How to Find the Best Used Aggregate Equipment for Sale

Shopping for aggregate equipment is no easy task. There are so many options out there, and making the wrong choice can prove costly down the line. Purchasing new equipment might also not be viable due to the hefty costs involved, which brings us to the second option; buying used equipment.

Sure, buying used equipment can save you big on costs. But it also comes with a lot of risks. If you don’t exercise due diligence, you could end up with faulty equipment, or even a stolen one, in the worst-case scenario. To reduce these risks and ensure a quality purchase, consider these factors when shopping for used aggregate equipment.

Check Fluid Levels

You’ll first want to check the equipment’s fluid levels. Various fluids in aggregate equipment can reflect the upkeep and warn of future problems. Some fluids you can check include engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, hydraulic fluid, etc.

Analyzing these fluids will give you insights into the equipment’s present conditions and how well it has been maintained over time. Dirty and low fluids are potential red flags. They indicate the equipment has not been maintained as per the required maintenance standards.

If the fluids are leaking, that signifies a larger complication. Invest in equipment that’s free of leakage, fluid mixture, reduced levels, and contamination.

Look Into the Equipment’s History

One of the critical things to do before buying used aggregate equipment is to check its history. Ensure the equipment is not stolen and there are no liens against it.

One way to check ownership of used equipment is to look for the item’s serial number. Once you have the equipment’s serial number, have your local police station run the number to see if the equipment has been reported stolen.

Next, perform a simple online search or contact a title company to help you figure out whether there are liens on the equipment.

Check the Equipment’s Operating Hours

The amount of time the equipment was used can help determine its future usefulness. While operating hours may not indicate the condition of the aggregate equipment, they can give you insights into the equipment’s age and lifespan. Avoid buying equipment that’s pushing its upper limit, but if you must buy it, factor that into the price.

Equipment that has been overly used (judged by the number of operating hours) may require more maintenance, which comes at an additional cost. The chances of such equipment breaking down are also high compared to those with fewer operating hours.

How is the Seller’s Reputation?

The seller’s reputation matters most when buying used aggregate equipment.

A reputable seller will not sell you stolen equipment. They will also not sell faulty or sub-par quality items. Doing simple research on the individual or company selling the equipment can reveal a lot about them. A simple Google search will give you insights into what it feels like working with the seller based on reviews from customers who have worked with them in the past. If the company has had fraud cases before, you’ll find that information online.

If the seller is reliable or has established themselves as a trusted resource in the industry, it will be easier to trust the specs on their equipment. But if they are difficult to find and have no online presence or many negative reviews, that’s a red flag.

Determine the Signs of Wear and Tear

All used equipment will have signs of wear and tear. It’s your responsibility, as the buyer, to ensure the degree of wear won’t impact its performance and future use. Avoid equipment with serious signs of wear and tear, such as hairline cracks, rust, or damage that could lead to a major breakdown in the future.

What is the Listing Price?

At the end of the day, it will come down to price.

Even if the equipment meets all your specifications and has no major signs of wear and tear, can you afford it? Because if it’s in the same price range as new equipment, you’re better off with a new one. The price of a used machine should represent its worth based on its age, operating time, and maintenance. It should also not be incredibly low, as this might raise questions.

What’s Next?

Now that you know what to look for in used aggregate equipment, what’s next?

Visit a reputable seller and consider these factors when looking for the right equipment for your needs. If you’re in the US, Boom & Bucket is a great place to start. Established itself as a trusted source of all things heavy equipment, we have a huge clientele of satisfied customers to back its claims.

Contact us today at 888-333-1597 or visit our online marketplace to see the variety of aggregate equipment on sale that are perfect for your business.