Wheel loaders are certainly a big investment, but worth the money. To lower the costs, many construction business owners decide to invest in a second-hand wheel loaders, instead of new ones. But before buying a second-hand wheel loader, they need to inspect the machine in details, because there can be many hidden problems. Here are our tips on buying a second-hand wheel loader.
Check The Original Price – Before you decide to buy a second-hand wheel loader, check the original price of the same model and compare it with a used wheel loader to see if there is any significant difference. You may be surprised if you find new loaders that cost less than the used ones, but it is possible. If there is not a huge difference in price, invest in a new wheel loader.
Check The Serial Number – If you have decided to buy a second-hand wheel loader, start the inspection by checking the serial number of the machine. The serial number of the wheel loader will allow you to verify the year of production.
Check The Availability Of Wheel Loader Parts – With a used wheel loader, you should think about repairs or replacement of wheel loader parts. It is very important to know there are spare wheel loader parts available whenever you need. For many models, it is hard to find the right parts, so make sure to check the availability of wheel loader parts for your exact model.
Check The Service History – You should be skeptical of the odometer and numbers it shows. It is important to know how many hours the wheel loader has worked. Do not trust the hours shown on the odometer since most used wheel loaders have worked overtime shifts. Try to investigate as much as possible to verify the worked hours.
Ask The Owner What Was The Loader Used For – You should ask the owner what kind of jobs the machine performed. Whether it was used to stockpile, carry, dig or load materials. It is important because the wear and tear of a loader that does carrying and loading jobs is different from the wear and tear of a loader that does loading. Also, the type of material is important because different materials cause different wear to the loader.
Inspect Its Appearance – Check the outside of the loader. Take notes of oil leaks, door and glass condition, tires, frame, bucket, etc. Make sure when doing this, there is a lot of light to be able to see any hidden flaws. To help your inspection, pay most attention on the engine, lights, radiator, transmission and lights.
People have good instincts when buying new clothes and should do the same when buying a used wheel loader. But never rely only on the instinct only. Inspect every component of the wheel loader, especially the most important wheel loader parts. If you are still not sure about buying a second-hand wheel loader, then consult with an experienced wheel loader operator or supplier, as he should be able to help you make the right decision.