What are equipment buyers most eager to try before they buy? According to our most popular equipment inspection articles: (1) farm tractors, (2) truck tractors, (3) excavators, (4) dump trucks and (5) forklifts.
Some used equipment buyers are comfortable making purchasing decisions based on the detailed equipment information on our website: high resolution photos, visual inspection and functionality testing. But most used equipment buyers still prefer to try before they buy, and will take the time to visit a Ritchie Bros. auction site to inspect equipment and trucks before the auction - even if they are planning to bid online.
Inspect used trucks and equipment for sale
We display equipment and trucks at our sites in the weeks leading up to an auction to make it easy for these try-before-I-buy auction participants to pull a hood, poke around in the engine compartment, and test the controls. These equipment buyers don't mind getting dirty in the name of finding the item they need for their contracting business, construction project or farm.
For those of you who also need to try before you buy, here are our top five equipment and truck inspection tips:
1. Tires
When buying trucks or equipment, remember to inspect all tires. Use a tire gauge to measure the tread depth left on the tires and compare to the tread depth measurement on the tire manufacturer's website to get a good idea of how much life is left in the tires. Inspect all tires for any cuts, bulges or punctures. Note any uneven tread wear around the entire tire circumference. Uneven tread wear could forewarn of an alignment issue.
2. Engine
For over-the-road trucks, mileage is not as important as overall condition. If the odometer reads in the range of 400-500K, take a closer look at the engine. It might be time for an out-of-frame or less expensive in-frame overhaul to ensure the truck tractor continues to run for many more years. While the engine is running, use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen for any knocking or scratching sounds coming from the engine cylinders.
3. Hours meter
If you find that the hour meter is not operating or the reading is in question, check the control pedals of the heavy equipment for wear. Excessive wear could indicate the equipment item has more operating hours logged than noted.
4. Hydraulics
If you experience any loss in pressure when operating attachments, any difficulty steering, consistently, high fluid temperature or abnormal noise or "chattering", the hydraulic system is the most likely culprit. If you are inspecting a skid steer loader, lift the bucket and hold it in position. If the bucket drops or sinks while held, this could be another indicator of hydraulic problems.
5. Attachments - buckets and forks
When inspecting an excavator or loader backhoe you want to buy, check between the bucket teeth for signs of scalloping. Scalloping reduces the buckets cutting force. For loader buckets, check for signs of wear on the leading edge, the overall thickness of side panels and the condition of the bucket bottom, paying close attention to the quality of any welds or other repair work. If you are inspecting a used forklift for sale, check fork heels for signs of wear. The thickness of heel forks should closely match the thickness of the upright fork shank (the part of the fork secured to the hanger).
Looking for trucks or equipment to buy?
Search our current inventory for tens of thousands of equipment items and trucks selling in upcoming Ritchie Bros. unreserved auctions or visit Ritchie Bros. EquipmentOne, our secure online marketplace where you can place offers on equipment and trucks listed for sale.
Interested in more equipment, truck and tractor inspection tips? Search all inspection articles.
