An excavator is a huge investment for a company or an individual. When investing in such resource-intensive equipment, you need to do some homework beforehand to make informed purchase decisions. The following are some of the fundamental questions to ask yourself and an important checklist to guide you through the process whether buying a new or a used Terex excavator.
What will machine primarily be used for
Excavator equipment is classified into three categories according to sizes, namely; mini – 0-7 ton, standard – 7-44 ton, and large – 44-80 ton. Do some background research on what your equipment will be used primarily for when you purchase. By the time you contact the seller, you should know whether it is the mini, the standard or the large excavator that you want. You should also research the attachments that you need from the options available. Some of these attachments include couplers, hammers, or rippers.
How will you transport the excavator from the seller to the station
You must have a trailer equipped well to transport your excavator and ensure both drivers have correct certifications to avoid trouble with traffic. Enquire about the route beforehand because certain routes have bridges that do not allow a certain amount of loads over them. And you must factor these factors into the budget before buying the machine.
Study the dealer
Make sure before committing to deal with the seller you know their background. Research about the seller before contacting them. The best place where you can get valuable information about the seller is their website and independent reviews websites now accessible from anywhere in the world. You can even seek advice from people who have owned the same type of equipment before. It is also important to build a relationship with the dealer if you foresee buying another piece of equipment in the future and it will also be easier for you to purchase spare parts and other repairs. It is beneficial for the buyer if the dealer is responsible and knowledgeable enough about the equipment.
Things to check on an excavator before purchasing
Whether you are purchasing a used excavator or a brand new one, there are just some things you can’t overlook, even with the most reputable company, errors may occur and malfunctions may occur. The following are some of the common areas you shouldn’t overlook.
- Slew ring: you must inspect the slew ring for damages because it is one of the most expensive parts to replace or repair. If you are a novice, hire a professional mechanic to inspect on your behalf and point out defects before leaving the garage.
- Check out for loose connections in the following areas – boom, bucket, and stick.
- Make sure the bearings on the bucket, boom, and stick are tight and firm because if they are loose, they affect the accuracy of the equipment.
- Thoroughly inspect for cracks and bends: the common places to check for these defects in an excavator are a carriage, bucket, stick, and other attachment areas that might have severe damages or faults.
- Look out for any leakage: there could be oil leakage and other important liquids in an excavator and one should be wary of any leakage before purchasing equipment.
- Counter check the hour meter: inspect the meter hour properly, some scrupulous dealers alter the
Remember you can find Terex excavator parts from accredited suppliers.