Used mini excavator
Although the durability of various mini excavators may vary depending on their brand, most are strong enough to withstand harsh working conditions. They are specifically made for the hard work in construction, farming, forestry, and other applications, which makes them the perfect companion for all sorts of tasks.
When it comes to buying or renting used mini excavators, many people still need clarification about whether or not they are worth it. Here are the most frequently asked questions to give you a broader understanding of the subject:
Is It Worthy To Buy A Used Mini Excavator?
Used mini excavator worthy
Mini excavators are undoubtedly valuable machinery, all thanks to their durable figure and impressive versatility in different applications. Although smaller, they offer the same convenience level as their counterparts. They even have an added advantage to users, as they are much easier to operate and fit comfortably in tight spaces.
They are much more affordable, easier to maneuver, and fuel efficient. Still, not everyone can afford to buy them at a total price, mainly if people use them only in a few projects. That is where used mini excavators enter the picture.
If you buy a used machine, you can save almost half the original price. Many dealers sell high-quality and maintained mini excavators online and locally. You have to find one that suits your budget.
Generally, mini excavators have up to 10,000 hours of usage, which is one of the many reasons you should consider before getting one. It’s best to purchase a used mini digger with less than 2,000 hours of usage left to ensure your money’s worth.
Buying a used mini excavator can be worth the price if you find one that is still in good condition, well-maintained, and has a few thousand hours left in its lifetime.
Should You Get A Used Mini Excavator?
Is used mini excavator for you
Buying a used mini excavator has advantages and drawbacks. These are some of the questions you can find answers to before getting yourself a used mini excavator:
1. What will the machine be for?
Excavators come in three sizes, starting from mini (0 to 7 metric tons), standard (7 to 44 tons), and large (45 to 80 tons). If you have a particular job, you can contact your dealer before the purchase and ask what size of machine your project requires.
You can also plan the attachments you need and the machine in this case. These attachments may include drills, rippers, hammers, grapple, and couplers.
2. Do you have a trailer?
If you are planning to buy a mini excavator, having a trailer to transport the machine to the job site would be better. The driver that will do the transport should also have the proper certification and maneuverability skills to handle such large machinery.
Remember that specific loads do not allow oversized loads, which could hinder transport. You should include such expenses in the total amount of your budget.
3. Do you trust the dealer?
In some cases, buying a used mini excavator is riskier than getting a new one because you don’t always know the status of the machine you’ll get. That is why you should only work with a reputable and trustworthy dealer regarding such purchases.
If you get one that is not in good condition anymore, you may pay more for the repair and component replacement of the machine. You should focus on getting your money’s worth by working with a dependable and knowledgeable dealer.
What To Consider Before Buying A Used Mini Excavator?
Used mini excavator buying guide
When buying used mini excavators, you should always check their every nook and cranny before making a deal. Even if your chosen dealer or seller is reputable, they may still overlook specific factors that could be a problem later on.
You cannot know for sure how the previous owner maintained the machine. It doesn’t matter if it still has a few thousand hours left or if the mini excavator has significant flaws that can hinder your project.
Here are a few tips so you can come home with a well-used mini excavator:
1. Check the slew ring
Slew rings are among the most expensive components to repair or replace in a mini excavator, so it would be best to look at the slew ring to see if it has been damaged before you sign the final paperwork. Poor machine maintenance, like overloading and insufficient lubrication, can cause slew ring failure; you wouldn’t want that.
When looking through used mini excavators to purchase, inspect the slew ring first by rotating the housing to a quarter turn and checking for movement.
2. Check for loose connections
This would include checking the boot, bucket, and stick connection. The pins and bearings should be able to keep tight, so they can hold the material being handled safely.
Try checking them by playing with their movement and checking the machine’s accuracy to move smoothly.
3. Inspect for cracks and bends
Although cracks and bends are inevitable in used mini excavators, they should not be too severe to the point where they might compromise the machine’s performance.
You should check the following areas:
- Boom and stick
You should always check for cracks in the points connecting the boom to the stick and stick to the bucket. If you find any, it could be a sign that they should replace the stick or boom.
- Undercarriage
Any dents and damage on the undercarriage could mean that the mini excavator was not used as recommended by the manufacturer. It’s possible that the previous operator wasn’t as careful handling the machine, or it was involved in an accident.
This could also be an indication of internal damage and would require further inspection.
4. Look out for leaks
Another thing that you should inspect is the machine’s hydraulic pump for leaks. This would include cylinders, lines, and hoses.
5. Double-check the hour’s meter
Always ensure the hour’s meter is correct and matches your preferences. The control pedals can be a great indication of that. If it is broken, altered, or worn out, that could mean that the mini excavator has logged more hours than the meter being displayed.
It’s always best to check the machine and not just rely on what your dealer tells you.
6. Inspecting the bucket teeth for scalloping
A bucket is the standard excavator attachment, so it’s no surprise that it is also the most used for different jobs. If the bucket teeth show signs of scalloping (edges are developing half-moon shapes), it indicates that its cutting force has been reduced.
This usually occurs over years of usage and doesn’t always mean that it’s not good anymore, but it is still something to consider when looking for used mini excavators to purchase.
How To Find A Reliable Used Mini Excavator Seller?
Used mini excavator seller
Not all mini excavator sellers are dependable. Some people would use your limited knowledge to sell you a machine that’s not worth your money.
Thus, these are some of the characteristics that you should look for in a mini excavator dealer:
Knowledgeable
A knowledgeable dealer of mini excavators is always better than just repeating what’s on paper. They should know the different components of the machine and how to ensure they are working correctly.
It’s hard to trust someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about because buying large machinery is a significant investment. You’d want to buy from a seller who understands how mini excavators work, how they can benefit your projects, and what models and sizes work best for you.
Honest
Used mini excavators will not always be in pristine condition, and your seller should be honest with you about that. In that case, you can get the right price for the machine you are getting.
They should also mention any possible problems with the machine, so you can work together to devise a solution.
Approachable
If you don’t know much about mini excavators, you find it helpful when your dealer is easy to approach with technical questions. This would help you get to the bottom of the discussion and get the machine you need.
Is 4000 Hours A Lot For A Used Mini Excavator?
The maximum life expectancy of a mini excavator is 10,000, but poor maintenance can immediately reduce this to 8,000.
If you buy a used mini excavator, 4,000 is considered a lot, especially if you can get it for half the original price.
Considering buying a new mini excavator at a used one cost?
If you are more likely to get a brand new one from its manufacturer overseas, you can reach out to Sjheavy for a quick quote. It cuts off the agent’s cost and sells at the most reasonable price. Here are several quick links.
