How to evaluate used excavators?

[heavydutyAlex]

hey everyone,

Looking at buying a used excavator—what are the key things to check before pulling the trigger? I know hours and maintenance history matter, but are there any red flags that aren’t obvious to a first-time buyer? Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Jake johnson]

Good question! Besides hours and maintenance records, check for leaks, excessive pin/bushing wear, and how smoothly the hydraulics operate. Also, watch for signs of welding or patchwork on the boom and undercarriage wear, those can hint at heavy past use.

Are you looking at a specific brand or just browsing options?

 

[_jkasExcavator001]

For sure, when checking out a used excavator, hours and service history are just the start. You definitely want to dig into the undercarriage wear (that’s big $$$ to fix), test all hydraulic functions for smoothness and power, and watch for play in the swing bearing. Check for any error codes or electrical gremlins too. If you see patch welds on the boom or cracks near pivot points, that’s a red flag. A cold start can also tell you a lot and if it struggles or smokes bad, walk away.