Either buying an excavator new or secondhand, it is essential to do your homework beforehand to create an informed purchasing decision. You must have good information about the new excavator supplier or the used excavator supplier. Below are numerous questions to ask yourself and an inspection checklist to use when inspecting the excavator for damage or excessive wear.

What can you need the machine for?

In this perfect world, you would not have to make an equipment inspection at all and could make a purchase sight unseen. But in the real world, the most reputable and honest construction equipment retailers can sometimes make mistakes and overlook a significant malfunction. Whether you are buying a new excavator or one with years of clocked working hours, you must conduct a detailed and careful inspection before creating a purchasing agreement.

Here are six excellent tips to get you started:

1. Check the slide ring for damage

Slide rings are some of the most costly items to replace or repair, so you must ensure the slide ring in your hydraulic excavator has not been damaged before you sign the buying paperwork. It is particularly essential to purchase a used excavator from the known used excavator supplier, as poor machine maintenance—like insufficient lubrication or overloading—can lead to early slide ring failure.

In your inspection, ensure to rotate the housing to a quarter turn and check for any movement.

2. Check for moveable connections in the boom, stick, and bucket

Pins and bearings have to be tight, particularly in the excavator stick and bucket connection points. It is essential to check this, as any looseness, movement in the excavator’s connection points can affect the machine’s accuracy.

3. Inspect for flaws and bends

Check for any flaws or dents in the excavator, mainly in the following areas:

  • The boom and stick – you must check for cracks in the connection point join between the crash and stick and the bar with the bucket. If you spot any damages, know it is a sign that you can replace the boom or stick.
  • Undercarriage – any damage in your excavator’s undercarriage means the machine was not good as recommended. The operator was careless, or the device might face an accident. Either way, it was a sign of internal damage.

4. Look for leaks

You have to inspect the hydraulic pump section for leaks. It should contain inspecting the hoses, cylinders, and strokes.

5. cross-check the hours’ meter

If you have any problem with the hours’ meter reading, you can check the control pedals. If you notice excessive wear, it means that the meter was hurt or altered and that the equipment has logged more hours than the meter is exposed.

6. Inspect the bucket teeth for scalloping

Scalloping (wear between the bucket teeth) indicates that the excavator has a compact cutting force. However, it usually occurs over time and does not certainly mean that you have to replace the bucket; it is something to consider when valuing the overall value of the excavator machine.