You must conduct a careful inspection to avoid buying excavators with hidden flaws. A fresh paint job on a used machine can hide serious wear, so you need to know how to tell if a newly bought excavator is refurbished properly.
Scammers often rely on buyers skipping a physical check. Authorities advise you to always inspect equipment in person before buying an excavator.
A quality rebuilt excavator restores original function. A poorly rebuilt one just hides its used history and lacks original integrity. A truly rebuilt machine will always differ from a cosmetically refurbished excavator.
Red Flags in the Paint and Decals
A fresh coat of paint can make an old machine look new. Scammers use this trick to hide problems. You must look past the shiny surface. A careful paint inspection reveals the true story of a used excavator. It helps you decide if the machine is a good investment.
Inspect for Overspray and Mismatched Colors
You should first check for signs of a quick paint job. Look closely at areas where different parts meet.
Overspray: Find paint on hydraulic hoses, rubber seals, or glass. Professional painters mask these areas carefully. Overspray shows a rushed job.
Mismatched Colors: Compare the color on the boom, cab, and counterweight. A truly rebuilt machine often has consistent, high-quality paint. Different shades of yellow or orange can mean a seller replaced a damaged part with a component from another machine. It can also indicate a spot repair to hide a crack or dent.
Pro Tip: Check the paint inside the cab and engine compartment. These areas are often missed in a quick repaint. The original color and condition there can tell you a lot about the machine's age and wear.
Look for Paint Over Grease, Dirt, or Welds
A proper paint job requires extensive preparation. A lazy seller will skip these crucial steps. You can easily spot this lack of effort.
Run your hand over flat surfaces. Do you feel bumps or grit under the paint? This means the seller painted directly over dirt or rust. Paint does not stick well to dirty surfaces. It will soon chip and peel, revealing the old surface underneath.
Examine all weld points, especially around the boom and stick.
What to Look For | What It Means |
|---|---|
Thick, sloppy paint on welds | An attempt to hide poor-quality repair welds. |
Fresh paint over old grease fittings | The machine was not properly cleaned before painting. |
Bubbling or flaking paint | Moisture or rust is trapped underneath. |
A quality rebuilt excavator will have clean, professional welds that are properly primed and painted, not just covered up. The original integrity of the structure is key.
Check Underneath New Decals and Stickers
New decals make a machine look sharp and well-maintained. They can also hide serious issues. Always inspect decals and stickers with suspicion.
Feel the area around the edges of new stickers. You might find ridges from old, painted-over decals. Look for air bubbles or peeling corners on the new stickers. These are signs of a hasty application. A seller might place a large new decal over a significant dent, crack, or weld repair.
Pay special attention to the original manufacturer's logos and safety warnings. If they look too new for the age of the used machine, ask the seller why they were replaced. The condition of the original decals often reflects the machine's true working life.
How to Avoid Buying Excavators with Hidden Mechanical Flaws
A shiny exterior means nothing if the machine's core mechanics are failing. The hydraulics, undercarriage, and engine are the most expensive systems to repair. You must inspect these critical components thoroughly. This step is essential to avoid buying excavators with costly hidden damage. A detailed mechanical check separates a quality rebuilt machine from a money pit.
Analyze Hydraulic Hoses and Cylinders
The hydraulic system is the muscle of the excavator. Its condition tells you about the machine's maintenance history and future reliability. Even small leaks can lead to catastrophic failures.
First, you should inspect the hydraulic hoses. Old, brittle hoses are a major safety risk and a sign of neglect. A quality rebuilt excavator will often have new or well-maintained hoses, not the original ones painted over. Look for these warning signs:
Cracks, Fraying, or Abrasions: These expose the inner reinforcement layers and signal the hose is weak.
Bulges or Bubbles: These spots indicate internal damage. The hose could burst under pressure.
Stiffness: An aging hose loses flexibility. It becomes brittle and can easily crack when the machine moves.
Next, examine the hydraulic cylinders. These powerful rams do all the heavy lifting.
Look for puddles of oil on the ground beneath the cylinders or oily dirt caked around the seals. These are clear signs of a slow leak that will only get worse.
Extend and retract each cylinder. You need to check the chrome rods for damage. Run your gloved hand carefully along the rod to feel for scoring, pitting, or dents. Damaged rods will quickly destroy new seals, leading to expensive repairs. Check the cylinder body itself for cracks or signs of past weld repairs, especially around the mounting points.
Examine the Undercarriage with a Critical Eye
The undercarriage can account for up to 50% of a machine's total maintenance cost. Worn-out undercarriage parts are extremely expensive to replace. An average undercarriage lasts between 4,000 and 6,000 hours, but harsh conditions can shorten this lifespan significantly.
You must measure the wear on key parts. Manufacturers provide wear charts in technical manuals that show the original dimensions and replacement limits. Compare your measurements to these charts.
Component to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
Track Pads (Grousers) | Check the height of the bars on the pads. Worn-down grousers reduce traction. |
Track Chains & Bushings | Look for "scalloping" or uneven wear on the inside of the chain links where they contact the rollers. Check if the bushings have been turned. |
Sprockets | Examine the sprocket teeth. Sharp, pointed teeth are a sign of advanced wear. Good teeth are rounded at the tips. |
Rollers and Idlers | Check the roller flanges for thinning or chipping. Worn rollers can cause the tracks to de-track. |
Pro Tip: A common trick is to tighten the tracks excessively to make them feel solid. A properly tensioned track should have a slight sag. An overly tight track accelerates wear on all undercarriage components.
The wear on these used parts should be consistent with the machine's hour meter. If a seller claims low hours but the undercarriage is worn out, you should be very suspicious.
Check the Engine for Tampering and Smoke
The engine is the heart of your used excavator. When buying an excavator, you must verify the engine's health and authenticity. Scammers often tamper with hour meters to make a machine seem newer than it is.
Do not trust the hour meter alone. It is easy for a dishonest seller to disconnect a meter or replace it with one from a salvaged machine showing fewer hours. A mechanic can often tell if the wear on an engine does not match the hours on the meter. This is a key step to avoid buying excavators with a fraudulent history.
Look for these signs of tampering:
Scratches or tool marks around the instrument cluster.
Wear on pedals, joysticks, and the operator's seat that looks much heavier than the hours suggest.
Service records that show a sudden drop in hours or a meter replacement.
Always start the engine from cold. Watch the exhaust for smoke.
Blue Smoke: Indicates the engine is burning oil. This could mean worn piston rings or valve seals.
White Smoke: Can suggest water is getting into the combustion chamber, possibly from a bad head gasket.
Black Smoke: Usually means the engine is getting too much fuel, pointing to injector or fuel pump problems.
Let the engine warm up completely. A good rebuilt machine should have a clean, well-maintained engine bay that matches the quality of the original build.
Understanding the Risks of Buying a Refurbished Excavator
You must look beyond the physical machine to understand the risks of buying a refurbished excavator. Proper documentation and a clear understanding of the seller's process are essential. This knowledge protects your investment and helps you avoid buying excavators with a questionable past. A seller's transparency about the machine's history is a sign of a trustworthy deal when buying an excavator.
Demand and Scrutinize Service Records
Complete service records tell the true story of a used machine. You should always ask for and carefully review all documentation. A lack of records is a major red flag. Comprehensive records provide quality assurance and build confidence in your purchase.
A complete service record should include key details. Look for the dates of maintenance, descriptions of work performed, and records of parts replaced. This information confirms a consistent maintenance history.
Without these records, you are dealing with an unknown component history. This increases your risk significantly.
Verify the Product Identification Number (PIN)
The Product Identification Number (PIN) is the machine's unique fingerprint. You must confirm that the PIN on the machine matches the number on the ownership and service records. A mismatch could indicate a stolen machine or fraudulent paperwork.
You can find the PIN on a metal plate, usually inside the cab or on the machine's frame.
Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
Caterpillar | In the cab, often behind the operator's seat. |
Komatsu | In the cab, typically behind the seat. |
You can use services like the National Equipment Register (NER) to check a PIN's history online. This step helps verify the machine's original identity.
Question the Seller's Refurbishment Process
Not all rebuilt machines are equal. You need to ask the seller specific questions about their process. A quality rebuilt excavator should be restored to near-original condition, not just painted. Ask what standards they follow and if they provide a detailed rebuild report.
Inquire about the parts used during the refurbishment.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are made by the original manufacturer and guarantee a perfect fit.
Aftermarket Parts: These are made by other companies. Their quality can vary greatly, leading to inconsistent quality.
Used Parts: These are salvaged from other machines.
The type of parts used affects the machine's performance and value. Rebuilt units with cheap aftermarket or used parts often have a lower residual value. A transparent seller will explain their parts policy. This is a critical step to avoid buying excavators that will fail prematurely.
The Ultimate Test: Operational Inspection of Refurbished Used Excavators
A visual check is not enough. You must operate the machine to confirm its true condition. This operational test reveals issues that a paint job cannot hide. It is the final step before you commit to buying refurbished used excavators. A properly rebuilt machine should perform close to its original specifications.
Test All Functions Under a Real Load
You need to see how the machine works under pressure. Simply moving the arm in the air will not reveal hydraulic weakness. Ask the seller if you can dig into a pile of dirt or lift a heavy object. A machine's lifting capacity is typically 75% of its tipping load or 87% of its hydraulic capacity, whichever is less. A good rebuilt excavator should handle these loads without hesitation.
You can also perform a cycle time test to check hydraulic speed.
Set the engine to full speed.
Time how long it takes to fully extend the bucket cylinder.
Time how long it takes to fully retract it.
Repeat this for the stick and boom cylinders.
Slow or weak movements indicate problems with the hydraulic pump or cylinders. A quality rebuilt machine will have performance that aligns with its original factory standards.
Engine Power (kW) | Operating Weight (kg) | Bucket Capacity (m³) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Caterpillar CAT 336 | 311 | 36,500 | 1.88 |
Komatsu PC360LC-11 | 257 | 36,200 | 1.8 |
Hitachi ZX350LC-6 | 271 | 34,000 | 2.1 |
Check for Engine Blow-by and Slew Ring Play
Engine health is critical for any used machine. You can perform a simple test for engine blow-by. While the engine is running, carefully remove the oil filler cap. A little vapor is normal, but excessive smoke puffing out indicates worn piston rings. This is a sign of a tired engine that may need a costly rebuild.
Next, check the slew ring, which is the large bearing that lets the cab rotate. Have someone else operate the boom to lift the tracks slightly off the ground on one side. Then, try to rock the upper structure side-to-side. Any significant clunking or excessive play suggests the slew ring is worn out. This is an expensive repair on any rebuilt excavator.
Run the Machine Until It Reaches Operating Temperature
Some of the worst problems only appear when a machine gets hot. You should run the excavator for at least 30 minutes to bring it to full operating temperature. The hydraulic oil temperature should not exceed its alarm point, often around 90-95°C (194-203°F).
As the machine warms up, watch for new issues. A failing hydraulic pump or worn internal seals can cause a loss of power and speed only after the fluid thins out from heat.
A well-rebuilt machine will maintain consistent power and speed. It should not overheat or show a drop in performance. This test confirms the quality of the rebuilt components and the integrity of the original design.
You must watch for red flags like a hasty paint job, mismatched component wear, and poor performance under load. If a deal on a rebuilt excavator seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Always get a professional inspection if you are not an expert. This service typically costs between $200 and $500.
This small cost protects you from a poorly rebuilt refurbished excavator. It helps ensure you buy a quality rebuilt excavator that has been properly rebuilt. A well-rebuilt refurbished excavator is a smart investment.
FAQ
What is the most important thing to check on a used excavator?
You must inspect the undercarriage and hydraulics first. These systems are the most expensive to repair. An operational test reveals more about the machine's health than its paint. This check is your top priority.
Is a new paint job always a bad sign?
A new paint job is not always bad. Quality rebuilds include fresh paint. You must look for signs of a quick cover-up. Check for overspray on hoses or paint over dirt. These details reveal the true quality.
How much does a professional inspection cost?
You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a professional inspection. This small investment protects you from buying a machine with expensive hidden problems. It provides great peace of mind.
What if the seller has no service records?
You should proceed with extreme caution. A lack of service records means the machine has an unknown history. This absence of documentation is a major red flag. You cannot verify its maintenance or past repairs.
