For many companies, buying a used truck crane is an ideal way to reduce costs and obtain necessary equipment. However, due to the complex use environment of cranes and the uneven conditions of used equipment, special attention needs to be paid when purchasing. This article will provide a comprehensive purchase guide from four aspects: understanding the market, inspecting equipment, evaluating performance, and transaction protection.
Clear demand:
Lifting capacity: What is the maximum weight of the items that need to be lifted? Choosing the right tonnage is critical.
Operating environment: Is the operating environment an urban road, a construction site, or a harsh outdoor environment? This determines whether you need an ordinary truck crane or a mobile truck crane with more off-road capabilities.
Market research:
Understand the price range and common brands in the local or global used crane market. Common brands include:
Caterpillar
Komatsu
XCMG
Liebherr
SANY
Equipment from different brands has different advantages. Brands that are more valuable in the second-hand market are usually reliable in quality and have a relatively sufficient supply of spare parts.
Equipment history and usage records:
Usage time: The fewer operating hours, the less wear and tear the crane will have.
Working environment: Under what conditions has it been used? Has it been operated in harsh environments for a long time? This may affect the mechanical condition of the equipment.
Repair and maintenance records: Equipment that is regularly maintained usually performs better and has a lower failure rate.
External inspection:
Carefully inspect the appearance and key components of the equipment on site:
Boom and lifting rope: Check for obvious damage, cracks or wear.
Hydraulic system: Is there any leakage in the hydraulic cylinder? Is the operation smooth?
Tires and chassis: Are the tires worn evenly and is there any obvious deformation or damage to the chassis?
Outriggers: Ensure that the outriggers operate normally and can effectively support the stability of the crane on different terrains.
Engine and power system inspection:
Starting speed: Does the engine start smoothly?
Noise and emissions: Is there abnormal noise when the engine is running, and is there abnormal smoke in the exhaust?
Power output: Is the acceleration and hydraulic system operation smooth and is the power sufficient?
On-site testing:
Require the seller to demonstrate the actual operation of the crane on site to ensure that all functions are operating normally:
Lifting performance: Test the telescopic and rotation functions of the crane arm and the lifting of objects of different weights.
Operational flexibility: Observe whether the operation of the crane is smooth and whether the control system is sensitive.
Stability: Can the outriggers operate stably on different terrains? Will there be instability or shaking when lifting heavy loads?
Safety equipment inspection:
Ensure that the crane has complete safety equipment, including:
Overload alarm system: Can it alarm in time to prevent the lifting from exceeding the safe load?
Braking system: Does the brake work properly and can it stop the equipment quickly in an emergency?
Emergency function: Are there manual operations or emergency protection measures when the hydraulic system or power fails?
When buying used equipment, it is crucial to choose a reputable supplier. It is recommended to choose a supplier that provides warranty or after-sales service, or a professional dealer of used machinery and equipment. Avoid purchasing through private buyers or unreliable channels, as the history and maintenance status of these equipment may be difficult to track.
When trading, make sure to sign a formal sales contract, which should include the following:
Detailed information about the equipment (brand, model, serial number, hours of use, etc.).
Description of the current condition of the equipment.
After-sales service and warranty terms.
Payment method and delivery time.
If possible, it is recommended to hire a professional third-party testing agency to conduct independent inspections of the equipment to ensure that the quality of the equipment meets the requirements and avoid subsequent losses caused by hidden dangers of the equipment.
Finally, if purchasing used equipment from other countries or regions, transportation and import taxes and fees also need to be considered. Make sure to discuss the transportation method and related responsibilities with the supplier. For large equipment, transportation and lifting arrangements may require additional costs.
