Engine & Cooling
- Request a cold start when practical and watch exhaust smoke
- Listen for abnormal knocking, hunting or difficult starting
- Check visible oil, fuel and coolant leakage
- Review blow-by, cooling system, belts and engine bay condition
Used Excavator Buyer Resource
Used Excavator Inspection Checklist
Use current photos, serial information and a structured working video to evaluate the actual excavator before shipment.
Condition Before Appearance
Inspect Systems, Wear and Identity
Fresh paint does not confirm mechanical condition. A useful remote inspection identifies the exact machine and records how its main systems behave, along with close evidence of wear, leakage, cracks or repairs.
This checklist helps buyers ask consistent questions. It does not replace an on-site professional inspection when the purchase value, application or local regulation requires one.
Hydraulic System
- Operate boom, arm, bucket, swing and travel functions
- Check response, unusual noise, hesitation and cylinder drift
- Inspect pump area, control valve, hoses and cylinder seals for leakage
- Compare cycle speed under a normal operating demonstration
Boom, Arm & Structure
- Inspect boom foot, arm, bucket linkage and pin areas
- Look for cracks, fresh welds, reinforcement plates or deformation
- Check slew-ring movement and abnormal play
- Record bucket type, teeth and attachment condition
Undercarriage & Travel
- Photograph both track chains, shoes, rollers, idlers and sprockets
- Check uneven wear, missing parts and track adjustment
- Operate forward, reverse and steering in both directions
- Listen for abnormal final-drive noise and inspect leakage
Cabin & Identification
- Match the serial plate to the quotation and media
- Record monitor hours and visible warning indicators
- Test controls, display, lights and air conditioning where fitted
- Confirm included keys, manuals, tools and available documents
Video & Acceptance Record
- Show a continuous view identifying the actual machine
- Include cold start, engine bay and full working actions
- Capture close views of disclosed wear or repaired areas
- Agree which evidence is used for final acceptance before loading
Inspection Questions
Reading the Evidence
Is monitor hour information enough?
No. Record it, but compare it with control wear, seat and pedal condition, pins, undercarriage and overall machine condition. Hours should not be evaluated in isolation.
Should repainting automatically disqualify a machine?
No, but repainting can hide repairs, leakage or corrosion. Ask for close structural photos, serial information and disclosure of known repair areas.
What should be shown during the digging test?
The video should show coordinated boom, arm and bucket movement, swing, travel and hydraulic response under a practical demonstration, with abnormal sounds or leakage investigated.
Inspect a Current Unit