New farming equipment can be very pricey and, sometimes, it may be a wiser choice to buy used equipment. But, there are certain things to watch out for when purchasing used over new. Here are a few tips for buying a used Excavator.

     *      Look for any extra play that should not be present. Pay special attention to the slew ring, as these can be very expensive to replace or to repair. Check the welding points by the bucket and boom. Connections should not be loose, and all bushings should fit tightly.

     *      Look for any cracks or dents. Obviously, these are never good signs especially if the crack is in a welding point. This defects cast doubts on the structural integrity of the entire piece of equipment and could mean expensive repairs are ahead for that particular machine. Large dents generally mean that the machine has been operated in a careless manner.

     *      Always open the pump compartment and look for any indication that there are leaks present. Check all hoses, lines, and cylinders. Leaks must be taken care of immediately to ensure safe functioning of the excavator.

     *      Make sure that hours meter is operating correctly. If the meter does not seem accurate, look at the pedals for wear that is excessive. This could mean that the machine has been operated for more hours than were properly logged.

     *      Check for any scalloping taking place between the bucket teeth. These types of shapes indicate that the cutting force of the bucket has been reduced.

Other things to look out for that may not be deal breakers are the size of the cab and if the excavator has a depth monitor or not. Depending on how frequently the machine will be used, these may or may not be factors that the operator will want to take into consideration.

To ease the stress of finding just the right used excavator, choose a company that sells only high-quality farming equipment such as website. A no-nonsense business that stands behind each piece of machinery sold will be needed when it comes time to invest in an excavator.