Buying Used Excavators in Australia
Excavators are versatile machines that have evolved to handle a wide range of tasks including digging, trenching, lifting, and more. However, purchasing a new excavator can be costly and may not necessarily fit within budget constraints. Alternatively, buying a used excavator is an option that offers affordable prices without sacrificing quality. It is important to thoroughly inspect the equipment before purchase whether you are looking for a compact or mini-excavator.
HOW TO INSPECT A USED EXCAVATOR ACCURATELY
Visual inspection - Before making a purchase, the first step is to conduct a careful physical inspection of the equipment. Among the issues that you should be on the lookout for are;
Hydraulic System Leaks
Ensure sure there are no hydraulic leaks by checking the hydraulic pump compartment, hydraulic lines, cylinders, and hoses. Inspect the stick and boom for oil seepage. Swivel joints and the slew ring or swing bearing are additional components that are prone to leaks. Any leaks should be quickly identified and repaired to guarantee the equipment's safe operation.
Cracks and Dents
When there are cracks, dents, or corrosion in significant moving parts or crucial connection points, it's a warning sign. Some wear and tear are to be expected with second hand equipment. Observe for hairline cracks and rust indications. Make sure to look for any evidence of damage on the excavator's undercarriage as well. You should take care of any cracks and dents immediately Moreover, inspect the bucket teeth for scalloping; in some circumstances, this could be a sign that it's time to replace the bucket.
Check The Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants are essential for the equipment to operate at its best. Thus, it's crucial to perform fluid checks on things like hydraulic fluid, engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Fluid contamination may be an indicator of poor machinery maintenance.
Inspect The Tracks or Tires
The tracks or tires should be thoroughly inspected for any cracks or excessive loss of tension in the case of tracks because they move a lot and may be exposed to heat.
Operational inspects:
While some of the more obvious problems can be found with a visual inspection of the equipment, you still need to perform several operational checks to ensure the machinery is in good working condition.
Test Movement and Play of the excavator
Start the equipment and check to see if the engine isn't emitting any smoke. Perform a few tests to simulate how the equipment would operate, such as moving the boom while utilizing the bucket as an anchor, opening and closing the bucket, swinging the excavator's upper body through its whole range of motion, and more. Consider purchasing a different piece of equipment if you notice any problems with the excavator's movement that interfere with its smooth operation.
The majority of equipment owners maintain accurate records of all maintenance work completed. Get any maintenance records or oil sample records from the prior owner, and thoroughly inspect them. To prevent future equipment problems, buy a used excavator from a trusted dealer like Southwest Global.
If you're looking for Heavy Machinery for sale or rental, get in touch with Southwest Global. We have a variety of used excavators for sale in Australia, Mexico, Ghana & Chile.
