Before you buy used heavy equipment, use this checklist to evaluate condition, avoid costly surprises, and buy with confidence.
Buying used heavy equipment is a smart way to control costs, but it carries risk if you do not know what to look for. This checklist helps you evaluate a machine before you commit, whether you are buying from a dealer, an auction, or a private seller.
1. Hours and Service History
Hours are the odometer of heavy equipment, but they do not tell the whole story. A well-maintained machine with 5,000 hours can be a better buy than a neglected one with 2,000. Ask for service records — oil changes, hydraulic service, and track or undercarriage work tell you how the machine was treated.
2. Undercarriage and Tracks
On tracked machines, the undercarriage is the most expensive wear component. Inspect track tension, grouser height, roller condition, and sprocket wear. A worn undercarriage can cost thousands to replace.
3. Hydraulic System
Check for leaks at cylinders, hoses, and fittings. Look for milky hydraulic fluid (indicating water contamination) and listen for unusual pump noise. Operate every function — boom, arm, bucket, swing — through its full range.
4. Engine and Drivetrain
Start the machine cold if possible. Check for excessive smoke, unusual noises, and smooth operation. Test all travel speeds and directions. Check fluid levels and condition — low or dirty fluids suggest deferred maintenance.
5. Why Buy From an Asset-Based Dealer?
When you buy from C.A.R.E., every machine has been inspected and serviced by our professional technicians. We own our equipment, so we stand behind what we sell. Unlike a broker who never touches the machine, an asset-based dealer has real skin in the game.
Shop With Confidence
Browse our equipment for sale to see inspected, ready-to-work machines, or contact us about a specific need. We are happy to walk you through the condition of any machine in our inventory.
C.A.R.E. (Cochran Asset & Resource Exchange LLC) is an asset-based equipment company serving Georgia and the Southeast. We own, maintain, and stand behind our equipment.