BUYING GUIDES

Machinery BUYING GUIDE

Buying the right machinery is a big investment. Use this guide to inspect with confidence and avoid costly surprises.

KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

Buy smart. Work better.

Well-maintained machinery keeps your projects moving and your costs down. This guide covers the eight key areas to inspect, test, and verify before you buy any used equipment.

AVOID COSTLY SURPRISES

Inspect the right areas before you buy.

MAXIMISE PERFORMANCE

Well-maintained machines deliver better results.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Buy with confidence and peace of mind.

MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

Know what to look for and what to ask.

THE ESSENTIAL CHECKPOINTS

THE 8 AREAS THAT MATTER MOST

A thorough inspection across these eight areas will help you identify potential issues and ensure the machinery is ready for the job.

01

Excavator iconMinimal outline excavator icon for AUSVID Machinery Buying Guide.

EXTERIOR & UNDERBODY

Check the overall condition, structural integrity and signs of repairs or damage.

02

ENGINE & MECHANICAL

Inspect the engine, leaks, belts, hoses and overall mechanical condition.

03

HYDRAULICS & ATTACHMENTS

Test hydraulic performance and inspect cylinders, hoses and attachments.

04

UNDERCARRIAGE / TRACKS & TYRES

Check wear, tension, roller condition and remaining life of tracks or tyres.

05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & CONTROLS

Test lights, gauges, switches and all in-cab functions.

06

OPERATOR STATION & CAB

Inspect the cab, seat, visibility, safety features and comfort.

07

OPERATING TEST / PERFORMANCE

Run the machine through all functions and test under load if possible.

07

HISTORY & DOCUMENTS

Verify service history, hours, ownership records and maintenance.

DETAILED INSPECTION GUIDE

INSPECT WITH CONFIDENCE

01

EXTERIOR & UNDERBODY

Excavator iconMinimal outline excavator icon for AUSVID Machinery Buying Guide.

02

ENGINE & MECHANICAL

03

HYDRAULICS & ATTACHMENTS

04

UNDERCARRIAGE / TRACKS & TYRES

05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & CONTROLS

06

OPERATOR STATION & CAB

07

OPERATING TEST / PERFORMANCE

08

HISTORY & DOCUMENTS

BE ALERT

RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR

FLUID LEAKS

Oil, coolant or hydraulic leaks.

EXCESSIVE SMOKE

Blue, black or white smoke from exhaust.

HOUR METER ISSUES

Inconsistent or suspicious hours reading.

POOR REPAIRS

Signs of poor welding or patch-up work.

WARNING LIGHTS

Dashboard warning lights on.

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