Get FinancingInspection Checklist For Used Wheel Loaders
When buying used construction equipment, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection before signing on the dotted line. While there are some generalities that apply to every type of machinery, used wheel loaders do have some specific components that require special attention to ensure they’ll work as intended. Reputable dealers and sellers should be willing to let you analyze a machine to your heart’s content, and even take it for a limited test drive. After all, if you’re going to make that big of a purchase, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Major Components
According to Ryan Nielsen, 4 Rivers Equipment manager for aggregate, asphalt, and used equipment, you should “always look at the high dollar components first.” That includes “the engine, transmission, hydraulic pump, and, last but not least, the articulation joints.” This is the time to check fluid levels across the board, look for leaks, and make sure belts and pins are in good condition. You should also measure the boom and the bucket, while also inspecting the teeth, to see if the machine matches the reach and capacity laid out in the item’s description.
Wheels, Tires & Rims
Check the overall condition of the wheels, tires, and rims. Look for signs of general wear and tear on the tire tread, but more importantly, look for structural damage to the metal in the rim, including dents, cracks, or rust. Make sure the condition of these components matches up with the age and applications of the wheel loader in question.
Maintenance & Service
Used wheel loaders should come with some indication of when they were last serviced and what type of maintenance was performed. If owners have kept up with the recommended maintenance intervals, the life of the machine can be considerably longer. “Most of the time either the filters will be marked or there is a service sticker in the machine,” says Nielsen. “Has the machine recently been greased? There are a lot of moving parts on a wheel loader, and if not properly greased those parts tend to seize up and create problems. Maintenance is key to preventing failure of major components.”
Learn The Machine’s History
The way wheel loaders are used has a major impact on their life cycle. Ask questions about previous owners to determine if the machine was used on a consistent basis for handling particularly heavy and rough materials, as a rental for weekend projects, or anything else in between. Find out if the machine still has any warranty years left on it, whether or not there are any maintenance records, and who performed that maintenance, if that information is available.
Take A Test Drive
If possible, you should take the used wheel loader on a quick test drive to see how the inspected components operate in action. “Does the transmission shift smoothly through all of the gears? And if so, will the machine power through the brakes in first gear?” Nielsen asks. “If equipped, does the differential lock work? What are the high and low engine RPMs? Most machines will be right around 900 on the low side and 2,700 on the high side. Does the machine feel tight? Is there play in the center articulation joints? Is there play in the bucket links? These are all issues that could cost you a lot of money if not properly inspected.”
Odds & Ends
After you’ve looked at the major, high-dollar components and made sure the used wheel loader operates as intended, it’s time to dig into the details. Inspect the cab for any signs of damage, make sure the seat feels stable and comfortable, and look at the locations of the controls to make sure it’s ergonomically friendly for workers. Ensure that windows, lights, and mirrors are in good condition. This is the time to look for all of the little things that may impact everyday use of your wheel loaders.