Buying used heavy and construction equipment is a great way to save money on high-quality machines. While used equipment is a great deal, you need to know you’re getting your money’s worth. How do you know that an excavator is in good condition?
Understanding the used construction and heavy equipment inspection process helps protect you while you’re browsing. Construction contractors and project managers can trust the certification process and make sure they’ve purchased the best-used equipment for the job.
Initial Inspection and Preparation
The first step in the resale process is initial inspection. Before experts can certify a machine, they need to know its condition. The initial inspection gives them a general idea of the equipment’s condition and what it needs to resell effectively. Initial preparation involves:
1. Visual Inspection
Technicians start with a visual inspection. They walk around the machine and assess its overall condition. Is there any wear and tear? Do structural components have significant damage? Technicians will look at the engine parts, engine, hydraulic systems and other components to find any equipment wear and damage.
2. Maintenance Review
Next, technicians will review the maintenance history. Documentation is critical in the heavy equipment industry — it lets buyers and sellers see how well-maintained the machine is and if it has any history of problems. Inspectors want to see a detailed maintenance history or condition monitoring so they can confirm that the machine has been cared for.
A poor or missing maintenance history can push buyers away. When you know a machine was maintained with minimal issues, you’re more likely to buy it used.
3. Preparation
After inspection and maintenance checks, it’s time to get the machinery ready for sale. Technicians will clean and service the equipment. They’ll perform maintenance tasks like:
- Checking key components
- Replacing filters
- Changing fluids
- Replacing worn parts
With a thorough preparation process and certified parts, technicians can restore equipment so you can use it for years.
Inspection Criteria
All Cat® Certified Used equipment must pass the Caterpillar inspection process. It’s one of the most comprehensive inspections in the industry, confirming every machine meets strict quality standards. When you shop used Cat equipment, you can trust technicians have followed consistent procedures. Getting used equipment that meets these machinery certification standards protects your operation and provides you with lasting equipment.
After the machine history review and visual inspection, technicians confirm that all components meet these criteria:
- Components: Components should have no visible damage or excessive wear.
- Cab: The cab should be detailed. Clean cabs must also have all their switches and gauges in working order with no missing components.
- Glass and mirrors: These should have no cracks, chips or other damage. Equipment must have mirrors in the right places with all seals in good condition. Finally, the mirrors need to be clean.
- Ground engaging tools: These should still have at least half their useful life left. Technicians want to see no leaks and no excessive wear on the bucket or blade. Additionally, the attachment and teeth should also be in good condition.
- Undercarriage and tires: Like other components, the tires and undercarriage must be free of severe wear and have most of their useful life left.
- Hoses: Hoses should have no major wear.
- Sheet metal and counterweights: These components must have no visible metal work damage and no need for counterweight repairs.
- Lights: All lights and signal lights should be functioning properly.
- Cylinders: Equipment cylinders need to be free of visible chrome damage, leaking, pitting, scoring or scratches.
- Parts: Major parts must be Cat parts to meet the “good” condition.
Meeting all the above requirements earns the equipment a “good” rating. Technicians look at each section and grade it based on “good,” “fair,” or “poor.” With these strict testing standards, you can be sure your used equipment works well.
How High Standards and Transparency Are Ensured
The Cat Certified Used equipment program is built on high standards. Transparency is critical when evaluating quality assurance for used machinery. If you want to get reliable, high-performing machines, you need to know you can trust your reseller.
Every piece of equipment in the Certified Used program gets a comprehensive inspection from trained Cat technicians. All Cat technicians follow the same standardized process, ensuring quality no matter where you purchase your used equipment. If any parts receive a “poor” grade, they’re replaced with quality Cat parts so they pass certification.
The process maintains transparency through detailed inspection reports and photographs. Technicians take notes and pictures for any part graded “fair” or “poor.” These reports let customers see exactly what work has been done on the machine. Combine this attention to detail with replacement Cat parts so buyers can be sure they’re getting a well-maintained, quality product.
What to Look for When Buying Used Equipment
While the Certified Used machinery process is a mark of high quality and reliability, it’s always good to check over the machinery yourself. When you’re buying used equipment, take some time to examine it for potential issues. Make sure to follow these steps whether you’re buying Certified equipment or machines from another company:
- Check maintenance history: Always choose equipment with a detailed maintenance history. Has the machine received regular maintenance? Are there any long-term issues that need frequent repair? The better-maintained the equipment, the lower your risk of breakdowns.
- Look for wear: Inspect the equipment for wear and tear on components. If you have questions, ask the seller for more information.
- Choose Cat Certified Used: Invest in used equipment from the Certified Used program. These machines undergo rigorous inspection and receive genuine Cat replacement parts. If you go with another brand, make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller.
- Ask for a test run: Always test before you buy. A test run can tell you a lot about a machine. You’ll get a feel for handling and wear, helping you get a better idea of whether the machine meets your needs.
Browse Used Cat Machines From Thompson Machinery
Buying used equipment allows you to expand your fleet without affecting your bottom line. When you choose used equipment from Thompson Machinery, you’re investing in quality and reliability. Our Cat Certified Used machines go through rigorous inspections to ensure they meet Caterpillar high standards.
With genuine Cat parts, comprehensive service histories and great warranties, you can trust us to deliver what you need. Plus, our expert team is here to help with regular servicing or answer your questions. Find a location near you or contact Thompson Machinery to learn more about our services!
