Used Earthmoving Equipment in Australia: What to Check Before You Buy

Buying used earthmoving equipment can be a practical way to add to your fleet, replace an existing machine or secure the right equipment for a specific project without purchasing new.

However, not all used machinery is the same. Two machines with similar hours, specifications and asking prices can have very different histories and conditions.

Whether you’re looking for a used dozer, grader, water cart, articulated dump truck, wheel loader, compactor or other heavy machinery, knowing what to look for before you buy can help you make a more informed decision.

At Coleman’s Equipment, we source, inspect, prepare and supply used heavy machinery for customers across Australia and New Zealand. Here are some of the key things we recommend considering when purchasing used earthmoving equipment.

1. Start With the Machine’s History

Before looking at the machine itself, find out as much as possible about where it has been and what it has been used for.

A machine that has spent its life working on a well-maintained civil construction site may have had a very different operating environment to one that has spent thousands of hours in mining, quarrying or other demanding applications.

Ask about:

• Previous owners and operating environments
• Service and maintenance history
• Major repairs or component replacements
• Previous applications
• Hour-meter history
• Attachments and modifications
• Any previous accident or structural damage
• Where the machine has been stored and operated

The machine’s history can provide important context when assessing its current condition.

2. Check the Hours — But Don’t Stop There

Machine hours are one of the first things buyers often look at when comparing used earthmoving equipment.

While hours are important, they are only one part of the picture.

A higher-hour machine that has been consistently maintained may represent a different proposition from a lower-hour machine that has had limited servicing or has worked in particularly harsh conditions.

It’s also worth considering the type of work the machine has completed. Idle time, operating conditions, load cycles and maintenance practices can all influence wear.

An hour-meter reading should therefore be considered alongside the machine’s service history, physical condition and overall maintenance record.

3. Inspect the Undercarriage and Running Gear

For tracked machinery such as dozers and excavators, the undercarriage can be one of the most important areas to inspect.

Components including:

• Tracks
• Rollers
• Idlers
• Sprockets
• Track chains
• Bushes
• Track pads

can all experience significant wear.

Replacing undercarriage components can also be a substantial expense, so understanding the remaining life of these components is important when assessing the overall value of a machine.

On wheeled equipment, Tyres, rims, axles, suspension and steering components should also be inspected for wear or damage.

4. Look Closely at Hydraulics

Hydraulic systems are critical to many types of earthmoving equipment.

During an inspection, look for signs of hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses, worn fittings and unusual movement from hydraulic components.

Depending on the machine, this may include inspecting:

• Hydraulic cylinders
• Hoses and fittings
• Hydraulic pumps
• Valves
• Hydraulic tanks
• Auxiliary circuits
• Boom, arm or blade functions

A machine should also be operated where possible. Unusual noises, slow movements or inconsistent hydraulic performance may indicate that further investigation is required.

5. Check the Structure and Major Components

A visual inspection of the machine’s structure can reveal signs of previous repairs, cracking, excessive wear or damage.

Pay particular attention to high-stress areas, including frames, chassis, blade mounts, articulation points, buckets, rippers and other attachment mounting points.

Weld repairs aren’t necessarily a reason to walk away from a machine. The important consideration is understanding what has been repaired, why it was repaired and whether the repair has been completed appropriately.

For machines destined for demanding applications, a more detailed structural inspection can be particularly valuable.

6. Inspect the Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain

The major mechanical components of a machine can have a significant impact on its long-term operating costs.

Depending on the machine, inspections may include:

• Engine condition
• Oil and coolant condition
• Transmission operation
• Differentials
• Final drives
• Cooling system
• Exhaust system
• Driveline components

Fluid leaks, excessive smoke, unusual noises or warning lights should all be investigated rather than ignored.

Where appropriate, fluid servicing and mechanical checks can also help identify issues that aren’t immediately obvious during a visual inspection.

7. Don’t Forget the Cab and Electrical Systems

The operator’s cab is easy to overlook when focusing on major mechanical components, but it can make a significant difference to the usability of a machine.

Check the condition and operation of:

• Seat and controls
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Displays and monitors
• Lights
• Cameras
• Radios
• Warning systems
• Electrical components
• Safety systems

For machines going into mining, civil or other demanding applications, additional electrical and safety requirements may also need to be considered.

8. Consider What the Machine Needs to Do on Site

The right machine isn’t necessarily the machine with the lowest hours or the cheapest purchase price.

Think about how the equipment will actually be used.

A buyer may need additional attachments, machine control, guarding, fire suppression, auto greasing, electrical upgrades or other site-specific modifications before the machine can go to work.

For example, a dozer being prepared for a major civil project may require a different setup from a machine being purchased for general earthmoving.

Understanding these requirements before purchasing can help avoid unexpected costs after the machine arrives on site.

9. Ask What Preparation Has Been Completed

When comparing used machinery, it’s worth asking what work has actually been completed before the machine is offered for sale.

At Coleman’s Equipment, our workshop team prepares machines for their next application through a combination of inspection, servicing, repairs, refurbishment and machine setup.

Depending on the machine and customer requirements, preparation can include mechanical checks, fluid servicing, structural inspections, repairs, detailing, electrical work, attachments, machine-control systems and other modifications.

We also offer mine-spec and site-specific upgrades, including fire suppression systems, isolation switches, heavy-duty emergency stops, auto greasers, GPS and machine-control systems, lagging, mine radios and custom fabrication.

Where possible, having this work completed before delivery means customers can receive a machine that is ready for its intended application rather than starting the preparation process from scratch.

10. Think About Compliance and Transport

If you’re buying machinery for use in Australia or New Zealand, compliance and transport requirements should also be considered.

Depending on the machine and its intended application, this may involve electrical requirements, safety equipment, lighting, guarding, isolation systems or other modifications.

Transport is another consideration, particularly for larger earthmoving equipment.

Before purchasing, confirm the machine’s dimensions, weight and transport requirements, as well as whether any preparation is needed before it can be dispatched.

 

Buying Used Earthmoving Equipment With Confidence

Purchasing used heavy machinery doesn’t have to mean taking a chance on an unknown machine.

The more information you can establish about a machine’s history, condition, maintenance and preparation, the easier it becomes to understand what you’re buying and what additional work may be required.

At Coleman’s Equipment, we source used earthmoving equipment from Australia and international markets, with machinery inspected and prepared through our own workshop and equipment network.

Our stock includes a range of used heavy machinery for mining, civil construction, earthmoving, quarrying and other applications, including dozers, graders, compactors, scrapers, water carts, articulated trucks, rigid trucks and wheel loaders.

We can also assist with machine preparation and site-specific upgrades, helping customers get equipment configured for the work it needs to perform.

Looking for Used Earthmoving Equipment in Australia?

Whether you’re looking for your next machine, replacing equipment in your fleet or searching for a specific model, our team can help.

View our current machinery stock online or contact the Coleman’s Equipment team to discuss what you’re looking for.

Coleman’s Equipment
P: 02 6362 1101
E: sales@cequip.com.au
W: cequip.com.au                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       F: https://www.facebook.com/colemansequipment

 

Machine availability, specifications and preparation can vary between individual machines. Contact our team for current stock and machine-specific information.

https://cequip.com.au/equipment/

Used Earthmoving Equipment in Australia