Many times as you buy industrial equipment, it can be a challenge to find the right used machinery with proper working conditions. It gets more complex when you as the buyer do not have any experience in buying used machinery or nri industrial parts and you do not know what to check as you inspect the equipment. As you plan to buy used equipment for instance, for construction they have varying conditions that are dependent on their work history and past maintenance. Plus, you do not want to buy used equipment, import it, only to incur high replacements and repair costs due to various unknown defects of the machine. In this article are inspection tips that will help you identify any red flags on a used machine as you plan to buy it.
- Do a visible inspection
A visible structure check is a common way to start inspecting your equipment while still on the ground. In the lower areas of the machine, examine the undercarriage or the wheels. Then check the attachments, frame, and other external components of the machine. Ensure as you go round the machine checking consider if the integrity of the structure of the machine seems fractured or damaged. Check if there are any welding marks around the body of the machine. The condition of the wheel and the state of the machinery attachment. Also, check for oil leaks on the engine panel, hydraulic cylinders, or underneath the machine, among other things.
- Check the hour meter
What are the logged operating hours of the used equipment you want to buy? Checking the hour meter of your equipment is important as it shows the age of the equipment. If the hours are high, they should give you insight into the components life cycle. Meaning you may end up having to replace some worn-out parts after you buy the machine. Plus, according to the time the machine was used it will determine what the reusable worth will be. However, if the machinery undergoes proper maintenance it will have an extended productivity lifespan. Also, remember to confirm if the hour meter is broken, altered, or inaccurate. Get a machine specialist who has the technical expertise to help you detect any abnormal changes in the hour meter and can give you a report on the used machine.
- Do hydraulic and engine check
The most significant part of any piece of equipment is the hydraulic system and the engine. Hence it is vital to inspect all the hydraulic cylinders for scratches, breaks, dents, or signs of fluid leaks. Make sure all the hoses have good sealing and coupling conditions. Additionally, inspect the engine panel for loose belts, visible leakage, and dirty filters. Be wary of the state of the components and the sealing conditions where you spot dirt, fluid leaks, dents, and scratches underneath or around the machine’s engine compartment and hydraulic system. Ensure you inspect all this even when the price offer is attractive, to avoid ending up with high costs of parts replacement.
- Inspect the inner cabin area
Inspect the steering and backup systems and the controls. The interior beauty and aesthetics are not what you should consider as you inspect the inner cabin area. Focus more on what navigates and steers the equipment. Some of the things to check on your list are all gauges, switches, and indicators. Check the physical condition of the seat belt, seat, mirrors, lights, and windows. Check the working condition of the controller, steering wheel, and foot pedals. Finally, inspect the heating system or the air condition system. After inspecting all this, it will help you know if there is a part of the cabin that needs immediate replacement or minimal adjustment.
- Noise check
As you do a noise check, it will help you check for any other potential signs that you have overlooked as you inspected the external parts. Have the machine turned on and driven as you observe for any squeaky sounds that could mean worn out parts, loose connections, or missing bolts. Any unusual noises are a sign that connection points require lubrication. Thus, it is important to consider these noise red flags before you buy the equipment.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
