Used excavator inspection: check these points first

When buying a used excavator, photos only give a rough idea. It is best to see the machine on site; if you cannot come, inspect it by video. The order below suits machines of around 20 tonnes.

Start with a cold start. After the engine has stood overnight, start it and see whether it fires first time, what colour the exhaust is and whether there are any abnormal noises. Start it again once warm and compare the two.

Then check the hydraulic system. Extend the boom, arm and bucket fully one at a time, wait a few minutes and see whether the cylinders settle noticeably. Check the main pump and all connections for oil seepage, and look closely around the swing motor and travel motors.

Next, test the functions. With no load, carry out combined operations and see whether the speed is even and whether any function is noticeably weak. When swinging, watch for shock; when travelling, see whether it pulls to one side.

Finally, check the structural parts and undercarriage. Look at the welds on the boom and arm, the play in the pins and bushings, the wear on the track shoes and chain links, and whether the track rollers and carrier rollers leak oil. Replacing undercarriage parts is not cheap, so factor that into the price.

The hour meter reading is a reference; it is best to compare it with this wear.