A used equipment checklist is a great time-saving tool when shopping, although it is primarily used to determine the remaining useful life on components that are subject to wear and tear in the workplace, as well can tell an unbiased story about previous operating conditions and type of use. . A mini excavator ready for retail sale must be clean and safe for the operator, ensuring that employees perform the necessary daily inspection and that the mechanical components also function as intended by the original equipment manufacturer . This will ensure safe operation and provide the best return on investment for the new owner.
Below are 5 key things to look for before buying any used mini excavator.
1: Machine should be parked on level ground with all access panels open, check all fluid levels and condition. New filters will have been installed and the condition of the engine oil should always be observed prior to start-up and the water/fuel separator should be visually inspected for contamination .
2: After visually checking that there are no leaks in the engine compartment or hydraulic system, all access panels must be closed and secure before starting the mini excavator. Cycle the key switch for a minimum of 10 seconds to allow the spark plugs to preheat, then start the engine. Exhaust from a diesel on cold start should clear up in no time and no smoke after warm up.
3: Check the movement of pins and bushings by simply resting the bottom of the bucket on the ground with the boom and hooking it at 90 degrees. WITHOUT lifting the bucket, “flex” the boom up and down and visually check the free play present in all pins. If a quick coupler is fitted, it must be disconnected from the bucket in order to show the precise movement of the pin and bushing.
4: Bearing wear should also be monitored and checked for up and down movement and side to side movement checked for excess drift or any drive motor in ring gear play.
5: Next, examine the landing gear. The sprocket teeth should not be cupped or worn thin at the tips and the track chain should be felt for flat spots or uneven wear. Next, with the boom moved to the side of the machine, each track should be raised slightly off the ground and each track roller checked for side-to-side movement, the rollers should be tight in the bearing and spin freely.
With this simple guide, no matter how experienced you are, we can guarantee that you’ll have a better understanding of the condition of the machine you’re looking at and can make a more educated buying decision.
Below is a helpful pdf that summarizes the steps we covered in an inspection checklist. We recommend printing this out for the next time you’re looking at a used mini excavator.
Used Mini Excavator Buying Checklist
Download PDF • 263KB
