important parts of the excavator is very important if you hope to get the worth of your money.

Contact us for second-hand excavator

Purchasing a used piece of equipment such as a second-hand excavator is a great way to increase your equipment fleet and grow your business simultaneously.

Contact us and we’ll be glad to deliver the best to your work site within the shortest time.