Compared to the high price of a new machine, buying a used excavator is a more economical choice. But buying a used excavator also comes with certain risks, the biggest of which is buying an accident vehicle. Vehicles that have been involved in major accidents, even after repair, may still have a variety of hidden injuries that are difficult to find, and in the future use of the process of serious impact on operational efficiency. However, don’t worry, this article shares a comprehensive and practical guide on choosing the used excavator. It will help you get an ideal used excavator.
Let’s dive in.
Guide to Choosing the Best Used Excavator
1. Overall Appearance Inspection
The exterior can reveal much about the machine’s history. Be wary of a complete repaint, which may indicate a history of major accidents. Local repaints are common and less concerning. Look for cracks, unusual welding, or signs of heavy use that weren’t part of the original manufacturing.
2. Boom and Arm Examination
After the excavator is involved in a serious accident, injecting overturning and rolling, the external frame and big and small arms are prone to serious damage and deformation. There is a simple way to judge the damage degree of the big and small arms: after the excavator is adjusted correctly, stand at the main valve and observe whether the boom and arm have any tilt angle. In addition to the excavator swing arm, X frame, side door, cab, and other parts of the link between the smooth or not is also an important criterion to determine the maintenance of the excavator. Excessive or uneven gaps are red flags.
3. Undercarriage and Tracks Inspection
The load-bearing parts of the digger need to be scrutinized. If there is serious wear and tear on the surface, it means that the excavator has been working for a long time. Still, it also means that the price of the excavator will be cheaper, so just weigh your needs and buy it under the overall consideration of the budget and the quality of the excavator. The refurbished ground will have a bigger gap when the machine is rotating, so when you encounter such a situation, please ask the seller of the excavator for the reason for refurbishing the tracks.
4. Practical Operation in the Cab
If inexperienced, bring an expert to assess the machine’s operation. Their insights can be invaluable in identifying potential issues.
Cab Observation
Significant wear or refurbishment on the cab’s top and sides may suggest prior accidents. Original cab parts have complex curves, making post-accident repairs more noticeable. Discrepancies in the cab glass or interior components compared to the machine’s age can raise red flags.
Engine Sound Check
Listen for a smooth engine startup. An irregular sound or signs of tampering with the hydraulic pump’s screws are warning signs to avoid this machine.
5. Hydraulic System Inspection
The health of the hydraulic system is crucial. Check for scratches, dents, or oil leaks on the chrome surfaces of hydraulic cylinders and hoses. Leaking hydraulic oil could indicate broader contamination.
6. Electrical System Check
Check the electrical system to ensure that all circuits are functioning properly. Then, access the computer system to inspect the motherboard. If you can view various operational conditions, such as RPM, pressure, temperature, and maintenance modes, after entering the system, it indicates that the computer board is functioning normally.
7. Swing Motor Inspection
During the inspection, listen for powerful rotation and any unusual noises. Identify the source of any noise and check for play in the swing base. The distributor’s condition is critical, as it controls various movements. Ensure all movements are smooth during a test run.
Conclusion
This guide can help you buy a good used excavator according to the inspection aspects mentioned above. So please take much time and enough patience to check all aspects of the machine, such as the engine, hydraulic system, crawler, cab, swing click, etc. In addition, the degree of wear of excavator parts not mentioned here should also be paid attention to, such as buckets, teeth, track shoes, hydraulic cylinders, etc. Although you can buy these parts from reliable online stores, such as FridayParts, a brilliant used excavator will save you money. Finally, I hope to help you make the best decision.
