Hours, Service History, and Overall Condition
Machine hours give a rough sense of use, but like any equipment, how those hours were accumulated and maintained matters more than the number. Ask for the service history: regular oil, filter, and hydraulic service is the best predictor of remaining life. Walk the whole machine looking for signs of hard use or neglect, from cracked welds and bent attachments to a worn operator station. A machine that is clean and cared for, with records to match, justifies a stronger price than a higher-hour or lower-hour unit of unknown background.
Inspecting the Undercarriage and Tires
On tracked machines like excavators, the undercarriage is one of the largest wear costs, so inspect it closely. Check track tension, and look at the wear on sprockets, rollers, idlers, and the links and pads of the tracks themselves. Heavily worn undercarriage components are expensive to replace and should be reflected in the price. On wheeled machines such as loaders and telehandlers, inspect tire condition and even wear, and check the wheels and axle seals. Undercarriage or tire condition alone can swing the real value of a machine substantially.
Checking for Leaks and Hydraulic Health
Hydraulics do the work on construction machines, so hydraulic health is central to any inspection. Look for oil leaks at cylinders, hoses, fittings, and the pump, and check cylinder rods for scoring or pitting that will shorten seal life. Operate every function through its full range and watch for smooth, strong movement without drifting, hesitation, or unusual noise. Check hydraulic fluid level and condition, and inspect engine oil and coolant for correct level and clean appearance. Milky oil or coolant, or signs of leaks between systems, are warnings that warrant a closer look before buying.
Excavator and Telehandler Specifics
Each machine type has its own critical checks. On an excavator, inspect the boom, stick, and bucket for cracks and pin and bushing wear, test the swing function and tracking, and confirm the quick coupler and auxiliary hydraulics work. On a telehandler, extend and retract the boom fully while watching for smooth operation and checking the boom wear pads, test the lift and tilt under a representative load if possible, and verify the load chart and any load-management system are present and working. On wheel loaders, check the bucket, pins, and the articulation joint for play.
Freight and Delivery Logistics
Construction equipment is heavy and often oversized, so plan transport before you buy. Excavators, loaders, and telehandlers usually ship on flatbed or lowboy trailers, and the machine's weight and dimensions determine the trailer type and any permits for oversize or overweight loads. Factor delivery cost and lead time into your total budget, and confirm site access so the delivery truck can reach the unloading point and the machine can be offloaded safely. PowerHouse Equipment can help arrange freight; ask for a delivered-price estimate so there are no surprises when the machine arrives.
Frequently asked questions
What should I inspect first on used construction equipment?
Start with the undercarriage or tires, the hydraulics, and the fluids, since those carry the biggest repair costs. Then review the service history and operate every function. A documented, well-maintained machine with sound wear components is worth more than hours alone suggest.
How important is the undercarriage on a used excavator?
Very important. The undercarriage is one of the largest wear costs on a tracked machine, so worn tracks, sprockets, rollers, and idlers can mean a major expense. Inspect it closely and make sure its condition is reflected in the price you pay.
What is special about inspecting a used telehandler?
Beyond the usual engine and hydraulic checks, extend and retract the boom fully while watching for smooth operation, inspect the boom wear pads, and test the lift and tilt under load if you can. Confirm the load chart and any load-management system are present and functioning.
How is heavy equipment delivered?
Most excavators, loaders, and telehandlers ship on flatbed or lowboy trailers, with the machine's weight and size determining the trailer and any oversize or overweight permits. Plan delivery cost, lead time, and site access in advance, and ask for a delivered-price estimate.