With the construction industry getting back on its feet, here are some tips for buying construction machinery.
Fenton Plant Machinery specialise in selling quality used plant machinery. Years of experience in providing this service have given us an insight on what to look out for when buying used construction machinery.
[1] It’s important to check the history of your machine
Conduct background checks on the ownership history of the machine and how well it was maintained. Maintenance checks include checking the fluids such as the hydraulic fluid, engine fluid, and transmission oil to evaluate their performance. Ask for proof of ownership to avoid buying stolen items.
[2] Have a look at the operating hours
The number of active hours in the history of the machine will determine whether buying used machinery is viable compared to buying a new one. A good machine should have the capacity to hold its value even after many hours of operation. Equipment may have a short working period but increased visits to the engineer for repair. It’s essential to avoid such a purchase; however cheap it may come. The maintenance costs accumulated within the first year of acquisition should not match the cost of buying a new machine if summed to the initial deposit amount.
[3] Always use a reputable dealer
Reputable dealers should have well-established premises that can act as a point of reference. Proper contact information should be displayed on their website. Customer service and the condition of the machines is very important.
To evaluate professionalism in customer service simply dial one of the contact numbers provided and observe whether they respond promptly and answer all your questions diligently. Proper dealers should provide appropriate certification and documents to prove ownership or right to sell machines on display.
[4] Check out the machine specifications
Check the model type, year of manufacture, size, fuel consumption, replacement parts among others. Tutor these specs to your personal preferences and requirements and it will be a comfortable and well-informed buy.
[5] Take it for a test drive
It is advisable to conduct test drives to assess the performance of the machine. Pay close attention to any abnormal sounds from the engine and emissions. Check the seat condition, controls, dashboard, pedals, and other features. Additionally, check that the transmission is efficient whether the machine will require additional costs in service.
