Get FinancingInspection Checklist: Used Excavators
When buying a used excavator, there are countless potential issues that can crop up during a proper inspection. Some are minor and have little impact on how well the excavator will perform. Others will require immediate or near-term attention, but shouldn’t dissuade you from purchasing the machine if the price is right. In a handful of circumstances, however, elusive problems could negatively impact your bottom line for years to come. Here is a list of things to look for to ensure you don’t end up with an excavator that couldn’t dig its way out of a wet paper bag.
The Walk Around
A walk around is one of the most important aspects of an inspection, whether you can perform it in-person, which is ideal, or virtually through photos and videos included on the item’s listing. Here you’re focusing primarily on looking closely at the critical components of the excavator and judging their appearance in order to determine their status.
Leaks. Look at the ground and areas around the fittings, hoses, swivel joints, seals, valve covers, and oil pan. Dishonest sellers will try to hide any trace of a leak. Excessively clean areas might be a bad sign.
Undercarriage. To inspect the undercarriage, you’re going to need to get dirty. Better yet, get the owner to anchor the machine with the bucket on one side, and tilt it up for a proper view.
Track check. While the machine is raised, look for missing pieces, cuts, or dry rot in rubber tracks and determine the remaining wear. Tilt the machine up from the opposite side to fully inspect the other side. Look at the track shoes, idlers, carrier rollers, and links.
Welds. Cracks in welds appear as a fringe of rust where the bare metal is exposed to the elements. Look at the frame, boom, stick, blade, and other load-bearing parts of the excavator.
Safety structures. Steps and grab irons should be secure and straight. The Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) should be intact and unbent.
Paint. If there is a good deal of rust or scratches on the machine, it’s time for a repaint.
Hinges, latches, and compartments. Open and shut any service panel, cover, or enclosure and note how well these components move and prevent the ingress of the elements, and whether they stay closed properly.
Battery terminals. These should be clean and free of corrosion. Check the battery’s manufacture date and make sure it is secure in its enclosure.
Cylinders and moving parts. The hydraulic cylinders should not exhibit signs of oil seepage or pitting. Check the hoses for corrosion, make sure all brackets are in place and that there’s no play in the pins or bushings.
Fuel cap. The fuel cap should seal tightly and the strainer should be operational and secure.
Fluid levels. Take a close look at the engine, hydraulic oil, and coolant fluid levels. Check the oil and note its condition, then check the color of the antifreeze.
Cleanliness. An excavator will get dirty, but that dirt and other debris shouldn’t make its way into the engine compartment or stick in the fins of the radiator.
Stickers. Does the machine have its safety stickers, EPA decal, etc.?
Wiring. Inspect the electrical system of the excavator and make sure the lights work.
Start It Up
Once you’ve looked the machine over, it’s time to dig a little deeper to ensure that the excavator is fully functional. Again, this is best done in person. However, a video can suffice as long as it shows that the machine is fully operational without any apparent editing.
Cold check. With the engine cold, check the oil levels. The filters should all be current and scheduled maintenance should have been performed at the appropriate intervals. Look for any proof that the machine has been properly cared for, including an oil sample history and paperwork.
Startup. Start the engine and wait for it to warm to operating temperature.
Bucket and blade. Move the blade up and down, raise the front of the machine with the blade, open and close the bucket, and look for looseness in pins, bushings, or couplers.
Dig. Perform a variety of digging operations with the boom, stick, and bucket.
Track movement. Move the excavator forward, backward, and to the right and left in a full circle. Are the controls smooth, does the backup alarm work?
Swing. Move the boom left and right. Move the upper body to the left and right. Brake between each movement and be on the lookout for hesitations, response rate, or extra play in the slew ring bearing.
Cab. While you’re in the cab, ensure the controls, gauges, and touch screens are fully operational. Adjust the seat, inspect the seatbelt, check the air conditioning and heater, and verify that the doors and windows seal, latch, and open with ease. Also, check for any visibility issues.
Blow-by. With the engine running, open the engine compartment, remove the dipstick, and feel for air pressure. If you feel air rushing from the engine, then it may be a sign of a compression ring or valve issue.
Engine. Check for smoke and knocks, compression in the radiator, and water in the oil.
Belts and pulleys. While the engine is running, inspect the condition of the belts and pulleys, then inspect them again while the engine is off.
Connect/disconnect. Perform a connect and disconnect operation to determine the state of the coupler.
Exhaust and muffler. The exhaust system should be fully intact and discharge fumes and particulates well clear of the cab.
Don’t Get Burned, Get A Pro
For those who are uncomfortable doing an inspection themselves, we recommend hiring an independent, third-party inspector, or consulting with a knowledgeable technician. Check with your Machinery Trader representative for a recommendation in your area.
